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Wondering about anesthesia and pain control post TKR

Posted by lblazina @lblazina, Apr 14, 2019

Planning to have TKR early June. OS says he will use nerve block with spinal anesthesia although I have spondyloloithesis, lumbar facet syndrome, intermittent sciatic pain and am terrified of spinal injections. Also, he says the nerve block will provide pain relief for first day but I am not sure about what types of oral pain meds any of you had post op. I understand a lot of docs don't want to prescribe opiates? I appreciate your opinions. Thanks.

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Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Apr 19, 2019

Hi @lblazina, I had my right knee done at Mayo Rochester on April 5th and had a similar experience as @kajon. I wasn't quite as worried about the options but the anesthesiologist did a great job of talking me through them and about all I remember is being rolled into the operating room with all those bright LED lights overhead. Woke up feeling pretty good in the recovery room and like @kajon the nerve block on the knee wore off by the next morning and I was release around noon. Mayo does a great job addressing any concerns or fears you have.

REPLY
1 reply
lblazina | @lblazina | Apr 19, 2019
In reply to @kajon "@ulbazina - I had my left knee TKR on Mar 8 at the Mayo in Rochester...." + (show)
@kajon

@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.

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Thanks, @kajon, for the good information about your experience. Knowledge is power...I think...I go for a full day of "classes" a week before surgery for ekg, blood work, meet with PT, hospitalist, and other health professionals so should get all questions answered. Glad you had a good experience. Hope I do as well!!

REPLY
lblazina | @lblazina | Apr 19, 2019
In reply to @johnbishop "Hi @lblazina, I had my right knee done at Mayo Rochester on April 5th and had..." + (show)
@johnbishop

Hi @lblazina, I had my right knee done at Mayo Rochester on April 5th and had a similar experience as @kajon. I wasn't quite as worried about the options but the anesthesiologist did a great job of talking me through them and about all I remember is being rolled into the operating room with all those bright LED lights overhead. Woke up feeling pretty good in the recovery room and like @kajon the nerve block on the knee wore off by the next morning and I was release around noon. Mayo does a great job addressing any concerns or fears you have.

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@johnbishop , thanks for the encouragement. I hope I get to an altered state of consciousness before the spinal!! I think I am having a nerve block on leg also. I'm thinking positive. Thanks!

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lblazina | @lblazina | Apr 19, 2019
In reply to @debbraw "@lblazina - I think you are going to do great. I gotta tell you that I..." + (show)
@debbraw

@lblazina - I think you are going to do great. I gotta tell you that I knew when I needed my first TKR when just doing laps with a kick board caused pain. Sounds like you are strong and ready! You go girl.

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Thanks for the support @debbraw. Good to know this group is here!!

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