A question about spinal anaesthesia?!

ntomer · 9th July 2009, 13:48

Hi Team,

I had an accident about 7 years ago and badly fractured my right tibia. I had to undergo an operation to implant an interlocking nails (rod in layman's terms) in the leg (between knee and ankle).

Recently the same leg has started troubling me and doctor advised me to go for another operation for removing the implant. The operation is scheduled for this Saturday (11th July).

I had some tests today morning as part of PAC (pre anaesthetic check) and will be meeting the anaesthesiologist today evening. In all probability he will suggest spinal anaethesia (same as last time) but I am wary of that.

Before my last operation my back was fine and I never had any issues with it, but after the operation it troubles me a lot, I can not sit without support for even 1 hour, and have to use various aids for lumbar support. Also while googling for it, I found out there can be complications in it, which include cardiac arrest and even death in some cases.

I know I am being paranoid, but hey it's a matter of my life and I better be paranoid about it. So docs in the house (and other experts), please assure me that my fears are unfounded, and it's perfectly safe.

And if it's not, please tell me what are the alternatives, and what things to take care of.

Please guys help me out, I am freaking out.

Nitin

DocG · 9th July 2009, 16:38

Nitin,
Spinal anaesthesia is an extremely common form of anaesthesia given to patients today. It is a routine procedure, and I've seen 3rd year MBBS students do it successfully. Our job is to ensure that you get treated efficiently and to prevent any possible complications. In short, we've got your back.

There is no reason to worry, remember that 7 years is a long time in the field of science, many advancements do take place.

Also discuss the possibility of an epidural route for anaesthesia with your doctor.
But do remember that they know best, and they are never going to do anything without your informed consent. You always have the final say, and they will inform you of all pros and cons no matter what. They too are not willing to risk your life.

Regards,
Dr. Girish Ramakrishnan

ntomer · 9th July 2009, 16:54

Thanx Girish.

Your words have given me a lot of relief. I too found about epidural anaesthesia (through what else but google) and was going to discuss about it with the anaesthesiologist.

But now I think it'll be best to just listen to him, and let him do what he thinks is best.

Thanx again,

Nitin

jkdas · 9th July 2009, 17:04

Most common as DocG said. And IIRC, caesarean sessions too use this. Pretty safe. At ease TBHPian.

ntomer · 9th July 2009, 17:09

While I was trying to be at ease, I found this link - Incarcerated Tibial Nail

Now I'll have to make sure that my nails aren't incarcerated; if they are I'll drop the idea of removing those.

\N

DocG · 9th July 2009, 17:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by ntomer

While I was trying to be at ease, I found this link - Incarcerated Tibial Nail

Now I'll have to make sure that my nails aren't incarcerated; if they are I'll drop the idea of removing those.

\N

Sir,
Google is going to give you sleepless nights. Please stop all this Google Shoogle, and discuss what you want with your doctor. Trust me, they know a thing or two about their specialty. Besides, being a TBHP member and in the know about blogs, forums, and all this new technology, I'm sure the doctor and hospital you're going to are quite good.

Remember, while it's great to be well informed, there are so many details which these online publications neglect to mention. For example side effects have occurrence values (% of patients they occur in).
This is one of the most important statistics if you want to look at any, and trust me the figures for spinal and epi are extremely low.

Regards

ntomer · 9th July 2009, 17:32

Yes Girish,

You are right; the doctor is a specialist in his field and know infinitely more than me. I should and I will stop looking for information on this on web, which will only confuse and scare me.

I will talk to the anaesthesiologist about the anaesthesia procedure; and will discuss the possibility of any complication and how will it be handled with the surgeon tomorrow.

No more googling!!!

Thanx

Nitin

manaa45 · 9th July 2009, 17:45

Dear Dr Girish

As this topic has come up, I would like to clarify a few things. My mom has undergone a renal surgery last month, May 27th to be precise and she was given an injection in her spine for the anasthesia. Now she too complaints of back pain even after some time of sitting or doing some work. What would be the best treatment to get cured of this problem. She is 62 now.

Your help would be appreciated.

