Surgery hip replacement

I had a right reconstruction on 30 Jan (ie a replacement plus bone grafts and extra metal).  I had an epidural and a lighter general anaesthetic, then a morphine patch afterwards. The Op went well, though I reacted badly to the morphine patch (that doesnt mean you will). Take advice from your surgeon, see what he recommends. Generally an epidural means you feel better more quickly and its safer.

Good luck with everything. Everyone is really helpful and kind on here. We have all been where you are, so come back for support any time. I know I was particularly glad of pre my op. Very best wishes xxx

I noticed that in your previous post ...

you might want to ask about it at your pre-op appointment - that is where I met with the aneshesiologist - I preferred General A over epidural or block because I am chicken and did not want to take a chance on feeling, smelling, hearing what was going on ... I had no side effects except for some drowsiness -

big warm hug

renee

Hi Julie

I had an epidural for my THR, plus sedation. The sedative they used (I'm in the UK) was some sort of magic stuff that completely erased any memory of the op so from my point of view it was just as good as a GA, and the recovery is apparently much quicker, no nausea etc because they don't have to intubate you. It's also safer. I was worried beforehand about hearing, feeling, smelling or remembering things from the op, but honestly I could  recall absolutely nothing when I woke up in the recovery room. I'm having my second replacement this autumn and will be happy to have an epidural plus sedation again. I'd suggest you discuss it with your surgeon/anaesthetist and ask why they want you to have a GA if you're worried.

All the best with your op,

sjhips

Good luck with your surgery, Julie! I had general anesthetic, and had no problems, except for some post-op nausea. I had a med patch on for 3 days post-op for that, and because opioids can also cause nausea, too. 

Here is an article that is pinned at the top of this hip replacement forum about the different types of anesthetic that may be informative for you: https://patient.info/health/anaesthetic-choices-for-hip-or-knee-replacement

I had anterior RTHR yesterday. He advised an epidural. I was nervous because I had one 9 years ago for a c-section and I hated that needle in my back. He said I could GA if I wanted but it seemed recovery would be better with epidural and sedative so that's what I did. It does feel uncomfortable to get the shot but I was totally numb. They moved me to the table gave me the sedative and 3 hours later I was in recovery. No nausea or itchy aftermath. It was lights out and over before I knew it. I'm staying a second night in hospital and will hopefully go home tomorrow midday. I'm very tender and stiff but taking the meds every 4 hours so it's not so bad. 

Good luck! 

Nikki