1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Knee Problems

Total knee replacement

Posted , 17 users are following.

Dawnsusan
Dawnsusan

I'm due to have a second TKR and have been offered to have it done by Spinal Block and Sedation rather than a GA. Anyone had this??

2 likes, 23 replies

23 Replies

Prev
  • jeanne_06699
    jeanne_06699 Dawnsusan

    Posted

    It was my first time having a spinal and I was petrified but I must say it was no way near as bad as I had envisioned. The recovery time is much better and there is no groggy feeling afterward.
  • linlee
    linlee Dawnsusan

    Posted

    I'm in NY and it's pretty much common practice for spinal and sedation. I was nervous about the spinal block so they gave me a little sedation in iv to relax me. It wasn't bad at all. My surgery was at 730. I walked assisted to the bathroom at 1130! I'm getting my other knee done next yr and will do the same thing.
    • sue37592
      sue37592 linlee

      Posted

      Oh my Linlee, you were up after 4 hours, My surgery was at 8, I went to recovery at 10:15 where i stayed till 2:15 pm and then taken back to my room, I was not out of bed till 11am next morning and only took 6 steps and did not get catheder taken out till teatime that day.  Such differences with a spinal and sedation. I too would do the same again when i get my other knee done.
    • linlee
      linlee sue37592

      Posted

      I was a bit wobbly as the block was still there. 2 nurses helped me. And then put in a chair afterwards. Pt came later about 5 maybe. Got me up walking again. They do not waste any time here. I was told before my surgery because it was so early I would be up walking that day. And I was!
  • annekhc
    annekhc Dawnsusan

    Posted

    I was given a choice, and asked for the spinal. For some reason there was an issue so wound up with GA at some point during the surgery. I would prefer the spinal had worked as the nausea from GA took a while to subside. As mentioned previously, I trust the anesthesiologist to make the best decisions at the best time. I get the sense spinal is preferred overall if possible for the patient.
  • glenda29798
    glenda29798 Dawnsusan

    Posted

    Hi!!

    I had a GA with my first TKR and was very sick and felt awful for quite a few days but with my recent TKR (18/4/16) the anaethanaethetist persuaded me to have a spinal block bug I only agreed as long as I didn't see or hear anything which he assured me I wouldn't as he'd give me "something"! I was a bit worried but it worked like a treat and after surgery I was as bright as a button-no sickness or anything!

    Good luck with the op🍀

  • bpaschke47
    bpaschke47 Dawnsusan

    Posted

    Yes I just had the spinal block with fetenal sedation. I would totally recommend the spinal. You wake up without that Anastasia grogeness. The thing you have to be prepared for is when the spinal wears off...you will feel the pain. I had a daloten prn every two hours as needed which really helped with the transition.
  • carol94892
    carol94892 Dawnsusan

    Posted

    Hi, Dawnsusan.  I had a TKR on my right knee 6 weeks ago and had a spinal block with sedation. I was very pleased with this.  It is my understanding that the spinal block continues to block pain for up to 15 hours after surgery.  I was in the hospital for 48 hours and between the spinal block and the Meds my pain was quite tolerable. I can assure you that I was not consciously aware of anything during the surgery once the spinal was complete and the sedatives were administered in the IV.  In pre op the anesthesiologist gave me a nerve block in my thigh which I understand also helped reduce my pain post op.

    I too will have to have my other knee done and plan on using the same.

    I wish you well.

Back to top
Prev

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.