RE: Epidural?

[Guest guest]

You will not be "conscious" during the operation with an epidural as they give you sedation through your IV.I asked that I not be aware of anything with my local and my last memory was being transferred to the table -- and then waking up in the OR. They time stuff perfectly.You are correct in not wanting general as there are increased risks both during and post operatively as well as generally a significantly more difficult recovery period.Good luck.On Sep 9, 2007, at 11:07 AM, butterflyyyz wrote:Hello everyone. I'm so happy to have found this site. I will be having a THR this Friday. I have to decide whether to be put under or have an epidural. My concern is about being awake during the surgery and not being able to stand the sounds of the equipement, tapping, drilling, etc. I'd rather have the epidural for the recovery aspects but I'm afraid of freaking out during the operation. I'd love to hear from anyone who has had the epidural and how they felt during the surgery. Thanks so much. This will help me with my decision.

[Guest guest]

Thanks so much for the reply. I had spoken with a friend who had the

surgery and was awake listening to music during. He said he could hear

the tapping of the hammer and the drill. The anesthesiologist said I

could have the epidural as well as a mild sedation or just the

epidural. I wanted to avoid the sedation as you apparently don't feel

as hung over when it wears off. I think I'll go for it anyway. I

doubt I'll want to be awake during the pre and post op stuff either.

Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I have done the

reading and preparation stuff they give you to do so I think I'm

ready. Just very anxious/nervous. Regards, Lorna

P.S. I'm a 42 year old female having the metal on metal THR. I live in

Vancouver, Canada. The hip alone cost $3780.00 CDN.

[Guest guest]

I had a TLKR in June with an epidural and it was a wonderful experience. I'd gone in saying that I wanted general anesthesia, but a visit from the anesthesiologist persudaded me otherwise. At first I resisted, saying that I'd had an unpleasant experience with an epidural during childbirth 34 years ago, and he laughed and said things had come a long way since then. I remember the sedation being started in the IV in the OR, and nothing else until I was back in my room! I say go for it. And good luck....Carolejujulabee@... wrote: You will not be "conscious" during the operation with an epidural as they give you sedation through your IV. I asked that I not be aware of anything with my local and my last memory was being transferred to the table -- and then waking up in the OR. They time stuff perfectly. You are correct in not wanting general as there are increased risks both during and post operatively as well as generally a significantly more difficult recovery period. Good luck. On Sep 9, 2007, at 11:07 AM, butterflyyyz wrote: Hello everyone. I'm so happy to have found this site. I will be having a THR this Friday. I have to decide whether to be put under or have an epidural. My concern is about being awake during the surgery and not being able to stand the sounds of the equipement, tapping, drilling, etc. I'd rather have the epidural for the recovery aspects but I'm afraid of freaking out during the operation. I'd love to hear from anyone who has had the epidural and how they felt during the surgery. Thanks so much. This will help me with my decision.

oneSearch: Finally, mobile search that gives answers, not web links.

[Guest guest]

I haven't had an epidural, but I suspect that if you go that way, they give you "I don't care, life is wonderful" medicine during the surgery. They definitely don't want you moving around. With a general, they may paralyze you. If you do go with a general and they're going to paralyze you (you can ask first), ask if they use the forehead band that shows your brain waves to show whether you're conscious or not. You can come to consciousness, and if you're paralyzed, there's no way you can tell them. More & more hospitals are using this EEG band now.

Whichever you decide on, good luck with the operation & I hope you never have problems with your hip again.

Ann

Epidural?

Hello everyone. I'm so happy to have found this site. I will be having a THR this Friday. I have to decide whether to be put under or have an epidural. My concern is about being awake during the surgery and not being able to stand the sounds of the equipement, tapping, drilling, etc. I'd rather have the epidural for the recovery aspects but I'm afraid of freaking out during the operation. I'd love to hear from anyone who has had the epidural and how they felt during the surgery. Thanks so much. This will help me with my decision.

[Guest guest]

Thankyou Ann for your response.

It's now 5 days before I have the surgery and each day I find myself

becoming more anxious. I'm stressing about everything and feeling

quite emotional. Is this normal or do I just need to get a grip. I

haven't had surgery since I was 13 and had my noncils out.

[Guest guest]

I had an epidural with my knee replacement 3 weeks ago and they also gave me Versed and probably other anesthesia drugs via my IV. I dont know if they used an EEG band or not, but I dont remember anything about the OR or the Recovery Room! I wouldnt worry, like others have said, they arent going to let you freak out or be in any distress whatsoever.

