spinal vs general

[Tin Soldier]

Spinal for both, on the first one I had a little too much nerve block and it took a little longer to get feeling back in the legs and I also had the shakes pretty bad, but the warm blankies felt sooooo good, along with some ice chips.  I was pretty goofy for awhile in recovery, but still very aware everything, no nausea, no pain.  I actually had less pain in the hip all the way from recovery on.  I kept expecting the pain to come in after the initial numbing went away, but it never really got there.   Except for a few PT sessions.  Maybe it had to do with the spinal, like BB said.     

Second one, the anesthesioligist looked at the records and turned down the meds a bit.  The block didn't last as long in recovery and I didn't have any shakes, I also didn't fall asleep until right before they cut into into me and I woke up during the procedure when they were hammering.   I helped the staff get myself on the operating table, and assisted with getting in position for the spinal.  Then I pretty much went out, but I do recall them clamping me in place and the jovial conversation in the room.  It was a pretty amazing experience.  Anyway, the benzo that they used was Versed and I think that's a pretty common anesthetic for putting you into twilight.  It's a super anxiolytic and once you're on it, dude, you're not going to care one bit about what they do to you.

You'll most likely meet with the anesthesiologist in pre-op.  That's a great time to ask questions and get comfortable with the options and you'll gain a lot of confidence there, no matter which way you go.   

[kamoynsgi]

I was worried about what I would feel during the operation but I had a combination of general and block.  Didn't feel a thing and even though my legs were not mine for a little while it did get better and was the best option.  Throat was a bit sore but soon passed.  Definitely a good means of coping with this procedure. Ka 

[Dannywayoflife]

I had a light general and a spinal. I reckognised that you recover faster with just a spinal but there was no way they were sticking a needle in my back while I was awake! Put me out then do what's best was my train of thought. The spinal did take about 24 hours to wear off from me though which apparently is a long time it's normally faste to wear off.

[Mr.Box]

LoL, I'm meeting with the anesthetic group in a few hours. 1st question. Can you put me out before putting the needle in ?

[cliff]

Good luck Mr.Box   8)

[Tin Soldier]

The needle in the back isn't that bad.  I was happily goofy on oxy when they put it in.  It stung just a bit initially and then it was numb and pretty quickly the legs started getting numb.   

Good Luck Box, you'll be fine

[cliff]

Thanks all T-3 days..  keep you all updated

Cliff

[hernanu]

Do that, cliff - why not start a thread for your T day.

[Mr.Box]

For the record. Spinal was way easier than the General. I'm in my own room right now and I feel like I was hit by a truck. It's being managed... but wow Bilats are NO JOKE.

[hipnhop]

I had both. My surgery took so long that they had to do general after 3 hours.  My second surgery all Spinal and no problem.  I didnt notice much difference.
Ed

[cliff]

Today is the day, getting ready to head to the hospital to hopefully become pain free and at least be able to tie my own shoes soon... :)

[hernanu]

Great cliff! Good luck and remember to lean on us. There's a lot of people here who have been where you are and where you will be. See you on the other side.

[imgetinold]

Good luck, and don't sweat it.  It's easier than you think.

[rubyred]

Good luck, Cliff!

[cliff]

Hello all, well BHR left hip surgery was a success, 1 day post op and already have done some walking with the walker, but boy I feel like I was kicked by a horse and have the the worst charlie horse, but pain meds and muscle relaxers help with that, suppose to be released Friday but we will see. keep all to date ..  thanks

[hernanu]

That's great, cliff, congrats!

[cliff]

Day 3 update, drain removed and ROM is a little better today hoping to head home today. just getting a little heel pain and other then that things ae progressing well. Will let you know when I'm home and hopefully things will keep going forward. Thanks again for all the well wishes.

Cliff

[hernanu]

Good news cliff - just remember, you're just starting out, be patient, ice elevate and rest... but do your exercises...

[cliff]

Ok it has been 1 week post op, still pretty stiff some days better then others I am having a hard time with pain meds, severe headaches and the hot and cold sweats, not even sure at this time iif I even needs the meds, as my pain is not really that bad, I think the stiffness is the worst. walking still ok with walker when i do get up, PT 3 times a week and a regular visit from the nurse, I know its a natural thing to be thinking if this was all worth it and I know deep down inside it will be. I know its only been a week. :-\

[hernanu]

All true, cliff - keep the faith, be steadfast in your PT and walking and bitch and moan about it to us. We've all done it, it's normal and healthy.