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Really anxious about upcoming total hip replacement

Posted , 8 users are following.

hannah36566
hannah36566

My surgery (THR left hip) is May 24th in the afternoon. Have done all the pre-op testing, spoken with my nurse navigator and aftercare social worker.

Seems that all programs wait for the talk to the anesthesiologist is not held until the day of the surgery. I am debating whether to get the nerve block in my leg. Is this something they watch closely to make sure that there is not a lapse in pain control as the block wears off.   Have had a surgery where that happened--because a. I didn't know I had been given a block and b. it wore off and I was got behind in pain control. I do not want any medication administered to my spine--again, a bad experience with awful headaches. Would like to hear your experiences with nerve blocks.

Another concern is being off anti-inflammatory medication for a week.  Anyone have that issue and how did you cope? 

 

1 like, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • ptolemy
    ptolemy hannah36566

    Posted

    I talked with the anaesthetist at the pre op too and was able to ask questions. I had a spinal not an epidural and decided against sedation so I was awake all through the op. I wanted to know what was going on! The anaesthetist checks everything is OK during the op. It is worth mentioning you had a bad experience as you may have an allergy to something. 
    • hannah36566
      hannah36566 ptolemy

      Posted

      Youo are very brave--I want to be totally out.  I plan to mention prior experiences.  The spinal by far was the worst--2 days of migraine like headaches that nothing helped.
    • hannah36566
      hannah36566 AlexandriaGizmo

      Posted

      No medications worked. They did try including a caffeine iv drip. This was a long time ago--in the late 1980's. 

    • AlexandriaGizmo
      AlexandriaGizmo hannah36566

      Posted

      Now they use something called a blood block, I think that is what it is called, they introduce some of your own blood back into the area where they gave you the initial anaesthesia and it fills the gap, headache goes away, I would have to look it up to remember, because of changes in how they administer the drug's now that also makes a difference.

  • jen86183
    jen86183 hannah36566

    Posted

    Hi Hannah

    What is a nerve block, is it injected around the hip I have not heard of that. I was only offered general or spinal. I did not have a problem with the spinal, it started wearing off after a couple of hours, I say I did not have a problem I was very dry for the rest of the day and part of the night, had a problem eating my toast and I was so hungry doh! That is why I am enjoying this forum I am learning from other people. Good luck with your surgery.

    • hannah36566
      hannah36566 jen86183

      Posted

      Peripheral Nerve Block that will numb my hip.  According to the handbook I received it is started during surgery for a temporary period.  "Do not walk without assistance until the block is resolved."

       

  • Norm2017
    Norm2017 hannah36566

    Posted

    Hi  Hannah36566

    I had a total left hip replacement on 25th Apri 2018 and had spinal block,unfortunately the first attempt did not take properly as after 20 minutes of the spinal block being administered I still had feeling be it only slight in both legs so the procedure was repeated successively for a second time.

    Although their were a few complications during the operation the anethestist I had was above and beyond brilliant as was my surgeon and the whole medical team before,during and after the operation.

    I have previously suffered two heart attacks,chronic heart failure and suffer with dilated cardiomyopathy and arterial fibrillation.

    Prior to my hip operation I had a meeting with my anethestist a month before my operation date and went through all my concerns,all my questions were answered and the risks involved explained,I asked for the meeting as to which my anethestist made the time to see me and go through all my concerns.

    I would say if you find yourself in the same position I was prior to the operation ask for a meeting with your anethestist before your operation date to put your mind at rest any and discuss any concerns you have .

    My anethestist was constantly talking to me during the operation and re-assuring me everything was OK.

    I have got to have my right hip replaced within the next six months and believe me I have no fears about going in to have the operation carried out.

    I am now 17 days post op with very little pain ,doing the exercises I was given each and walking further now than I have done for years be it on crutches.

    Believe me meeting and discussing everything with my anethestist prior the operation was a big help in preparation for the procedure.

    Remember you are never alone and discussing things on forums like this is a big help before your operation.

    My advice I hope has been helpful and wish you all the best for the operation which I am sure will be successful and remember we are always here if you need to discuss any concerns.Best regards Norm 2017

    • hannah36566
      hannah36566 Norm2017

      Posted

      Thank you Norm.  I am finding this forum and its wonderful members to be very helpful.  I do not get to speak to the anesthetist until day of surgery--the hospital system has a "Command Center" for joint replacements.  My "team" is only pre-op--different people the day of surgery and as an in-patient. 

       

  • steve86482
    steve86482 hannah36566

    Posted

    Here in the Chicago area, I had one choice. Get knocked out. I preferred that way. 
    • hannah36566
      hannah36566 steve86482

      Posted

      I am in Central Texas and want to be totally out as well.  The nerve block is something that I think I can have in addition to from what the handbook says.
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