Marguerite

On 9/9/07, Ann <ruby2zdy@...> wrote:

I haven't had an epidural, but I suspect that if you go that way, they give you " I don't care, life is wonderful " medicine during the surgery. They definitely don't want you moving around. With a general, they may paralyze you. If you do go with a general and they're going to paralyze you (you can ask first), ask if they use the forehead band that shows your brain waves to show whether you're conscious or not. You can come to consciousness, and if you're paralyzed, there's no way you can tell them. More & more hospitals are using this EEG band now.

Whichever you decide on, good luck with the operation & I hope you never have problems with your hip again.

Ann

Epidural?

Hello everyone. I'm so happy to have found this site. I will be having a THR this Friday. I have to decide whether to be put under or have an epidural. My concern is about being awake during the surgery

and not being able to stand the sounds of the equipement, tapping, drilling, etc. I'd rather have the epidural for the recovery aspects but I'm afraid of freaking out during the operation. I'd love to hear from anyone who has had the epidural and how they felt during the surgery. Thanks so much. This will help me with my decision.

[Guest guest]

Re: Epidural?

>I had an epidural with my knee replacement 3 weeks ago and they also gave me Versed

Ahhhh, Versed. I remember it well. It's so wonderful it's not even available by Rx! Ann

..

[Guest guest]

I didn't have an epidural but I did have an intrathecal injection for my surgery. Unlike the epidural it's a single injection into the spine but like an epidural it is in the spine. Since the surgery is less than two hours, it lasts the whole time but lets you "out of it" pretty quickly afterwards. They also gave me Versed in my IV (the nothing matters and you won't remember anyway) and I don't remember anything after they put my on my side to bend me to do the spinal injection. I just woke up later in recovery having not heard and not remembered any icky noises or smells or whatever. And at first, I wasn't even in pain. Pain came later. They also sometimes pack your TKR site with morphine so you feel nothing in the knee for a while.

-----Original Message-----From: Joint Replacement [mailto:Joint Replacement ]On Behalf Of Ann Sent: Sunday, September 09, 2007 5:36 PMJoint Replacement Subject: Re: Epidural?

I haven't had an epidural, but I suspect that if you go that way, they give you "I don't care, life is wonderful" medicine during the surgery. They definitely don't want you moving around. With a general, they may paralyze you. If you do go with a general and they're going to paralyze you (you can ask first), ask if they use the forehead band that shows your brain waves to show whether you're conscious or not. You can come to consciousness, and if you're paralyzed, there's no way you can tell them. More & more hospitals are using this EEG band now.

Whichever you decide on, good luck with the operation & I hope you never have problems with your hip again.

Ann

Epidural?

Hello everyone. I'm so happy to have found this site. I will be having a THR this Friday. I have to decide whether to be put under or have an epidural. My concern is about being awake during the surgery and not being able to stand the sounds of the equipement, tapping, drilling, etc. I'd rather have the epidural for the recovery aspects but I'm afraid of freaking out during the operation. I'd love to hear from anyone who has had the epidural and how they felt during the surgery. Thanks so much. This will help me with my decision.

[Guest guest]

Butterfly, It is quite normal to be anxious pre surgery. Try to get some exercise (whatever your body allows even if they are all done sitting or lying down). Do some deep breathing exercises while you think of beautiful, serene places (meditation). I have to confess that up until my last surgery I looked forward to it because I knew that I would be physically a better person when I woke up and had time to heal. After awhile the pain will all go away and you'll be able to do things that you've been putting off for so long. As far as getting a "grip" . .. coming to terms w/ your fear will help you get over them. The things I suggested will help get you there. In the next five days try to do something you really love, whether it be to go to church, a nice restaurant, a museum (they have wheelchairs you can borrow), to a park and enjoy the beauty all around you . . . anything that makes you happy.

You'll go into your surgery less stressed w/ some happy memories to tide you through those first weeks where you will be in pain. Good luck, I'm pulling for you! Pat. It's now 5 days before I have the surgery and each day I find myself becoming more anxious. I'm

[Guest guest]

For my last hip revision I had an epidural but was completely out. When I had my initial hip replacement I wanted to stay up and watch. Now that I'm 24 years older I just want to sleep through everything that I can! Pat. The anesthesiologist said I could have the epidural as well as a mild sedation or just the epidural. I wanted to avoid the sedation as you apparently don't feel as hung over when it wears off. I think I'll go for it anyway.

