General versus Spinal plus question

[Guest guest]

Hi Ken,

At the Vancouver General where I was surfed last month, they favor spinals. I

was assured I would not be awake, as some strong sedatives are included in

the brew. The anesthesiologist (a friend... I requested him, thinking I'd like

to

see a familiar face on the way in and out... then had second thoughts about

whether I wanted my friend looking at my sorry butt for an hour... oh well) told

me spinals are preferred because they can get a jump start on pain control that

way. They use the same tap to dose you with morphine before closing you up,

and I suspect it's a whopping dose because I was quite comfortable but really

woozy for a few days and didn't even need to use the self-administering pump

at all. The reassuring thing is: I was totally out of it on the table. Didn't

see/hear

anything. I imagine my friend could have given me less sedative if I wanted to

be more conscious. They do have tons of control in that regard. Important thing

is to discuss all this pre-op, of course. Then relax and just roll over.

Question for others: did anyone experience a pain spike at about 3 weeks? I've

been managing pretty well up to now, mostly with extra-strength Tylenol and

the odd Tylenol 3 (with codeine). But in the last few days my hip has been a lot

more achy, to the point where I can't bring myself to do even the simple

exercises. I've been out of the house a few times, and stretching my walks a

bit... maybe that's the problem. My hip flexor and something up the side of my

thigh (IT?) seems to be really irritated. All I feel like doing when I'm home is

kicking back in my La-Z-Boy with a couple of ice packs. My physio says if ice

and rest are the only things that bring relief, I should go for it. He says it

sounds

like I must have some inflammation going on, and to be patient and cut back on

the walking but try to keep up the exercises. I've sort of expected healing to

be

an up and down affair, but I'm a little surprised at the current lack of

progress

(compared to the dramatic improvements over the first 10 days or so). Anyone

else find this?

a

Durom / 17.02.04

> Hi All:

>

> I am scheduled for resurfacing surgery with Dr. Mont on March 22nd.

> At this point I am 90 percent sure that I want to try the epidural

> (spinal) with Versed (and whatever else that the anesthesiologist is

> willing to give me to put me in la la land). I know this has been a

> topic of discussion in the past, but I thought I'd solicit opinions

> again because it is near show time and maybe some would like to voice

> their opinion. Thanks.

>

> Ken