![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 7 to 31 of 31. Go back in thread:
Posted by Rzip on October 17, 2000, at 19:21:36
In reply to Upcoming Knee Surgery - A Question, posted by Greg on October 17, 2000, at 8:48:05
>Hi Greg,
I do not have much in terms of medical info. to offer. But, I do wish you the best. I hope the surgery will be a breeze and you will be up and about the next day.
I might sound too optimistic, but I hope the thought will count.
Sincerely,
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX I'm having knee surgery on Oct 23rd. Pretty basic stuff, torn and frayed cartlidge and loose stuff floating around in the knee joint. Doc says I might even be up walking around the next day. This isn't my first surgery (by a long shot, #15), but I'm getting very apprehensive about it. The thought of surgery doesn't bother me, it's my reaction to the anesthesia. Up until my last few surgeries, I've always been very tolerant of the anesthesia, but the last few have been pretty nasty. I get very sick and feel horrible for days. I'm sure my age has something to do with it. It's also my first one since being diagnosed Bipolar II.
>
> Can anyone suggest something I might do help counteract the negative side-effects either before or after the surgery? I've even give thought to requesting a local, but I'm sure my surgeon would have issues with a patient having a panic attack while lying on his table...
>
> Any advice/input/feedback would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
> Greg
Posted by Greg on October 17, 2000, at 19:29:25
In reply to Re: Upcoming Knee Surgery - A Question » Greg, posted by Snowie on October 17, 2000, at 18:14:57
All,
We decided to go with a spinal block to deaden me from the waist down (although I know people who would prefer me that way from the waist up...). They'll give me Valium or something along that line to keep me calm. We did discuss the Twilight Surgery but apparently they don't do that procedure at this particular hospital. He said a local wouldn't be an option as it is critical to keep my legs from moving. He says 3 to 5 days on crutches with a little therapy done on my own starting the day after the op. Physical Therapy will depend on how I feel after the first week. We'll discuss my meds when I pre-register, I'll be talking to the anesthesiologist (sp?) then.
I'm really grateful to everyone who replied. There were a lot of things I hadn't and would not have thought to ask about. Despite the number of surgeries I've had they don't get any easier. This is the first I've had since being dianosed BP II. Kinda scary...
You guys are great!
Peace and Love,
Greg
Posted by shar on October 17, 2000, at 20:44:16
In reply to Re: A spinal it is....., posted by Greg on October 17, 2000, at 19:29:25
Greg,
I had general once and puked my guts out (almost literally) for about 24 hours. Dr. (who was in a different town from where I lived) made me spend the night at his house. That is my main bad reaction to anesth. Also to codeine.This is gross so either skip the post or read the last paragraph: when I was pregnant I vomited constantly for the whole 9 months; about every 3 hours, and at least once at night (wake up and puke). I mean anything I ate came back, if I didn't eat, if I took something to settle my stomach, sometimes even drinking water would cause it, etc. I was actually very ill (and dr. didn't realize it until I passed out on the exam table at about 8 months) and it's sort of a miracle (and being 18 probably) that baby and I did so well. Point being that I seem to now have a very sensitive vomit button, so once I start it can be very, very hard to "break the cycle" and it can go on for days. From the flu, something I ate, etc.
I know now that they can add anti-nausea drugs to the anesth. so you don't have to puke forever. If I were ever faced with the option again, I would definitely add the anti-nausea.
However, when I had a breast biopsy not long ago, they used "IV sedation" (which I guess could be a benzo) and a local. I don't remember anything about the surgery except toward the end and I sort of woke up and they were talking about going dancing and closing the place down, and I said the last place I closed down was a department store, with my sister--but it was Xmas and they stayed open til 11:00. Then sort of went back to my dreamworld. No nausea resulted from that surgery. It was outpatient.
At any rate, if you have nausea or vomiting as a reaction, I would be on the safe side and either ask for anti-nausea stuff with the drugs, or get a script for Phenergan suppositories, 25 mg. (don't mess with the 12 mg) (and, yes, I know everyone hates suppositories, well, maybe not everyone) because if you can't keep anything down, anti-emetic oral meds often do not stay in your gut long enough to work. I insist on it if I'm nauseous from sickness or anything, or I will be off on another puke fest. It's very effective to go to the dr's office in the midst of a puke fest, because you will get your Phenergan for sure.
Good luck with your surgery! I will be thinking good thoughts for your quick recovery.
Shar
Posted by medlib on October 18, 2000, at 0:12:00
In reply to Re: A spinal it is....., posted by Greg on October 17, 2000, at 19:29:25
Greg--
Very good news--spinal bloc is a big improvement over a general! Bad news--you likely will have a *major* headache afterwards; good news--whatever you take for knee pain should help with the headache.