[Guest guest]

butterfly...

I have had operations (4) in the past going back 40 years with a

general. The recover from those was a lot worse that the epidural I

received this last Dec for my LTKR. I asked to be lightly sedated.

Oddly enough I did kind of wake up during the OR. Heard them talking

and later pounding. Because of other meds (I am assuming they gave me

something) I did not freak out or become concerned. I didn't even

open my eyes. I guess I was half under. So I highly recommend the

epidural/w sedation. Recovery is much quicker IMO.

Don

[Guest guest]

I think there is agreement that there is everything to be gained through a local and no need to worry about discomfort or anxiety during the operation -- At least with me, they started mild sedation as soon as they put the IV in during the pre-surgical stage so that one stops worrying before the procedure.At least with me, the sedation during the local (I had a spinal) did NOT leave me with any residual grogginess or other feelings -- in recovery I was completely lucid and actually read a magazine as I waited for the hospital room to be ready.I would like to underscore the higher risk of generals -- obviously during surgery, one has to be more closely monitored because one can die just from the body's reaction to it. There is also a greater risk of bleeding which increases the risk of needing a transfusion -- Because bone can't be cauterized or sewn up like more standard surgery, there is already more of a risk for heavy internal bleeding.And of course recovery is significantly more difficult for most people with general. butterfly...I have had operations (4) in the past going back 40 years with ageneral. The recover from those was a lot worse that the epidural Ireceived this last Dec for my LTKR. I asked to be lightly sedated. Oddly enough I did kind of wake up during the OR. Heard them talkingand later pounding. Because of other meds (I am assuming they gave mesomething) I did not freak out or become concerned. I didn't evenopen my eyes. I guess I was half under. So I highly recommend theepidural/w sedation. Recovery is much quicker IMO.Don

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the info Don...very helpful. I will go with the epidural

without hesitation. Butterfly - Lorna

>

> I think there is agreement that there is everything to be gained

> through a local and no need to worry about discomfort or anxiety

> during the operation -- At least with me, they started mild

sedation

> as soon as they put the IV in during the pre-surgical stage so

that

> one stops worrying before the procedure.

>

> At least with me, the sedation during the local (I had a spinal)

did

> NOT leave me with any residual grogginess or other feelings -- in

> recovery I was completely lucid and actually read a magazine as I

> waited for the hospital room to be ready.

>

> I would like to underscore the higher risk of generals --

obviously

> during surgery, one has to be more closely monitored because one

can

> die just from the body's reaction to it. There is also a greater

risk

> of bleeding which increases the risk of needing a transfusion --

> Because bone can't be cauterized or sewn up like more standard

> surgery, there is already more of a risk for heavy internal

bleeding.

>

> And of course recovery is significantly more difficult for most

> people with general.

>

>

>

>

>

> > butterfly...

> >

> > I have had operations (4) in the past going back 40 years with a

> > general. The recover from those was a lot worse that the epidural

I

> > received this last Dec for my LTKR. I asked to be lightly sedated.

> > Oddly enough I did kind of wake up during the OR. Heard them

talking

> > and later pounding. Because of other meds (I am assuming they

gave me

> > something) I did not freak out or become concerned. I didn't even

> > open my eyes. I guess I was half under. So I highly recommend the

> > epidural/w sedation. Recovery is much quicker IMO.

> >

> > Don

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you Pat.

It is hard for me to relax as I have so many things to think about. I

live alone so I'm worried that there will be someone here to help me.

I also was just advised that Revenue Canada is auditing my tax return

because I claimed my move across the country and they want all the

receipts and a letter from my company by the end of the month. I'm

going to call them today to see if they can cut me some slack.

[Guest guest]

Do the exercises in between trying to get things squared away. Call the Health System to find out how long they allow a post hip replacement person who lives alone can stay in a hospital or step-down unit. Ask about visiting nurses, aids, physical therapists, occupational therapists. Do you have a program similar to "Meals on Wheels" like we have in the US? It is a low cost meal service for shut ins. You'll be surprised just how quickly you'll be back on you feet. You can ask friends to take turns dropping in w/ needed stuff like groceries (gotta have toilet paper), light housekeeping, videos, books, or whatever you deem necessary. Try not to rely on any one friend too much. Have at least 7 (one for each day of the week) and maybe one to do laundry Good old Revenue Canada . . . likes to hit you when you are down. Sigh. PatIt is hard for me to relax as I have so many

things to think about

[Guest guest]

I think it's very normal to get very stressed out before the surgery. I've had several surgeries recently, with no complications, and before one I had this May, I was a wreck. Good luck. I hope everything goes well and that after you heal you have no more pain.

