Knee op

[nellysgran]

Just had my date for my knee operation on 25th November, now i want to ask which anesthetic everyone had, i'm thinking of spinal rather than general, but need help to make my mind up !

Wendy

[Livingston]

I've not had any joint replacements but, in the main for anaesthetics - spinals are safer than generals. It can take up to a week to fully recover from the effects of a general - it is a huge insult to your system, even without the surgery that goes with it.

If you opt for a spinal, the anaesthetist will be happy to give you something to send you off to LaLaLand where you won't be aware of what's going on, but will still be able to breathe for yourself. Waking up after this is quicker than from a general & that might help you get on better with your rehab.

On the other hand, some people feel that a general is the only absolute guarantee that they know nothing about the op and so choose that option.

Good luck with the surgery. Hope the result is a pain-free knee.

[earthwitch]

I'm not sure I'd agree with Livingston that spinals are safer than generals - there is always a risk in putting a needle into your spinal cord area. It may not go wrong often, but if it does then it can cause big problems with spinal nerves. Also, depending on what your spine is like, you can end up feeling like you have been kicked by a horse if they have difficulty getting the needle between vertebrae and into the right place. I also personally would rather be properly asleep when they are working on me. General anaesthetics these days aren't anywhere near as heavy as they used to be - anaesthetics has come a long way and they only put you under just enough to do the job. As far as I was aware, most of the anaesthetic meds they use for generals are completely out of your system within 24-36 hours. I think with something like anaesthetics, I'd always leave it up to the doctors to tell me what they recommend, as they know the risks and what will work best for both for the procedure that is being done and for my health and medical history.

asra.com/page/43/risks-and-...

[Laceygreen]

I've just had a knee replacement 5weeks ago and I had a full anaesthetic and I was fine after a couple of days I couldn't stand the thought of not being asleep hope this helps and good luck

[DC56]

Hi Wendy , I've had both but felt a lot better with the spinal block even though I wasn't sick after the general anaesthetic , I just felt more like myself with the block and that was on my knees too hope your opp go well X X Dawn

[hatshepsut]

Hi, I had a spinal for my knee replacement, and I can thoroughly recommend it. I had a sedative, and didn't hear or see anything. I was bright and cheerful as soon as I was back on the ward. It was the second spinal I have had, I had a foot operation with one when the anaesthetist had concerns about my "rheumatoid neck"

I have previously had operations with a general anaesthetic, and I was amazed how much better I was with a spinal, both short term, and how quickly I got over the op.

Obviously, your anaesthetist will decide, but if you are given the option, I can recommend the spinal approach.

Good luck with your op whatever you decide! M xx

[farm123]

Mine was described as a light anaesthetic with spinal block. Felt much better than with previous generals but was still sick. The spinal blocks the knee pain for a fair while after the op as well. Farm

[castro]

I had my right knee done a year ago and I had a spinal and I had no problems at all. I am shortly to have the other knee done soon and I expect to have a spinal again. As a matter of interest I spoke to a chap who watched his whole operation carried out. any body fancy it?