General or block

[harleyrider]

With my TKR comming up soon, I have to decide between having general Anestia or a block. I have heard the some come out of the block with a very severe headache for about a week. Does anyone have any experience with the side effect?

Mike

 

[Josephine]

Headaches more often occur after a lumbar puncture where the patient has had spinal fluid drawn off for diagnostic lab work. That can last several days. However, whilst it can occur after a spinal block or epidural, it is not at all common. And a spinal is by far the safest and (for you) easiest method of anaesthesia for major joint replacements.

 

[harleyrider]

Josephine, thank you for the info it will help me with my choice. I have learned so much from this board i'm still very scared about the surgery but so much better informed about what to expect.

Mike

 

[Gretchendz]

Hi Mike.

We recently had a thread on this very subject that you might find helpful. I think you'll see that those of us who had spinal and sedation say it's great. Check it out:

https://bonesmart.org/forum/showthread.php?t=2174&highlight=spinal

 

[harleyrider]

Gretchen, thanks. It sure sounds like the spinal is the way to go.

Mike