THR WITHOUT GENERAL ANAESTHETIC
Posted , 18 users are following.
Hi, I read on here about someone who was nervously awaiting a porter to take her to theatre for a THR without a general anaesthetic. I can't find that particular thread so just asking if anyone has had it done with just an epidural and what it was like? I'm one of those people who gets very anxious when not in control. Trying to wake up properly from a general anaesthetic leaves me very anxious and my pulse rate is very fast until I gain control and can keep my eyes open. I've had this phobia for decades so it's not going to change now. If anyone can give me their own experiences of their epidural THR I would love to hear from you. Thank you.
0 likes, 46 replies
susanbaci sarah22500
Posted
I think the misconception when you get an epidural is that you are awake or aware of what's going on.
I had an epidural which is how they mostly administer anesthesia during THR in New York and they must also use a very light anesthetic to put you asleep that's not general and not difficult getting out of. You wake up gently like you went to sleep at night and don't have to fight the bad effects of anesthesia. And I didn't remember a thing and was totally unaware when they did the surgery so you're not awake, awake
You do, however, wake up with a numb leg for a while. Your leg feels heavy and numb - nerve block, which lasts a little while when you come out from surgery.
The epidural aspect of the surgery should not be a worry. So much better than general anesthesia .
Good luck with your surgery.
sarah22500 susanbaci
Posted
julie40975 sarah22500
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Hi Sarah
I had the epidural in December. Like you I was anxious and frightened. I had visions of being awake feeling what they were doing. I cried all the way to theatre. I also had bad memories of epidural during pregnancy which didn't help either. However let me assure all was fine. The nursing staff were kind and sympathetic. I only felt a little sting with the epidural nothing like before. They took me into theatre a blue screen was put up and I couldn't see anything at the other end. I was warm and woozy. I didn't fall completely asleep but couldn't care less either! The anaesthetist was by my shoulders and was monitoring me and asking by was I ok. I could hear some music and talking in the background but couldn't tell what it was or what was said. Couldn't feel anything. Next think the surgeon said we are half way through I just muttered alright went back to woozy warm place and then he was back to say just stitching you up! I was then taken to recovery where I stayed for quite a while as my blood pressure dropped and apparently I was cold but I didn't feel it. I was talking and content. Wrapped up in a heated blanket and drifted off again for a while. So there you are from one who was terrified. The problem is no one tells you what it's really like before.
Good luck keep me posted
Julie
RichardKen julie40975
Posted
I did not hear a thing my mind you I said that was how I wanted it to be! It was all very easy thank goodness. Far better than when I had the original surgery twenty years before.
Cheers Richard
sarah22500 julie40975
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RichardKen sarah22500
Posted
If it had not been a revision I would just have been given a spinal but because my revision could have had snags and taken additional time I had a spinal and a general. In the event the surgery went without a hitch more or less and I felt good when I woke up
Cheers Richard
sarah22500 RichardKen
Posted
RichardKen sarah22500
Posted
Dear Sarah
The spinal was quite uncomfortable when it was being administered and it all seemed a bit tricky.
I was held on my side on the table and poked about but eventually the deed was done. I've no idea why it was so difficult but I did not enjoy it. Thankfully the catheter was inserted once I was under!
Cheers. Richard
lyn1951 RichardKen
Posted
Interesting the differences, I was sat on the operating table, told to swing my legs over the side, a frame of sorts was pushed between my knees, looked abit like the slats of a dining room chair, infact looked flimsy, but made of steel, told to lean into it, AHHHHH, orderly stood infront of me to stop me feeling as though I was going to fall, which was very much the case, I held onto his upper arms, some fiddling a little needle, a bee sting, (they warned me), local, for comfort, and all done, turned me around and laid me down, and on with the prep, voice above my head saying she's very calm, I replied been there and done this previously, they kept me awake a long time into getting me ready for surgery, leg up in frame, upper body shrink wrapped to table is the best way I can describe and pelvis bolted to table, the bolt would not do up, it keep slipping, I told them it needed re-tapping so it would stop slipping, fascinating.
barbara920 sarah22500
Posted
I live here in the states . I am 8 weeks post op for a TRHR. I had an epidural when I had my hip replacement with a mild sedative to calm me down. I was very nervous because about 4 years ago I had major back surgery and I was scared something would go wrong. Everything worked out perfect and to tell you the truth I would rather have it that way then to be put out completelt. Relax and take a deep breath I am sure you will feel the same way. If you are still uncertain ask your anesthlogist and I am sure he/she will explain it to you and put you at ease.
Barbara
sarah22500 barbara920
Posted
That's reassured me, thank you, I'm very nervous too!
debhip7.6.17 sarah22500
Posted
4 weeks post op. THR
Epideral and I don't remember a thing. I was teary and nervous as the rolled me away from my husband and to be honest, that's the last thing I remember until I woke up. I don't even recall getting to the operating room. I heard and saw nothing at all. Felt like I woke up from a nap and the whole thing was over.
Quite amazing actually.
sarah22500 debhip7.6.17
Posted
Gosh are you quite sure you didn't have a general debhip? Haha well I hope that will be my story too
sjhips sarah22500
Posted
Hi Sarah
I had an epidural and sedation for my thr, and was quite anxious about being conscious during the op. In fact I remember absolutely nothing about it. I remember being in pre-op (it was absolutely freezing) and having the spinal which was just a prick really, and having a cannula put in the back of my hand. Then the anaesthetist said something reassuring as they started wheeling the trolley into theatre, and immediately after that (apparently!) I woke up as if from natural sleep in the recovery room. I believe that one of the sedatives available wipes your memory, or prevents memories being formed, but whatever they did use on me worked a treat. My other hip is due for replacement shortly, and although I'm not looking forward to the six-week initial recovery period, I won't be nearly as worried about the op itself this time.
Good luck,
sjhips
sarah22500 sjhips
Posted