Spinal Operation

You can speak to your anaesthetist before your op who can listen your fears. Ive had general anaesthetic and after they put the anaesthetic into your vein you quickly go to sleep. When you wake up you have no memory of being under. The chances of not being under properly are tiny. Hope it all goes well.

I had a lumbar laminectomy for severe spina stenosis and excruciating sciatica. I was very nervous and the same fear as you have described but I can honestly say it was the best thing I have ever done and don’t know why I let myself suffer all those years . The operation worked I was pain free straight after .
Try not to worry , look forward to getting your life back. All the best xx

Thank you so much both of you I’’ so grateful especially your comments Momac55 . I’ve been on the W/L since March 25 and I will be lucky if I have it before June, it just feels as if it’s hanging over me .

Any other comments gratefully received on including any non morphine painkillers people have had prescribed

I had a TLIF (transforaminal interbody fusion) for degenerative disc disease, I suffered terribly with sciatica and could hardly walk.
I woke up from the anaesthetic, which honestly is nothing to fear, and immediately thought ‘I’m mended’ and I was.
I don’t tolerate morphine and was told by the anaesthetist that there are other painkillers they could try. I got by on paracetamol.
Don’t fear the surgery you’ll have your life back.

Thank you LadyGracie I
manage on paracetamol too . That’s reassuring . I would be so good to get a life back

Do please tell the anaesthetist you're nervous ; they will take extra care to explain and reassure you.

I've had many GA's with no problems, never felt a thing.

Thank you butterandjam I have asked to speak to them

Spinal stenosis is very curable. The anaesthetist will be very helpful. Before my last knee replacement I was given the choice of staying sleepily awake or going to sleep. I chose the latter because I didn't want to hear the normal theatre sounds.

Have you asked the secretary if there is a cancellation you will be available? I think the sooner you are admitted the better for you. I am sure you will be fine.

Wishing you the very best. Routine for your surgeon but big,procedure for you. It will all go well and you pain free.

Thank you Charleygirl and Allsorts much appreciated. I’ve been told I have to have a GA , too long/risky for anything else, I’d asked about spinal block and sedation. I intend to ring again soon for an update so I could ask about cancellations , thanks again

My husband just arrived home about two hours ago from GA. it took him a while to sleep it off but he was okay to return home the same day. He’s 70.

I had an epidural for the birth of our son about 37 years ago. I mainly read the newspaper. We have to trust the doctors. They spent many years training and took the Hippocratic Oath.

I had a general anaesthetic for spinal surgery in 2024. I was very nervous about the GA but it really did go fine. I came round very quickly and did not feel unwell at all. I am sure that you will be very relieved when you wake up to find how simple it was.
Please do not worry.
My doctor OH used to say that you are your safest when under a GA because it is the only time when someone is being paid to monitor all your vital functions and keep you safe!

Thank you Catterygirl and Luckygirl3 I am starting to feel reassured especially from a doctors wife . Like I said I know it’s a bit irrational and I feel I’ve been waiting a long time

I've had 5 GAs and never felt anything during surgery. It is extremely rare for anyone to be aware

Thank you sazz1. I do know it unlikely and irrational , it’s just been a fear all my life and until now have never needed a GA. I am more reassured by the comments and thank you for your input

As Charleygirl5 says, I was told there was a long waiting list for my procedure, but also told that if I said that I didn't mind which consultant's team operated and could take a cancellation it would be much shorter. It took a matter of a couple of months as against over a year.

I had a general anesthetic 3 weeks ago and had some misgivings about it I am 75 and in good health. I last had a general anesthetic nearly 50years ago having a Caesarian sectio to have our first child My main concern was that i would still be awake for it or come round too soon during surgery! Believe me when I say the anesthetist was most reassuring and dint saddle about I was talking one minute and spark out the next. Please accept warm wishes for a safe operation and recovery afterwards.

TwiceAsNice

Thank you sazz1. I do know it unlikely and irrational , it’s just been a fear all my life and until now have never needed a GA. I am more reassured by the comments and thank you for your input

I have lumbar spinal stenosis twisted to my left. If I walk a short distance I get lower back pain. Been suffering for 8 years. I tend to sit down most times with no pain but stiffness. I had two total knee replacements, last 2023, due to osteoarthritis and underwent GA. What scares me is the thought of ending up in a wheelchair. I am seeing a consultant 21 April and it terrifies me if I will need surgery. My other concern will be walking upstairs to my bedroom.

Oh you poor thing. Look I have had two back ops for discs ,a new knee, an opp to remove a lump in my neck and several more. About 8 I think. Honest you will be fine. Fast asleep. The anaesthetist will come and see you so tell her you are worried. You won't be the first. They will hold your hand in theatre if you ask and the next thing you'll be waking up in recovery and it'll be all done. You will be so much better once it's fixed. Fighting fit and raring to go so focus on that. Best wishes for a speedy recovery xx

My son was terrified and he was only 21 when he had his spinal op. Before he went in he asked the surgeon not to paralyse him. After the op the surgeon came in and said he wished my son hadn't said that. He'd done many operations without any problems but was incredibly nervous with my son's because of what he said.
I have had 2 spinal ops and been fine with both of them. The only people who have problems with remaining aware during their ops are people with conditions like EDS where anaesthesia doesn't always work for them. There are ways around this and as long as the anaesthetist knows, he can ensure that doesn't happen. I think you'd probably know if you had a condition like that.

Tension and worry will exacerbate the pain, so try some relaxation techniques, some muscle massage or some low level tranquiliser like Calms.

My very good friend had a spinal op and the pain put her in a wheelchair - she finally got a suggestion for a sports therapist and she literally danced out of his appointment. The tension and trouble with spinal ops is that the muscles don't like it much and clamp up - all her pain, once the primary problem op was over, was residual because of tensed muscles.

How are others awaiting a date for sciatica operation, hopefully.
But not even had a consultation with a doctor at hospital yet.
They say you might have a long wait, but it’s been nearly six months now and no word.
I thought the NHS was improving waiting times: but not so.