Spinal anaesthesia worry!

[_EndoWarrior_]

Having a total hysterectomy, bilateral oopherectomy and excision of endometrial adhesions and endometrial nodule on uterosacral ligament. I have Stage 4 Endo. Been for my pre- op assessment and was told by the nurse that they could be giving me spinal anaesthesia too possibly. Asked why but they didn’t have an answer. Said to ask the anaesthetist on the day. My operation is on the 12th August.....😳

Anyone had it done? Should I be concerned?

Mentioned a catheter too but I assumed they were talking about the catheter for the urine.

Was a bit of a shock to find this out. Anxious as it is. Can anyone reassure me please.

[Hidden]

Hello there!

I had this kind of anesthesia during my cesarean section and it went well. I didn't even feel the needle when it was inserted and after few seconds I couldn't feel my legs anymore.

It is normal to feel anxious, but I hope my experience with this could help.

Wish you all the best of luck xx 💛

[Charb82]

Hi, I had a spinal when I had excision two years ago and I was really anxious about it but I have to say I’m glad I had it as after the op I felt quite numb down below so I didn’t come around feeling immense pain. Hospital had advised me this was standard procedure and would help with the pain after and in my case it definitely did. I built myself up in such a state but when the spinal was done I couldn’t even feel the needle go in! So for me a positive experience of something I was absolutely dreading. I hope all goes well for you, if your unsure speak to your consult and ask questions . Good luck - please try not to worry.

[_EndoWarrior_ in reply to Charb82]

Such a relief. Thank you so much.

[Natalie-c]

Hi I had pretty much exactly the same operation back in November I only found out about the spinal on the day of surgery. It’s a lot less scary than it sounds they numb it with 2 injections which you hardly feel and then the actual spinal you don’t feel just the sensation of your legs going numb and then it was straight on with the general so you really don’t no anything about it at all. It really helps afterwards I had no pain at all so then you don’t need morphine etc which speeds up recovery. I had a little bit of tramadol for the gas pain that’s all. The catheter is put in during surgery to drain your bladder and then removed the next day. All the best xx

[_EndoWarrior_ in reply to Natalie-c]

Thank you for reassuring me. Much appreciated. Thank you.

[JenBella]

They gave me a spinal last year before putting me to sleep for my laparoscopy. They recommended it as they are doing so much in that area, when you waken up you will feel more comfortable. I found the spinal absolutely fine, they were very gentle with me when doing it. When I woke up I had a catheter in too, this is because you can't walk due to the spinal. They monitor you every few hours overnight after the op. My catheter was taken out the morning after my op. It was actually good having it in as you could relax in bed and not have to keep getting up and down for the loo.

I hope everything goes well for you xx

[_EndoWarrior_ in reply to JenBella]

Hearing that spinal anaesthesia was well worth it is great to hear from 3 people. Feel a lot better about it now. Thank you.

[JenBella in reply to _EndoWarrior_]

I was only told about the spinal when I went in for my op. It did throw me a wee bit and I didn't know what to do. But they reassured me how much it would help me when I woke up and I have to say I was very comfortable when I came out if the anaesthetic. I was so scared going in for my op but once I was there it's amazing how the nurses, surgeons etc put you at ease. I didn't feel any pain getting the spinal. You sit on the edge of the bed, they wash all of your back with iodine stuff so it's all clean then numb the area they are putting the needle into. You then lie down and it's a sensation that you can't move your legs then few seconds later you will be sound a sleep.

I definitely feel the key is that when you waken, you are comfortable and as pain free as possible.

Xx

[_EndoWarrior_ in reply to JenBella]

That makes sense if they want you to move around after operation then. I am on Clexane injections twice daily before and after operation due to my clotting risk then back on my Rivaroxaban again. They need me to be up and about sooner rather than later. Only thing is that the stuff makes me very tired too. Thanks for you reassurance. It’s helped a lot. 🙂

[Victoria81 in reply to JenBella]

This is exactly my experience. I had practically no pain at all when I woke up, pretty much right through to the next morning. Definitely worth it.xxx

[_EndoWarrior_ in reply to Victoria81]

Really glad to hear this! Thank you! 🙂

[Kdoe]

Hi Sam,

I had the same op last year. The epidural is just to help with pain when you wake up and very common. Good luck x

[Victoria81]

I had it seven weeks ago and honestly the worst bit about it was the anaesthetist digging her thumbs into my back to find where to put the needle. The local anaesthetic felt a bit funny and then I couldn’t feel the epidural needle at all. Good luck! You’ll be fine!xxx

[_EndoWarrior_ in reply to Victoria81]

Good to know. Thank you! 🙂

[Holleymuzz]

Can I ask where your having your op? I’m having the exact same However the first attempt in March went a bit wrong so I’m having it again in sept. I never had this or even asked about it, I was offered a morphine pen or something to press when pain was too much x

[_EndoWarrior_ in reply to Holleymuzz]

St Peter’s Hospital with a BSGE Endo Specialist/ Nook Endo Specialist. He has particular extensive training in minimally invasive surgery. My previous gynaecologists were not Specialist enough to do this. Did my research and found Dr Khazali (not many still in the NHS) and he has helped so many women with Endo. I have Stage 4.

By the sounds of all the other replies I am reassured that spinal anaesthesia is going to help. I react badly to morphine so another bonus.

Hope it goes well in September.