Surgery

[davissw]

I have had parkinsons for 5 years and need a hip replacement, I fear how the anesthesia will affect my symptons. I have an appointment with a new neurologist, but it's not until the end of March. My surgeon can only tell me that it's my decision,

[MBAnderson]

I was anesthetized for spinal surgery last Jan will no ill effects.

I'm sure pwp have surgery regularly without ill effects, which is not to say you need not plan your hospital stay, having PD meds, etc.

Anesthesia may make your symptoms better. You never know.

That being said, I'd get out of the hospital as quick as possible.

[wifeofparky]

Some people can react to anesthetics. Make sure to speak with the anesthesiologist so they are aware of your Parkinson's. Have someone who will be with you have your PD meds from home so you can take them if they are late bringing them to you.

[davissw in reply to wifeofparky]

I appreciate your response.

[LindaP50 in reply to wifeofparky]

Agree! Communicate with neurologist and request to speak to anesthesiologist.

Bring meds with you, just in case. Make sure all the staff treating you are aware you have Parkinson's. Someone may say ok time to sit up, or can you turn over towards me and expect you to do certain tasks on your own, or expect you to hold the urinal ...

Many only receive minimal training on Parkinson's Disease and don't realize that the disease is more than possible tremors.

[davissw in reply to LindaP50]

Sounds like good advice. Thank you.

[Juliegrace]

Here is a list of drugs to avoid: propofol, halothane, compazine, phenergan, demerol/meperidine, reglan/metoclopramide.

[ghoegap]

My husband opted for spinal anaesthesia after talking to his neurologist. He recovered well from the hip replacement. All good wishes to you!

[Hidden]

My PD is mild. I had a GA 2 years ago. It was before my diagnosis but I did have a tremor at the time. I was absolutely fine. Drove home the next day. Good luck with it.

[Alekyz]

Hi! I just had a major surgery two weeks ago ( I donated a kidney) and did not feel any side effects of the surgery in anything related to parkinson. I have been diagnosed 3 years ago and have mild symptoms. I kept taking the regular Parkinson medication during my stay at the hospital. Hope it all goes well with you too.

[LindaP50 in reply to Alekyz]

Bless you for donating a kidney.

[NRyan in reply to Alekyz]

I have been designated an organ donor all my adult life. I recently took that designation off my drivers license. It cannot be said that passing an organ onto another person will not also pass on Parkinson's. It is my fear, unfounded or not. I don't wish to pass this disease onto anyone, with good intentions or not. I will donate my brain for PD research.

[EJMo]

I had a general anaesthetic at the end of November and had no adverse side effects. Mine was a knee op and my major concern was how long I wouldn’t be able to do my Parkinson’s exercises. I’m going skiing next week!

[davissw in reply to EJMo]

Thank you EJMo, Your reply is encouraging., Enjoy your trio!

[Ponieboy]

Get your hip done. Also make sure to take your meds with you. I have learned you have to be your own advocate when it comes to Parkinsons. I had a hospital stay and they didn't have my meds or where aware of my schedule. Also don't take any crap from them about your meds or schedule. They will back down when they realize you are right. Good luck!

[Sydney75]

My HWP has had 2 surgeries make sure the anesthesiologist knows you have PD, do not rely on the surgeon to alert them. I spoke with the anesthesiologist immediately prior to my surgery to express my concerns, do not "suggest" what meds they can or cannot use only your concern and generally they can adjust protocol. Our ansthe. MD was excellent no problems and the surgery was six hours. Take your meds to hospital as they often do not have them available immediately.

[amykp]

That wasn't a very comforting response from your surgeon, was it! But Sydney45 is right--the surgeon is NOT the anesthesiologist and probably has no idea. There are drugs that should be avoided, but interestingly, there are anesthetic drugs that seem to help pwp--ketamine is one of them. It's in trials now I believe. Apparently it helps with dyskinesia?

Anyway, it's the anesthesiologist's job to be on top of this stuff, but it's your job to let them know. And definitely bring your meds, and an in-the-know support person.

BTW, I don't believe propofol is a problem. I think the drugs that were the biggest problems are not very popular any more, for anyone.

[robjohn]

Find an orthopedic surgeon who does hip surgery with the anterior approach. It is much easier on the body. I had it ten years ago and walked out of the hospital that evening without a cane or walker. December 23 I had an accident that damaged my femur splitting it. Repairs had to be made with the posterior approach. Feb.7 I am still using a walker and wheelchair and my butt looks like the Frankenstein monster.

[NRyan in reply to robjohn]

Yes, anterior approach is much quicker to heal.

[LindaP50]

apdaparkinson.org/wp-conten...

medications to avoid

[justoldage]

Are you taking Tyylanol? It inhhibits cartiledgge repair. Visit Dr John Bergman on youtube

[davissw in reply to justoldage]

Thanks, I didn''t know tat.

[KevinBurns]

Two years ago I had double bypass surgery while still a few years in with PD. My surgery however, was not elective. All I can say is that I'm still here. Any surgery is taxing on the body, but IMHO, if it improves the quality of your life, I say go for it.

Off topic here, but my heart surgeon applauded the fact that I was taking high doses of B1 for my PD symptoms. BTW... I was up and around in less than 1 day.

Good luck to you, whatever your choice!

[davissw]

Thank yu. I think you're right.

[eschneid]

davissw.....I had rotator cuff surgery end of November and I checked with the surgeon and anesthesiologist to see if they would do it with a local/regional anesthesia plus a nerve block. I didn't want general as you never know what is true or not. Surgeon agreed and you have to stay on these docs as they thought I was getting general when they wheeled me in. Needless to say I was angry.

See if they will do it...are you in decent health otherwise-if so, ask them. My brother had double hip resurfacing, not as severe, but he also had nerve block plus a regional anesthesia.

Good luck & let me know what they say.

Eric