general anaesthetic or epidural for Knee replacement

Posted , 24 users are following.

Hi. Had PKR on right knee in October 2015 under general anaesthetic with an epidural and was very sick afterwards which I expected to happen. Due to have left knee replacement in two weeks time and even though I was sick I think I am going to have a general anaesthetic again as I really just want to to be put under and woke up after it is all finished.

Anyone got any comments on what anaesthetic they think is best and why. Prefer not to have any idea what is happening.

would like to say how wonderful this forum is and how much it helped me the first time round.

0 likes, 53 replies

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  • Posted

    Hi Tracy

    I always got sick after general anesthesia. Never had an epidural. When I had my tkr, I told them I always get sick. They said they would give me everything they could to prevent it, one thing was the patch, and I didn't get sick. The same thing when I had the manipulation. Never got sick. So just make sure you tell them.

  • Posted

    Hi Tracy!

    I was given a pill prior to heading into surgery to help with nausea following g the anesthesia. I had no nausea/ upset following my surgery. Maybe you could ask for the medication prior to your surgery.

    I don't know the name of the medication.

    • Posted

      i was also given a pill and had no sickness. I think you may have to ask for it.
  • Posted

    I had general anaesthetic and was fine afterwards but I do know they gav me something to combat the sickness- I will try and find out what they gave me if possible
  • Posted

    I would have a spinal or epidural. Much safer and better for recovery
    • Posted

      Hi, I wouldnt agree that it is safer. All forms of anaethesia have associated risks. Ask anyone that has had an epidural during Childbirth. Drop in blood pressure, facial flushing, raised blood sugar levels, severe headaches which can last long after the epidural has worn off and the possibility of spinal nerve damage have got to all be taken into consideration. 

       

  • Posted

    I had both a general anaesthetic and an epidural. One minute I was in surgery and the next, I was back in my room, feeling great. Maybe the doctor can give you something to prevent you getting sick. Won't hurt to ask. It's bad enough to be in pain after surgery without adding being sick on top of it. Good luck with your upcoming TKR!!!
    • Posted

      Yes I felt great also. I think you have to make sure they give you something for the sickness
  • Posted

    Hi Tracy - I had a PKR in Nov 2015 and they were going to do an epidural and general but did a femoral nerve block instead on the leg being operated on and general. I was sick for at least a week after but I didn't have a lot of pain for the first couple of days until everything wore off. Good luck
  • Posted

    Hi. Anything that would knock you out. Having been in the Anaethestic room before my op and listening to a joint replacement taking place in the theatre next door, ignorance is definitely the best policy on noise alone!! Speak to your Anaethestic Consultant pre op to discuss your concerns. There are drugs available to prevent sickness etc post op. I am the worlds worse for post op issues. Try and trust the professionals incl the nursing staff who will care for you after. Pre op prep is good as well. Healthy diet, rested and as relaxed as possible. Stress can certainly increase post op symptoms. Good luck.

  • Posted

    Hi Tracey

    I am 8 weeks post op and had a spinal , made sure I was out to it as soon as the block took effect

    You are not aware of anything and with the spinal they are able to provide up to six hours post op pain relief and you sure can go with this!!! Still having much pain and anxiety but after reading some on the forum I feel it is part of the procedure

    Good luck

    • Posted

      I am nearly seven weeks post op and go through lots of different emotions from worrying about  damage to the prosthetic to wondering if its coming through my skin. 

      I hate being aware of it and just want to get back to normal where Im not conscious of my knee and enjoy  a decent nights sleep again.

      Will it ever happen??

    • Posted

      Hi Mary

      I am 7 weeks and still get lot of pain

      What is it like for you

      I get so upset and frustrated

      L

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