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tell me about your experience of spinal anasthetic

Posted , 20 users are following.

Dotty_Lotty
Dotty_Lotty

I get my tkr at the end of this month,I have followed this forum for a while and I am sure I will for many months to come,Many of you have talked very candidly about your experiences which I am finding very helpful, however, I have yet to see any one mention the  insertion of the spinal anasthetic. A few years ago I had a lumbar puncture(unrelated to my knee)and it was AWFUL.So guess what, the thing that keeps me awake at night is worrying about the spinal.I know it is a means to an end and has to be done, please tell me (honestly) what it entails, ignorance is not bliss and I would much rather have the truth, Am I worrying about nothing? or is it truly awful?either way give me the facts!

3 likes, 67 replies

67 Replies

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  • sky1996
    sky1996 Dotty_Lotty

    Posted

    Dotty, I thought the spinal was a breeze.  They numbed the area with lidocaine so that did the familiar little burn.  I could barely feel them going in with the anaesthetic.

    The spinal was so easy compared to coming out of general anaesthesia. I was just tired but not at all woozy and nauseated.    I was really glad when the feeling started returning to my feet and it gave me a whole different perspective on how strong people are that are paralysed.  The surgeon gave me the option of climbing off the gurney on to the operating table and I didn't get close to pulling myself over.  It took 3 of them to shift me over ( I weigh about 185 lbs)

  • sarcee50
    sarcee50 Dotty_Lotty

    Posted

    I was gutted I had bought an ipod and everything all ready for my op so I wouldn't hear it all so when they said I had to have a general I was upset lol...but to be honest I literally woke up all done no nausea no sickness and felt fine just dead below waist...I didn't have a catheter though again different things in different hospitals
  • ruthie2673
    ruthie2673 Dotty_Lotty

    Posted

    I had a spinal anaesthetic from choice.....quicker recovery and lower risk of DVT.

    The actual anaesthetic was pain free, just a little pressure on your back. The sedation meant I was totally unaware of the operation. I came round in recovery feeling fine, no feeling in my legs,  and was able to sit up and have some food while those around me who had general anaesthetics were out for the count and nauseated.

    Feeling began to come back after 4-5 hours.

    one disadvantage is that you cannot feel you bladder so you tend to wet yourself at least once, but the nurses expect that, so not really a problem.

    I would definitely have a spinal again.

    • martinarvelo
      martinarvelo ruthie2673

      Posted

      I never had that problem, but I wonder if they had a catheter inserted . . because for three days afterwards I had terrible cistitis! A[parently it is fairly normal practice in the elderly or overweight. . and I'm both!
  • caroline46398
    caroline46398 Dotty_Lotty

    Posted

    Think again it's different for everyone. Main thing is keeping calm and breathing through it or focusing your mind elsewhere . It's discomfort and the sensation rather than pain . For some I see it's been tricky but for me no problem at all. Maybe not many mention it as for most it is ok Good luck.
  • mary0606
    mary0606 Dotty_Lotty

    Posted

    Well I had a very negative experience with a Spinal..and I know it's rare, but when it's you it doesn't matter what the figures are,

    I got an infection from the spinal, that in turn travelled up my spinal canal and into my brain giving me encephalitis. I spent 7 weeks on full life support had to have burr holes drilled in my head to release the pus and to measure the pressure. Then another 6 months of rehabbing having to do a drivers licence again etc...

    So it's safe to say I won't ever have another. Even though it's great pain relief immediately post op. I'd rather wake up in pain than not at all...

     

    • martinarvelo
      martinarvelo mary0606

      Posted

      That was a truly terrible situation . .I'm so sorry and so glad that in the end you came through it.  I hope it hasn't left you any permanent disability. I suppose all types of anaesthesia have dangers, but I will definitely hold out for a general if I need another operation. I still have pain in the spine where they injected nine weeks ago . . . 
  • mary0606
    mary0606 Dotty_Lotty

    Posted

    martinarvelo,

    i am fine now no lasting effects except memory loss here and there...that could be my age though. 60 this year.

  • Gillian1954
    Gillian1954 Dotty_Lotty

    Posted

    Hi when I had my right TKN I Had in the past had lots of anaesthetic related to my knee but never a spinal so like you I was very worried but I need not have because it was easy . All I felt was a little pushing as the needle went in as they have you in a sitting position then no feeling of pain at all. Would have it again but hope not for along time! Hope this helps you 
  • blue63321
    blue63321 Dotty_Lotty

    Posted

    Spinal anasthetic is painful and after my surgery I got sivere back pain soon after the surgery. But after the physiotherapy I got cured. Dont worry it may not happened to you.
    • martinarvelo
      martinarvelo blue63321

      Posted

      I had that ten years ago . . with an epidrual . .but the one I had in October and again in January were NOT painful . . some after effects though, nine weeks on!
  • moandrieu
    moandrieu Dotty_Lotty

    Posted

    Looks like you've gotten a lot of great feedback. Remember, we all react differently and depending upon the shape of your body, that can also make a difference. I am about 27 kgs overweight and they had a great deal of difficulty getting the needle into the right place. It was slightly painful, but probably not any more than when there is problems getting an IV in place. I remained on it for 5 days. After some time, it did become slightly painful, but honestly the place where my IV was hurt more. For me, the challenge was more when it was removed. As long as I was laying down, I was fine. But when I would sit up, I immediately had a horrible headache. In time that went away. Best of luck to you.
    • Dotty_Lotty
      Dotty_Lotty moandrieu

