My Right BHR and question about painkiller

[Anniee]

I remember being "transported" into the operating room, and moving from the gurney to the operating table.  I said something about how narrow it was and I might fall off. That's it until I woke up in recovery, wide awake with no grogginess.  I'm glad I was out for the whole thing!

[Matulis]

I probably should not have brought up that I "woke up" during surgery. It seems that really bothers a lot of people -- not just on the list but anyone who I have told that to.  I should stress, there was no pain, just heard/felt the pounding and figured they were putting the new cup in my hip socket. It actually was kind of neat and not scary at all. I am going to guess that given the drugs you are on, no one would freak out if this happens and likely the good doctors once noticing you are coming out of it a bit, probably get you right back to sleep. I think I remember three good whacks and then the next thing was them stitching me up at the end, so I obviously went back under.  Remember, most of you will have a spinal, so that takes care of the pain part.  As a quick update, I am now 3 weeks out. Last few days were a bit rougher than I would have hoped for. Nothing terrible but it was my transition from Norco to just Tylenol.  I think it is probably an important transition as I do not want to be on narcotics any longer than necessary, but for three or four days I was a bit more miserable than I had been. And just a little depressed. I am going to guess that everyone probably goes through a phase where you are thinking, "I did this to not be in pain, and here I am less mobile and more painful than I was before." Of course, it is a shortlived pain and lack of mobility as you move on to a better life. And it probably affects those of us patients with less patience more so than others.  Today, Sunday, June 12, is better. I weeded the garden, admired my tomatoes and zucchinis, fed all of the animals (that includes 25 dogs), did my PT exercises and even set the exercycle up to try a bit later. I am adjusting to Tylenol only and didn't even take a dose in the middle of the night. And mostly what I do when I get a little depressed is to look down while I walk and notice that my feet are actually nice and square, probably for the first time in many years. I so look forward to being on my road bike soon (another 3 weeks maybe???) and not having my right knee kick out on each stroke. Overall I certainly can't and shouldn't complain. I was one night in the hospital, back to work in 1 week, walked a mile at two weeks without any aids (took it slowly) and am seemingly getting stronger each day.  Good wishes to all.

[ScubaDuck]

Thanks for the update.  Yes, I am a little freaked out by the idea of waking up in the middle of it.  But like you said, there won't be any pain.  But I had such a bad experience with my wisdom teeth that I don't really like the idea of being awake.

I like the sounds of your recovery.  And I figure there will be some pain especially as we wean off the harder pain killers.

Best wishes on your recovery.

Dan

[hernanu]

I don't think you should worry about telling people anything that went on. I think any information helps - probably most people don't become aware (I didn't) but if they do, the anxiety for me would have been less if I remembered reading that it wasn't scary for you.

The more we know, the less fear I think there is.

[Barbara]

I haven't been on here for a while and am absolutely horrified that you wakened up during your surgery Matulis. Thank goodness you didn't experience any pain. Dan I can assure you, speaking as a Nurse who has worked in  the OR, that is definitely not the norm............shudder! Bad marks to the Anesthesiologist :o

[newdog]

Dan I can assure you, speaking as a Nurse who has worked in  the OR, that is definitely not the norm............shudder!

If a spinal or epidural anesthesia is used along with an intravenous medication to make the patient relaxed and sleepy, then waking during surgery is possible and does happen. It doesn't happen often but does happen. It does not mean that the anesthesiologist is a bad one.

It is normal to have a degree of awareness using this method and is not the same as awareness under general anesthesia. It should never happen with general anesthesia.

My surgeon uses this procedure (spinal with light sedation). It is sometimes called "twilight sleep". There is much less bleeding during the surgery compared to general anesthesia. He can't remember the last time he transfused someone. I had both hips resurfaced the same week. I had no problem with excess blood loss. Also the spinal sedation lasts longer and gives longer lasting pain control.

I awoke for a very brief moment. It didn't bother me one bit during or after the surgery was over. I could not feel a thing from the waste down nor could I see anything if I tried. There was a barrier preventing me from seeing the surgery. With the medication they had me on I didn't care nor was I the least bit scared or upset. The awareness lasted SECONDS and it was very hazy, blurry and dreamy. No pain or any unpleasant sensations, zero fear. I don't ever have any bad thoughts about the experience nor was I ever upset with the anesthesiologist. It was just something that happened to me and I actually consider it a unique part of my adventure.

Matulis,

I too think I should not have told  my story about waking up when I replied to your post. It did freak some people out. I didn't mean to scare anyone waiting for surgery and that certainly wasn't the intent.

I'm glad things are well for you. Look forward to better, pain free days since the bad hip is gone.

Steve (newdog)

[Matulis]

Steve,

You make a good point about the relatively small amount of bleeding, and that was explained to me as they preped me and prepared me for the anesthesia.  While I self donated two units of blood, neither was needed during or after my surgery. Here comes week four post-op. Any chance I will be able to play a sloppy round of golf with my brothers by this time next month?

Mike

[newdog]

Mike,

At the two month period you should be feeling pretty good. I can't answer the question about golf. It's been years since I played. I advise you to question your surgeon or his nurses about it. The swing involves a twist and rotation so I would be cautious. Maybe some golf hippys have a better answer than mine.

Steve

[Anniee]

Last few days were a bit rougher than I would have hoped for. Nothing terrible but it was my transition from Norco to just Tylenol.  I think it is probably an important transition as I do not want to be on narcotics any longer than necessary, but for three or four days I was a bit more miserable than I had been. And just a little depressed. I am going to guess that everyone probably goes through a phase where you are thinking, "I did this to not be in pain, and here I am less mobile and more painful than I was before." Of course, it is a shortlived pain and lack of mobility as you move on to a better life. And it probably affects those of us patients with less patience more so than others. 

Matulis,  I went off the narcotics after about 4 days, and I was also a little depressed for several days, thinking the exact same things you were. I think it must be quite normal.  After the narcotics got out of my system, and I started getting my appetite and my energy back, I felt so much better.  Now, at about 7 1/2 weeks, my operated hip feels better than the other one, and it's hart to believe how quickly it has improved.  You will be there shortly too!

[Denver_wrench]

Didn't remember a thing.

[maxi]

i had no probs with golf at 8 weeks ... just dont try to hit the cover off it .... ;)

good time to work on the swing action .... :D