I had the spinal anesth. for both of my hips and I sure was nervous for the first one! The nervousness was for nothing because it was such an easy, simple procedure to experience.
The pluses of a spinal are that you will end up with some additional pain relief initially because you are still numb from the waist down. It also let me avoid the post op nausea that was so bad when I had general anesth. for other surgeries in the past.
My anesthesiologist had me sit up and lean forward on the table and I didn't even feel the spinal, they must have given me something through my IV and because I was so relaxed and sleepy. In fact with the first THR, I was asleep. With the second, I was awake but very relaxed.
They keep you sedated through your surgery, like you are for a colonoscopy and before you know it, it's over with.
I will honestly have a difficult time if I ever need a general again, and I never thought I'd think that way.