Mansi

DocG · 11th July 2009, 02:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by manaa45

Dear Dr Girish

As this topic has come up, I would like to clarify a few things. My mom has undergone a renal surgery last month, May 27th to be precise and she was given an injection in her spine for the anasthesia. Now she too complaints of back pain even after some time of sitting or doing some work. What would be the best treatment to get cured of this problem. She is 62 now.

Your help would be appreciated.

Mansi

Mansi since you're from Nerul and that's where I work I need to ask where your mom was admitted for her surgery (Man it would suck If it was at the place I practice

)

The other thing I need to stress upon again is that there is no better person to clarify such issues than your doctor (i.e. the guy who did the surgery / the one who injected her with the anaesthetic)

Simple reason is that not having seen the patient or performed any procedure, we don't know what is the problem, there are many possibilities, but the only one who can really point out the most relevant is your doctor.

I will tell you one thing though, most often than not, even though you think your doc screwed up, he/she didn't!

1) But since you asked, was she given spinal or an epi?
2) Did your mom ever complain of such pain in any form prior to surgery?
3) What was her condition just prior to discharge, did such a pain exist?
4) Is she under any form of treatment for her pain?
5) What surgery was performed?
6) Which hospital and who's her doctor?

You can contact me by PM in case you feel more comfortable dicussing this in private.

Regards.

abhishek_bmw · 5th August 2009, 02:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by manaa45

Dear Dr Girish

As this topic has come up, I would like to clarify a few things. My mom has undergone a renal surgery last month, May 27th to be precise and she was given an injection in her spine for the anasthesia. Now she too complaints of back pain even after some time of sitting or doing some work. What would be the best treatment to get cured of this problem. She is 62 now.

Your help would be appreciated.

Mansi

My question to you are:
1.Why you are not consulting your surgeon right now?
2.What was the "renal surgery" done and for what reason (what was the diagnosis)
3.Does she have headache after undergoing the surgical procedure too?
4.Which position releives the pain?
5.Does your mother have any X-ray of back before or after the procedure?

My self M.S.(General Surgery),D.N.B.(Urosurgery)...

Samurai · 8th August 2009, 23:42

My wife had frequent back ache for a year after taking epidural while delivering our first child, it was normal delivery. After a year the back ache disappeared. For the second child, she didn't take epidural due to the past experience.

nischalreddy · 14th June 2010, 13:20

iam dr.nischal prasad, consultant urologist , manipal hospitals, vijayawada, in the forum for one year plus. contact me for any queries related to kidney, urinary system. nischal

Thad E Ginathom · 14th June 2010, 15:41

Patient perspective: I had spinal anaesthesia after a major chest op about ten years ago (they cut out an 8-cm cyst which had become septic. The scar is about 30cm.). I'm sure that spinal anaesthesia saved me from major pain in the initial days after this three-hour op. This was post-op pain control: of course the op was under a general which left me feeling dozy for weeks!

The only downside, for me, was that I turned out to be allergic to one make of surgical tape --- but that just led to some sore patches that soon disappeared.

It is an absolutely every-day thing in chiuld birth, isn't it?

9th July 2009, 13:48	#1
ntomer BHPian Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Vancouver Posts: 647 Thanked: 137 Times	A question about spinal anaesthesia?! Hi Team, I had an accident about 7 years ago and badly fractured my right tibia. I had to undergo an operation to implant an interlocking nails (rod in layman's terms) in the leg (between knee and ankle). Recently the same leg has started troubling me and doctor advised me to go for another operation for removing the implant. The operation is scheduled for this Saturday (11th July). I had some tests today morning as part of PAC (pre anaesthetic check) and will be meeting the anaesthesiologist today evening. In all probability he will suggest spinal anaethesia (same as last time) but I am wary of that. Before my last operation my back was fine and I never had any issues with it, but after the operation it troubles me a lot, I can not sit without support for even 1 hour, and have to use various aids for lumbar support. Also while googling for it, I found out there can be complications in it, which include cardiac arrest and even death in some cases. I know I am being paranoid, but hey it's a matter of my life and I better be paranoid about it. So docs in the house (and other experts), please assure me that my fears are unfounded, and it's perfectly safe. And if it's not, please tell me what are the alternatives, and what things to take care of. Please guys help me out, I am freaking out. Nitin
	() Thanks

