Spinal injection v GA for THR?

Hi Carole

i had the spinal but with a sedative so I was out and didn't hear anything like others on here.  I was awake quickly and comfortably and was chatting with the nurse in recovery about good local restaurants!  Seems to me to be best of both worlds.  First 24 hours were so lovely and comfy. Good time to have visitors who tell you how amazing you are!  

Your anaesthetist will be very experienced and is probably the best person to advise you - and reassure you.

good luck

Laura 

Hi Carole

I had my thr in June. I was absolutely terrified of having a spinal, having had meningitis and therefore many lumbar punctures as a child, BUT, with the fantastic support of the people on this forum,  I went for it. I was an absolute baby in the anaesthetic room, crying my eyes out because I was so scared, but it was a doddle. The anaesthetist gave me a local, skin anaesthetic which was no worse than going to the dentist and I then felt him lightly touching my back, which I assumed was him finding the correct place to put the needle. Imagine my surprise then when he said "that's it you should start to feel numb in your legs" - and I did. A hefty dose of sedation in the needle in my hand and the next thing I knew I was back in the ward, wide awake and it was all over. No grogginess, no nausea, piece of toast? - yes please!!

So my advice is no matter what misgivings you may have regarding a spinal, go for it - it's bloody marvellous and I'd now opt for it every time.

Good luck!

Rosie

Good Morning Carole, I was down for a spinal but to be honest with my own level of Anxiety that I have they had no choice but to give me a GA. I never knew another think, also I was round in good time, & my dear Sister-in-law couldnt believe that I had a major op.!! So if I were you I would go for a GA. They are very good at doing things. I had my op back in march at the woking Nuffield but on the NHS . Regards Amanda

Hi Carole

i had the spinal but with a sedative so I was out and didn't hear anything like others on here.  I was awake quickly and comfortably and was chatting with the nurse in recovery about good local restaurants!  Seems to me to be best of both worlds.  First 24 hours were so lovely and comfy. Good time to have visitors who tell you how amazing you are!  

Your anaesthetist will be very experienced and is probably the best person to advise you - and reassure you.

good luck

Laura 

Just a thought - the way it was explained to me is that a GA anaesthetises everything including all your internal organs as well as your brain therefore carries a higher risk.   A spinal can be used whenever you have an op below the waist as it leaves your organs clear . 

To be honest I didn't have a choice and now I'm glad I didn't and as others have said would have the same every time. 

Laura 

I had epidural with some sedation. Heard medics talking and some noises but was in a lovely sedated place. I became alert and started doing boys names / girls names from A to Z ( played this with grandchildren) and before I got finished I was off to recovery wide awake. The numbness was a strange sensation after op but it kept pain at bay for ages. Good luck Carole.

Hi Carol,

I had a GA due to a previous spinal fracture (RTA) and Guillain-barre syndrome, I also have very low blood pressure but everything went well, no nausea or pain when I came round. A spinal would have been better for my blood pressure as having it monitored for 24hrs disturbs sleep, it didn't however prolong my stay in hospital.

Another consideration is which approach you are having, with a posterior THR you might be advised to consider a GA.

As others have said, anaesthetists are highly trained and yours will be best placed to advise you. Best wishes, Dot.

Spinal and sedation are the norm where I had the op. I asked for, and after a brief discussion, was given a general with a nerve block to the groin to help with post op pain. The latter given whilst I was under the GA. Went to theatre at 9 am awoke at 11.30 and was back on the ward, alert and ready for dinner by 12 .15. No sickness or other unpleasant after effects

Hi Carole

i too had a spinal but with a mild sedative. I didn't even feel them put the needle in. I came too halfway thru the op and they were there straight away asking if I was okay and did I want another sedative. I felt quite relaxed so said no thanks and stayed awake thru the rest of the op. Yes I heard the drilling and hammering and became aware rather than felt them wiggling my leg about, I said I hoped they were preserving my modesty and with a chuckle the surgeon said they were. I think I would have got fed up being awake the whole time, although I could have listened to music. The main thing is Carole I felt great after the op and half an hour later back on the ward had a cup of tea and chicken salad sandwich. Rang my mum to let her know I was okay she was amazed to hear from me. I felt great from then on certainly nothing like the after effects of an anaesthetic which can stay with you for a week or more. Don't be afraid discuss it with your anaesthetist let him/her know how you feel they will talk you thru it.  Good Luck xxx

Hi

Like lots of other replies.....I had a spinal with a slight sedative and didnt hear anything

Do you have to make the decision at pre op stage? I didnt

Love

Eileen