Anesthesia types and effect on cognitive function in elderly persons

Thank you for your response. Everything you say is true. I am one month after surgery now and walking on my own inside and using a cane when walking my dog long distances which I do twice daily. I did have a setback a week ago and could not walk without severe pain. The doctor said I overdid it and I took another 4 days and tested more.
Your advice is very intelligent No I couldnt agree more.

Mari, I am interested in the stem cell possibility and have done a little research. Great to know that it is being done at Mayo. However, it seems to me that this would be of benefit BEFORE you are "bone on bone." I am assuming that the stem cells grow tissue and don't effect the bone. I need to double check, but I believe that in looking at xray the doc said that I had already damaged the end of the bone and the positioning of the joint.

I'm not qualified to answer you, but I'm supposed to be "bone on bone" - in quotes because if we r really bone on bone - our leg would be straight and not be able to bend at all.
I have a lite weight brace that I can use 4 v-ball and standing long or walking a long time. this is supposed to push my bone outward and open up a space for me to receive stem cells.
Keep searching and asking - Good Luck.

I'm almost 75and had extensive back surgery at 73. No problems at all from anesthetic but I've had many surgeries, all with good results. If you decide to have your knee done, really follow up with the physical therapy, exercises and eventually walking...even when it hurts. Ice afterward, you'll heal faster and better. Good luck!

discusss this with your DRS. They should know what medications your r on and the possible interactions Also, what about NP surgery and exercise instead?

What is NP surgery?

I had both knees replaced in the past 8 months. I had an epidural and a femoral block. It worked very well. No memory of the operation and after a few minutes in recovery room wide awake and alert. No nausea afterwards. I had a friend who opted for general and he was so sick for days after with nausea and vomiting. I would never go that route..

Thanks! Any reason you did epidural rather than spinal? The femoral block is a great idea.

Actually I think it was a spinal I had. The femoral block was good and that stayed in place for for about a day and a half after the operation. Great pain relief.

Hello Teresa,
The articles you referenced are extremely helpful. Please consider starting a page entitled Post Operative Cognitive Dysfunction or POCD so that your excellent articles are easier to find for those concerned about cognitive decline following surgery. Thank you!