      Posted

        please tell me is the iv normally left in 5 days? this was not what I was expecting.Only 7 days to go now and the nerves are setting in
    • sharon52158
      sharon52158 Dotty_Lotty

      Posted

      I understood it was just an injection in your spine mine is on Saturday and yes my nerves are setting in too x
    • susan20089
      susan20089 sharon52158

      Posted

      It is Sharon.   Nothing to be worried about at all.  Don't know what this is all about, I am at a loss.  Injection in your spine, didn't feel It at all.m p,was don't worry, either of you, it's fine. 
    • caroline46398
      caroline46398 Dotty_Lotty

      Posted

      Depends but need to stay calm helps cope. Ask questions too. Each person different.
    • susan20089
      susan20089 caroline46398

      Posted

      As long as you are healthy, have no back complications there is nothing at all to worry about.  I would disagree about everyone being different.  I was very worried when they suggested spinal to me but I opted for it in the end as it was a better way forward in the majority of class, quicker recovery and I didn't have anytging in my back when I woke up.   If the anaesthetist doesn't have a problem suggesting it then no one shoukd worry about it.
    • moandrieu
      moandrieu Dotty_Lotty

      Posted

      I didn't know it was going to be staying in there that long either. But they used it for some of my pain meds. For the most part, I never even felt it. But, after laying in bed (and of course doing the required exercises and walking) it just started to bother me a bit. I didn't do much homework prior to my surgery - I don't even recall knowing how they were going to knock me out. I'm in India and there's a bit of a language barrier, even when we are all speaking English. I remember the doctor said I had a choice to be awake and I said I didn't want to be able to hear what was going on...so after the needle was inserted properly in my spine I reminded him that I wanted to be asleep. cool
    • moandrieu
      moandrieu susan20089

      Posted

      I think it's important to remember that we all respond in different ways. If people are here looking for information about what other people's experiences are, then they should be able to get it. I wasn't prepared for things I expereienced and wish I'd first connected at a site like this. Not to make myself nervous, but to have some realisitic expectations and understand what others have experienced. It's just like when we take medicines, it's good to know what the side effects are and be prepared. Most of us will still take the medicine and won't have any of those side effects, but a few will experience them.
    • susan20089
      susan20089 moandrieu

      Posted

      With respect, as  you have said, you are in india.  In UK things are done differently.   You don't usually wake up with IV unless there are complications.  The drugs that are given through spinal are the ones post op whilst you are anaesthetised.  any further drugs are given orally.  I am speaking purely as someone who had a spinal in the UK.  Good luck in your recovery and good luck to dotty snd Sharon.  I am sure you have nothing to worry unduly about.
    • Dotty_Lotty
      Dotty_Lotty sharon52158

      Posted

      How are you passing the time and taking your mind of it?my freezer is full house clean etc  now I am drumming my heels and wishing my life away!
    • Dotty_Lotty
      Dotty_Lotty moandrieu

      Posted

      thanks for that I must admit I was a tad confused     best wishes
    • Dotty_Lotty
      Dotty_Lotty moandrieu

      Posted

      I think you are right about realistic expectations, knowledge is power,at least by gathering as much info as possible , through sites such as this , we are at least able to make informed decisions should we need to. 
    • caroline46398
      caroline46398 Dotty_Lotty

      Posted

      I have a set routine but feel like you. An hour for up wash breakfast and tidy. 30 mins Physio. Rest and read - learning a language online! Coffee and try to get one visitor each day. Two days still go to Physio and hydro in pool. Sleep an hour. More Physio Cooking a bit etc lots of phone calls and TV . Keep telling myself off should enjoy enforced rest. The laptop is a godsend. I have accepted boredom and know it's not forever - the better you feel the worse it is. I've been out in the street today no crutches for five minute walk. Tried to drive still not strong enough that's becoming frustrating as just run out of coffee!
    • sharon52158
      sharon52158 Dotty_Lotty

      Posted

      I am at work all week and like you getting house tidy washing and ironing up to date I have to be at the hospital at 7.30 on Saturday hope I don't have to wait too long after that for. Op or I will be a wreck 
    • caroline46398
      caroline46398 sharon52158

      Posted

      I was so lucky went in at 7.30 op was at 8.00 but my mum had hers last week and waited until 3.30 pm she was starving and panicking and she's 83 years old. Being calm really helps and take things to read . Good luck
    • Dotty_Lotty
      Dotty_Lotty sharon52158

      Posted

      not long now  ,!I have to be at hospital at 6.30 for my op!  it takes an hour to get there so, I will have to leave home at 5.30  like  you if I then have to wait ages to go to theatre i too will be a wreck.I am usually very calm but this is starting to get to me......deep breaths....
    • Dotty_Lotty
      Dotty_Lotty caroline46398

      Posted

      i feel really bad for stressing now! if your poor mum can deal with it then I need to seriously get a grip.
    • martinarvelo
      martinarvelo Dotty_Lotty

      Posted

      Good luck . .you will see how easy the spinal is. .nothing to worry about at all!  Hope it all goes well for you!  You probably wont be hungry afterwards . . I think the anaesthetic takes away the hunger pangs!
    • caroline46398
      caroline46398 Dotty_Lotty

      Posted

      It's hard but you will deal with it Wouldn't be human if not a bit scared of a major procedure - hoping you get in and over with quickly
    • caroline46398
      caroline46398

      Posted

      Make sure to let us know thinking about you good luck
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