Ann

Re: Epidural?

Thankyou Ann for your response. It's now 5 days before I have the surgery and each day I find myself becoming more anxious. I'm stressing about everything and feeling quite emotional. Is this normal or do I just need to get a grip. I haven't had surgery since I was 13 and had my noncils out.

[Guest guest]

What do you mean by "recovery is significantly more difficult for most people with a general"?

Thanks.

Ann

Fwd: Re: Epidural?

I think there is agreement that there is everything to be gained through a local and no need to worry about discomfort or anxiety during the operation -- At least with me, they started mild sedation as soon as they put the IV in during the pre-surgical stage so that one stops worrying before the procedure.

At least with me, the sedation during the local (I had a spinal) did NOT leave me with any residual grogginess or other feelings -- in recovery I was completely lucid and actually read a magazine as I waited for the hospital room to be ready.

I would like to underscore the higher risk of generals -- obviously during surgery, one has to be more closely monitored because one can die just from the body's reaction to it. There is also a greater risk of bleeding which increases the risk of needing a transfusion -- Because bone can't be cauterized or sewn up like more standard surgery, there is already more of a risk for heavy internal bleeding.

And of course recovery is significantly more difficult for most people with general.

[Guest guest]

A local (whether it is an epidural or a spinal) is just that -- It blocks sensations of pain in a very specific area as opposed to putting the entire body into a state of unconsciousness. After the operation, most people are completely alert because a local doesn't affect consciousness -- to avoid being completely alert during surgery (albeit completely without pain) one must also be sedated -- but the form of sedation doesn't carry the same kinds of risks as putting somebody completely under with a general.When you are put you require assistance to breathe during the operation for example and the residual effects of the medication linger on. Most doctors avoid general for themselves and their families unless there is no alternative. Most people need a period of time to recover FROM a general.And as I previously wrote, there is a greater danger of needing a transfusion.If you really need more specific information on the risks of general, you can easily google it.On Sep 10, 2007, at 11:43 AM, Ann wrote:What do you mean by "recovery is significantly more difficult for most people with a general"? Thanks. Ann Fwd: Re: Epidural?I think there is agreement that there is everything to be gained through a local and no need to worry about discomfort or anxiety during the operation -- At least with me, they started mild sedation as soon as they put the IV in during the pre-surgical stage so that one stops worrying before the procedure.At least with me, the sedation during the local (I had a spinal) did NOT leave me with any residual grogginess or other feelings -- in recovery I was completely lucid and actually read a magazine as I waited for the hospital room to be ready.I would like to underscore the higher risk of generals -- obviously during surgery, one has to be more closely monitored because one can die just from the body's reaction to it. There is also a greater risk of bleeding which increases the risk of needing a transfusion -- Because bone can't be cauterized or sewn up like more standard surgery, there is already more of a risk for heavy internal bleeding.And of course recovery is significantly more difficult for most people with general. 

[Guest guest]

I also live alone. It's a real problem for me because I'm not near a bus line. I live in a college town & thought maybe I could get a student to live w/me for a month or two to get groceries, fix food, etc. Not really sure what I'll do.

Ann

Re: Epidural?

Thank you Pat.It is hard for me to relax as I have so many things to think about. I live alone so I'm worried that there will be someone here to help me. I also was just advised that Revenue Canada is auditing my tax return because I claimed my move across the country and they want all the receipts and a letter from my company by the end of the month. I'm going to call them today to see if they can cut me some slack.

[Guest guest]

I had a general with both of my THR's this summer. I did have a difficult time waking up in the recovery room after the first THR in June. I apparently would have a sort of apnea when I would stop taking a breath and the nurse would have to tell me to breath. I told the anesthesiologist about it when I had the RTHR in August and she decided to give me only half a dose of oxycotin before surgery started. She said it would probably alleviate that problem. Other than needing a blood transfusion right after surgery, I didn't have any problems. I think you are much more sleepy for quite awhile after surgery with a general, but I had no desire to hear what was going on around me during surgery. You really need to talk over the options with the anesthesiologist before surgery before you make a final decision.

Mechelle

Fwd: Re: Epidural?

I think there is agreement that there is everything to be gained through a local and no need to worry about discomfort or anxiety during the operation -- At least with me, they started mild sedation as soon as they put the IV in during the pre-surgical stage so that one stops worrying before the procedure.

