New hip and epidural

granter
granter Member Posts: 24
edited 23. Jul 2009, 14:31 in Living with Arthritis archive
Has anyone had a total hip replacement using epidural instead of general anaesthetic? I am down for a new hip and apparently I may choose to have epidural. As I have heart disease I may go for the epidural. I had them when I had my kids but this is a bit different. I can imagine the noise that goes on.........

Barbara

Comments

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,235
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Barbara
    People have on here - I will let them tell you all about it! I beleive it's a good way and you are so totally 'not there' so you hardly know about it and the recovery is so much quicker....
    Toni x
  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Barbara

    This question pops up every so often and many say that the epidural instead of general anaesthetic is excellent.

    Personally, for me I prefer the GA and have this every time although I am given the choice. I have no after effects with the GA only that I am starving!

    I wish you well with your decision and the op.

    Luv
    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • angel1
    angel1 Bots Posts: 1,464
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Barbara hello.

    I had an epidural when I had my TKR two years ago. I was offered sedation as well, but chose not to have it. As you say, you can hear everything, but as I was - like you would be - expecting this, it really didn`t bother me.

    The anaesthatist sat with me the whole time, and we chatted so much that I truly forgot about the noise. A large sheet was put between me, and what was going on with my knee, and my surgeon popped his head over from time to time to tell me everything was going well.

    I actually started physio later the same day, and was out of hospital in three days. It seems to be accepted that having an epidural makes recovery quicker, but it is, and should be, a personal chice.....Ange.
  • tanith
    tanith Member Posts: 175
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    I had THR with epidural and sedation, I didn't know a thing about it... everything went fine and my recovery was excellent I was out in 4 days and was very impressed with the whole thing..
    Our worst times are always our best lessons.
  • dachshund
    dachshund Member Posts: 9,252
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Granter.
    I had a tkr 5 years ago with epid and i did not hear or feel a thing and 16 years ago i had a thr by ga and i was in hospital for 10 days.
    i would pick epid again.
    dont worry joan xx
    take care
    joan xx
  • collettem
    collettem Member Posts: 94
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi,

    I had my hip done in march with the epidural and it was grand. I really did not want it but with the sedation, did not feel or hear a thing.
  • granter
    granter Member Posts: 24
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Well thank you all so much. That is really reassuring. I didn't expect so many replies. I'll certainly look at it positively after you have all bothered to tell me about it. I didn't know you could be sedated. I'll let you know how it goes.
    Barbara :D
  • ritnew
    ritnew Member Posts: 338
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    collettem wrote:
    Hi,

    I had my hip done in march with the epidural and it was grand. I really did not want it but with the sedation, did not feel or hear a thing.

    Had mine 6 weeks ago and it was exactly the same never heard or felt a thing.
  • ikesother
    ikesother Member Posts: 171
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Barbara, were in the same boat; Im also considering an epidural for my THR, just want to make sure that I dont wake up during op :wink: from what Ive researched, most people find epidurals easier to recover from afterwards, so thats whats swung it for me. Hope everything goes well jk
  • jeannie2
    jeannie2 Member Posts: 135
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hello Ikes and B arbara,
    Haven't had this experience but wanted to wish you both well. Hope it goes great for you both.
    Jeannie S
  • tkachev
    tkachev Member Posts: 8,332
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    i had to make a choice last week for my THR and chose spinal anaesthetic.There was no pain and i couldnt see what was happening.I had a catheter put in just prior to the op so i didnt need to deal with the bed pan scenario.Recovery was fine,no infection in the bladder and i am glad i chose spinal anaesthetic.

    Regards Tkachev
    Never be bullied into silence.
    Never allow yourself to be made a victim.
    Accept no ones definition of your life

    Define yourself........

    Harvey Fierstein
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hello, I have'nt had this myself, but years ago, my Mum had major surgery with epidural and a seditive because of heart disease. She had no problems. I have had Carpel tunnel open release with a nerve block and didn't feel a thing. Not the same as a big op, I know. Good luck. Love Sue

Categories