@Flowerfloosey69 I guess I didn't go into much detail, and I was going to write an update this morning anyway. For context, I'm 36 and had my first hip with the same surgeon at 32. The first time was at a hospital, but I managed to get out of there the same day. The surgeon was a little hesitant to discharge me because of a fracture (he thought I might want to have IV pain meds available), but it was okay.
This time, knowing the AVN in this hip was much earlier than last time, we booked it at the surgery center from the outset. My understanding is that this is more expensive, but insurance approved it and I've hit my annual out of pocket already, so I was happy to get the smaller staff to patient ratio (there are only three ORs at this center). Overall, everyone from staff to nurses to anesthesiologist to my surgeon were great.
My wife and I got there at 5:30, checked in, etc. I went back, changed into the gown, got the IVs placed, etc. Surgeon and anesthesiologist checked in with me and re-explained the process, then we got rolling about 7 am. One difference is that last time, I had no recollection of getting the nerve block after sedation - this time, I do remember it in a hazy way. Specifically, I remember transferring to what I assume was the surgical table. There were about 5 different people in the room, and they were playing "Killing in the Name Of" by Rage Against the Machine, which I found darkly hilarious. I know I tried to make a joke about it, but can't recall what exactly I said. They helped me to a seated position, and I remember feeling the spinal, then laying on each side for a minute, then saying something asinine like, "huh, I can't feel or move my legs." The anesthesiologist said something like, "this is one of the few times that's a good thing." Then nighty-night (they did the spinal + general).
I woke up in the recovery area with the nurse hovering and asking all the usual questions. I had a big old knot in my lower right back, so she helped me shift around and get comfortable. The spinal wasn't totally worn off - I could extend my ankles, but not really flex them. The nurse was patient and stayed with me while that resolved. I initially declined another dose of fentanyl, but changed my mind after a couple minutes. My sense of time is hazy, but I walked around a bit later, they got me changed, and we went home about 11 am.
So, I imagine one's experience would vary based on personal conditions and the particular surgery center, but I'm happy with my choice in this case - the level of personal attention was great, and the staff pretended that my nervous / drugged jokes were funny, which is worth the price of admission to me! Haha.
United States
You’re welcome here to share anytime. Was only making up an excuse for reminding you of something you probably already know. In other words…I can’t help myself.