9th July 2009, 16:38	#2
DocG BHPian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Mumbai - Singapore - Cali - Sydney - S.Korea Posts: 870 Thanked: 12 Times View My Garage	Nitin, Spinal anaesthesia is an extremely common form of anaesthesia given to patients today. It is a routine procedure, and I've seen 3rd year MBBS students do it successfully. Our job is to ensure that you get treated efficiently and to prevent any possible complications. In short, we've got your back. There is no reason to worry, remember that 7 years is a long time in the field of science, many advancements do take place. Also discuss the possibility of an epidural route for anaesthesia with your doctor. But do remember that they know best, and they are never going to do anything without your informed consent. You always have the final say, and they will inform you of all pros and cons no matter what. They too are not willing to risk your life. Regards, Dr. Girish Ramakrishnan Last edited by DocG : 9th July 2009 at 16:41.
	() Thanks

9th July 2009, 16:54	#3
ntomer BHPian Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Vancouver Posts: 647 Thanked: 137 Times	Thanx Girish. Your words have given me a lot of relief. I too found about epidural anaesthesia (through what else but google) and was going to discuss about it with the anaesthesiologist. But now I think it'll be best to just listen to him, and let him do what he thinks is best. Thanx again, Nitin Last edited by ntomer : 9th July 2009 at 16:56.
	() Thanks

9th July 2009, 17:04	#4
jkdas Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Thiruvananthapu Posts: 9,687 Thanked: 1,493 Times View My Garage	Most common as DocG said. And IIRC, caesarean sessions too use this. Pretty safe. At ease TBHPian.
	() Thanks

9th July 2009, 17:09	#5
ntomer BHPian Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Vancouver Posts: 647 Thanked: 137 Times	While I was trying to be at ease, I found this link - Incarcerated Tibial Nail Now I'll have to make sure that my nails aren't incarcerated; if they are I'll drop the idea of removing those. \N
	() Thanks

9th July 2009, 17:32	#7
ntomer BHPian Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Vancouver Posts: 647 Thanked: 137 Times	Yes Girish, You are right; the doctor is a specialist in his field and know infinitely more than me. I should and I will stop looking for information on this on web, which will only confuse and scare me. I will talk to the anaesthesiologist about the anaesthesia procedure; and will discuss the possibility of any complication and how will it be handled with the surgeon tomorrow. No more googling!!! Thanx Nitin Last edited by ntomer : 9th July 2009 at 17:33.
	() Thanks

9th July 2009, 17:45	#8
manaa45 BHPian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: nerul, navi mum Posts: 358 Thanked: 49 Times	Something I too was looking for Dear Dr Girish As this topic has come up, I would like to clarify a few things. My mom has undergone a renal surgery last month, May 27th to be precise and she was given an injection in her spine for the anasthesia. Now she too complaints of back pain even after some time of sitting or doing some work. What would be the best treatment to get cured of this problem. She is 62 now. Your help would be appreciated. Mansi
	() Thanks

8th August 2009, 23:42	#11
Samurai Team-BHP Support Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Bangalore/Udupi Posts: 25,948 Thanked: 47,262 Times View My Garage	My wife had frequent back ache for a year after taking epidural while delivering our first child, it was normal delivery. After a year the back ache disappeared. For the second child, she didn't take epidural due to the past experience.
	() Thanks

14th June 2010, 13:20	#12
nischalreddy Newbie Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: vijayawada Posts: 8 Thanked: Once	hi iam dr.nischal prasad, consultant urologist , manipal hospitals, vijayawada, in the forum for one year plus. contact me for any queries related to kidney, urinary system. nischal
	() Thanks

14th June 2010, 15:41	#13
Thad E Ginathom Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Chennai Posts: 11,204 Thanked: 28,222 Times	Patient perspective: I had spinal anaesthesia after a major chest op about ten years ago (they cut out an 8-cm cyst which had become septic. The scar is about 30cm.). I'm sure that spinal anaesthesia saved me from major pain in the initial days after this three-hour op. This was post-op pain control: of course the op was under a general which left me feeling dozy for weeks! The only downside, for me, was that I turned out to be allergic to one make of surgical tape --- but that just led to some sore patches that soon disappeared. It is an absolutely every-day thing in chiuld birth, isn't it?
	() Thanks