Facing hip replacement surgery, spinal block.

Mommabear

I am facing a hip replacement and the type of anaesthesia recommended by the surgeon is spinal block. I have to admit that scares me a little☹️ Previous surgery has all been done with a general anaesthetic, and being completely unaware of what was going on. Family members have had spinal block and assure me that all will be ok, but I’m not sure what to expect.. how much will I still be aware of, how long will it last, how will I get to the loo after etc. Am I just being silly? What have your experiences been?

claudsl

Hi @Mommabear

I completely understand the anxiety you have about your surgery and the anaesthetic. Personally, I have never had a spinal block, only general anaesthetic as you said. I hope other members will be able to give their experiences of this and hopefully it will put your mind at ease.

Here is an article on the types of anaesthetic. I hope it at least answers some of your questions.

Good luck! Claudia

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/surgery/types-of-anaesthetic/

Trish9556

Hi @Mommabear

I had my shiny new hip on the 20th May. I also had my very first Epidural for the surgery. Although I was very nervous about it the team were brilliant. I had told them that I didn't want to hear anything and I didn't. I came round feeling really good until all my other surgeries when I had generals. I would recommend and apparently I have to have Epidurals again because of my Bronchiecstasis

Good Luck

Trish xx

PJoanne

Hello @Mommabear,

I had a spinal anaesthesia in combination with a sedative and I slept through my procedure. I was last on the list and I was awake in the recovery room before some of the other patients from the list before me, also I was able to be discharged home a day early. I was nervous but I would definitely ask for that option if it is available (it doesn't suit all types of surgery). I had a catheter fitted, (re going to the loo), so this is something you could ask your care team about.

best Joanne

Fran54

@Mommabear

Hi I had my hip replaced last Tuesday and was given a spinal anaesthetic with sedation and possibly a nerve block. I didn't know anything about it until I was waking up in the recovery room. Regarding afterwards I did ask if a catheter might have been fitted, but was told that sometimes this can cause an infection. Try not too worry ( I know easier said than done ) but whatever happens the nurses are there to help you along all the way. Take care🙂

anxioussarah

Hi I had my hip op in 8th May and was so nervous but the spinal was great ! Slept all through it and woke up feeling good , all staff were great with me being so nervous

Afterwards I had to ask for bed pans as didn't get out of bed until the next day

Good luck , J x

Lilymary

I had spinal block too when I had mine done in 2021. They asked me how much sedation I wanted, I said "all of it"! Last thing I knew was counting down from 10 (got to 7), then I was waking up as I came out of theatre with my feet feeling like they were floating 12" above the bed. I hadn't had any surgery since my tonsils when I was 6, so I was pretty scared (but hid it well), and when I went into the anaesthesia room I had a sudden internal wobble, but the guys got on with their job so confidently, and were so kind, I had complete trust in them so I let them get on with it. It feels quite strange when the dodgy leg suddenly feels like it's disappeared (!) but a few seconds later I was unconscious so it was all fine. The recovery was really quick afterwards, even if my body did feel like a football at the end of the world cup! I think the actual surgery took it out of my body more than the anaesthetic did.

6 months later I had a GA for much smaller surgery and spent 12 hours vomiting and 2 weeks of fatigue recovering. I'd go for spinal block every time if it's an option.

JPT

@Mommabear it's really fine honestly! I had my hip replacement 6th March and was scared to death of spinal anaesthetic but it was the best thing along with sedation. Didn't know a thing until it was over and no nasty side effects from a general anaesthetic. Please don't worry xx

caz221

Hi all,

I am new to this but had a hip replacement in September and had an epidural. I was nervous and it took a few attempts but they did it. I don’t remember a thing. It takes time for your legs to work again as you can’t feel them but nothing to worry about. I am now on the list for a knee replacement. I have arthritis all down my right side and struggle to get of bed some days. My right hand has had a steroid injection to help it open up, which it did but the pain in my thumb can be quite bad at times.
I hope all goes well for you but don’t worry you will be fine

Kindest regards

Caz