Spinal Block instead of General for Hysterectomy

I asked if this was possible for my op but was told no as I had a full hysterectomy removing everything after a large mass was found in my stomach, which turned out to be a 10 inch cyst which had wrapped around my ovary. If you feel ill after op they have so many things to give you now to help, things have changed so much in 20 years. I was very very sick from a previous op and was told to warn any surgeons if ever I had an op again, so this time I was given a certain injection and I was fine. Best of luck Debs x

Hi Debs and thanks so much for your reply xxx :-).  

I had had a lump removed from my breast as a day case 20 years ago and when I got home I found I couldn't breathe properly and found it difficult to get enough air in my lungs and my body wouldn't stop shaking plus I bled all night from the wound so woke up soaked in blood cos the hospital had put the wrong dressing on.  The breathing thing went on for about 10 hours so I told the nurse at my pre op last week and she seemed a bit concerned and then suggested I had a spinal block although I might be having two cuts depending how it goes with my cyst which has a dark area in it that they aren't sure what it is, so not sure if the surgeon will let me have one or not but it would be nice to feel aware right after my op I think instead of being out of it for hours lol.  

OMG that must of been so scary, I can see why you are frightened but the hospital will know what's best for you now they know what happened before. Your "bits" will probably be sent for biopsy after op , as mine was. I'm sure you will be fine. I was in hospital for 3 days..  Do you have a date for op? Please let me know how you are. Debs x

Yes he said he might do a biopsy of the fat that surrounds the womb just to be on the safe side and it will be 2 weeks before the results come back.  It will be a long two weeks lol.   

My my date for my op is 30th June at 8.30 am so I'm first on the conveyor belt lol xxxx  I think I will be a complete mess next weekend.   How long did you have to stay in for Debs? Xxx

Oops sorry just seen you put three days lol xxxx

I had to be at hospital 7-30am so I thought would have mine done in morning but I didn't go to theatre till 3-40pm, I was starving lol. Any questions you have before or after op just ask, I found I had so many questions after the op and there was nowhere or anyone to ask that's why I joined this site, it was nice to have other people to talk to who had been through the same thing. Debs x

Yes I've got to be there for 7.30am too so I asked her if I could go a bit later as I like to see that my 13 year old daughter leaves for school as any chance of a day off and she will take it lol.  The nurse said no because my operation was at 8.30 am and that my other half would be better just leaving me in reception and then going home again.   

Thanks for all your help, it really is good like you say to talk to someone that has been through this xxxx

Hi. I had a spinal block for a total hysterectomy 6 weeks ago. I've been under general anesthesia before and prefer that over a spinal. My surgery lasted 2 hours, which seemed like forever and I hated the tugging I felt, although I was given a sedative, which made me realize only half of what was going on. I felt nauseous a few hours after the surgery and vomited a lot (once), but I am not sure if it would have been worse with a general.

Hi Helen and thanks for replying :-)

Yes my op is about two hours I think too and I don't think I would like to feel them tugging anything out.    I think this has just decided me to go with the general.  At least I won't know anything about it then. Xxx

Hope all goes well for you as it did for me!

Thanks Helen   I must admit I'm getting a bit nervous now, this time next week it should all be done and hopefully I'll be eating my hospital tea lol. Xx 

How long before you are able to have a shower and change out of the horrible hospital gown, I'm a bit of a shower freak and hate feeling manky    Not long to go now, I go in on Monday morning 

Well all over and done with and back home again.    My 4.7cm cyst had grown to 10cm by the time they took it out.  I had a spinal and a general as the anaesthetist seemed to think this was the best way and I seemed to come round quickly in recovery room and wasn't in any pain although was numb from my ribs downwards for a few hours.  Quite enjoyed my stay in hospital, everyone was really nice.   I was doing grat and everyone said I didn't look as if I'd just had a big operation.  Had trouble with wind spasms which were quite painful in the early hours of Wed morning. Had a good appetite the first couple of days after my op but it seems to have disappeared now and the thought and smell of food makes me feel nauseous.  I've just been having a couple of toast and drinks of complan but really can't face eating yet 

I'm having a total hysterectomy just would like to know had anyone had the spinal recently? How was it