At least with me, the sedation during the local (I had a spinal) did NOT leave me with any residual grogginess or other feelings -- in recovery I was completely lucid and actually read a magazine as I waited for the hospital room to be ready.

I would like to underscore the higher risk of generals -- obviously during surgery, one has to be more closely monitored because one can die just from the body's reaction to it. There is also a greater risk of bleeding which increases the risk of needing a transfusion -- Because bone can't be cauterized or sewn up like more standard surgery, there is already more of a risk for heavy internal bleeding.

And of course recovery is significantly more difficult for most people with general.

No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.485 / Virus Database: 269.13.13/998 - Release Date: 9/10/2007 8:48 AM

[Guest guest]

I have a brother who will hopefully pitch in for me for the first few

days. Then my twin sister will be back from a trip and will be able to

take care of me. I also have a slew of friends who have offered to

come and visit. I hope they do come as I will be a little lonely

otherwise and that can be depressing.

[Guest guest]

I have had 16 surgeries. One was an epidural. The rest were

general. Only once did I have problems coming out of it. I tell

them I don't want to remember anything, give me something to calm the

tummy and don't give me narcotics. Also watch the teeth when

inserting the breathing tube. For my last surgery, a THR revision, I

was alert in recovery---or so they told me (those forget everything

drugs work wonders) and begging to go home that night. They let me

home the next day. With the epidural I drank alot to avoid the

headache. Going to the bathroom right after surgery is the pits.

None of my ortho surgeries had a cath. It took me longer to get

feeling in my legs than it did to recover from the general.

So that is my two cents worth!

Sue

>

> >

> > What do you mean by " recovery is significantly more difficult

for

> > most people with a general " ?

> >

> > Thanks.

> >

> > Ann

> > Fwd: Re: Epidural?

> >

> >

> > I think there is agreement that there is everything to be gained

> > through a local and no need to worry about discomfort or anxiety

> > during the operation -- At least with me, they started mild

> > sedation as soon as they put the IV in during the pre-surgical

> > stage so that one stops worrying before the procedure.

> >

> > At least with me, the sedation during the local (I had a spinal)

> > did NOT leave me with any residual grogginess or other feelings --

> > in recovery I was completely lucid and actually read a magazine

as

> > I waited for the hospital room to be ready.

> >

> > I would like to underscore the higher risk of generals --

obviously

> > during surgery, one has to be more closely monitored because one

> > can die just from the body's reaction to it. There is also a

> > greater risk of bleeding which increases the risk of needing a

> > transfusion -- Because bone can't be cauterized or sewn up like

> > more standard surgery, there is already more of a risk for heavy

> > internal bleeding.

> >

> > And of course recovery is significantly more difficult for most

> > people with general.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >>

> >

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Ann, That's a very good idea! Do you know any of the faculty or staff at the school who could vouch for some students who might be interested. Pat I also live alone. It's a real problem for me because I'm not near a bus line. I live in a college town & thought maybe I could get a student to live w/me for a month or two to get groceries, fix food, etc. Not really sure what I'll do.

[Guest guest]

No, I'd have to wing it. The college is Evergreen State, and I think is less likely to have students who would steal (or kill?). Of course, you never know. Everyone thought Dahmer was a nice boy.

Ann

Re: Re: Epidural?

Ann,

That's a very good idea! Do you know any of the faculty or staff at the school who could vouch for some students who might be interested.

Pat

I also live alone. It's a real problem for me because I'm not near a bus line. I live in a college town & thought maybe I could get a student to live w/me for a month or two to get groceries, fix food, etc. Not really sure what I'll do.

[Guest guest]

Hi- As far as the waking up during the procedure & woke up during my

second resurfacing while the cup was being set onto my pelvis. I had

spent a few weeks prior to the procedures taking some time out from my

daily meditation to mull over what I would do if that happened,

getting my head into a space of not reacting, just staying relaxed &

not jerking or moving suddenly. It worked quite well & I was able to

get my bearings quite quickly & when I was kind of fully awake & asked

the anesthetist's knee (as that was all I could see) if they were

setting the cup and how big the hammer was. He freaked & put me under

again, & I woke up again a few minutes later. Felt no pain due to the

complete numbing of the epidural, just woke from the sedative & had

done some homework on my head about that possible occurrence so it was OK.

Thanks-

Bilateral BHR 10/17-31/06 Hozack