@ulbazina - I had my left knee TKR on Mar 8 at the Mayo in Rochester. I was a nervous wreck about anesthesia. A week prior to my surgery I was able to meet with one of the anesthesiologists from my surgeon's team. It was so great that she took the time to explain my options and listen to my concerns. I ended up having midazolam and then a small dose of fentanyl to prepare me for the nerve block bupivacaine just above my knee area Once I got in to the OR I had an epidural (I think it was Ropicacaine). I was told that the epidural is injected below the spinal column (nerves area). While they were doing that I was given a dose of propofol and I was out. So I had no heavy anesthesia and I woke up in recovery bright and alert. The knee block wore off over the next 24 to 36 hours with no side effects.

I hope that you can meet with an anesthesiologist to put your mind at ease.