Can you stand another suggestion? Before the procedure, talk with whoever writes rxs for post-surgical pain to make sure that what is ordered is compatible with your psych meds and doesn't cause nausea (as codeine and related derivatives do to many). Neither you nor they are likely to want you to move too much right at first. As a surgical veteran, you probably have a good idea of what works for you.
Hope everything goes great.--medlib
Posted by medlib on October 18, 2000, at 1:09:13
In reply to Do you have nausea, etc. Gross post. » Greg, posted by shar on October 17, 2000, at 20:44:16
Shar--
Read your post above with interest and empathy. I keep Phenergan suppositories in the fridge at all times--unfortunately they don't travel well, when I'm likely to need them most.
By any chance, were you ever treated for Helicobacter pylori (the stomach bacteria responsible for most ulcers)? I ask because fairly recent studies have revealed that protracted "morning sickness" is very often associated with h. pylori, and antibiotics usually cure both. I just wondered if your hyperactive emesis "button" might be connected with an otherwise asymptomatic "pylori presence." (It can live in the stomach undisturbed and undisturbing for years.) I believe (or think I remember) that its presence often can be detected by a special breath test--if true, a grand step forward from an upper GI, a truly nauseating procedure even to contemplate.
If this subject interests you at all, I can find some Medline citations. Just a shot in the dark--or, more likely, the musings of one desperate to avoid more productive endeavors.
Well wishes---medlib
Posted by shar on October 18, 2000, at 10:20:49
In reply to Re: Morning sickness ad infinitum? » shar, posted by medlib on October 18, 2000, at 1:09:13
Med,
Yes, anyone who opens the "butter place" in my refrigerator ain't finding no butter there!
Thanks for the info. I have never been tested for that, but I have been on courses of antibiotics since the 30 years ago when my son was born. Do you think h. pylori can reoccur and need more treatment. Or would getting rid of the bacteria once take care of it?
Thank you!
Shar
Posted by stjames on October 18, 2000, at 16:48:53
In reply to Upcoming Knee Surgery - A Question, posted by Greg on October 17, 2000, at 8:48:05
it's my reaction to the anesthesia. Up until my last few surgeries, I've always been very tolerant of the anesthesia, but the last few have been pretty nasty. I get very sick and feel horrible for days.
James here....
I am a classical singer most of us fear major surgery, with it's nasty intubation process that
can wreck your voice. If it were me and the surgery was not major (like culling into gut)
were I would have to totally out I would ask about
a spinal and local anesthesia, ie numbing. IV sedation to induce sleep or near sleep. Last time I had oral surgery they used IV sodium pentathal.
Knocked me out.james
Posted by Rzip on October 22, 2000, at 0:26:10
In reply to Upcoming Knee Surgery - A Question, posted by Greg on October 17, 2000, at 8:48:05
>Greg,
I know that you are going to have knee surgery on Monday. How are you feeling about it (the spinal anesthesia)? I am just wondering if you have any last moment anxieties as the day/time approaches.
I hope the anesthesia effect will not be too lasting. You will be in my thoughts on Monday.
-Rzip
Posted by Greg on October 22, 2000, at 11:07:48
In reply to Re: Upcoming Knee Surgery - A Question » Greg, posted by Rzip on October 22, 2000, at 0:26:10
Our Zip, (get it? Rzip/Our Zip, cute huh?)
Thanks for the thoughts. I am trying to keep my mind off of it but the thoughts are getting thru. I'm not nearly as bad as recent times, but I'm always worst the morning of. I feel good about my decision to go with the Spinal, I think it's going to be much easier to stave off the after effects of Valium or whatever they decide to use than a full-blown anesthesia like Sodium Pentathol. I've always been put off by the theory that being put under is the closest you can get to death without dying.
I will feel better knowing that my friends are thinking about me.
Peace,
Greg> >Greg,
>
> I know that you are going to have knee surgery on Monday. How are you feeling about it (the spinal anesthesia)? I am just wondering if you have any last moment anxieties as the day/time approaches.
>
> I hope the anesthesia effect will not be too lasting. You will be in my thoughts on Monday.
>
> -Rzip
Posted by tina on October 22, 2000, at 12:45:26
In reply to Re: Upcoming Knee Surgery » Rzip, posted by Greg on October 22, 2000, at 11:07:48
Greg:
My absolute best of all wishes to you for an easy surgery and a zippy recovery. I'll be thinking of you.
Love ya
Tina> Our Zip, (get it? Rzip/Our Zip, cute huh?)
>
> Thanks for the thoughts. I am trying to keep my mind off of it but the thoughts are getting thru. I'm not nearly as bad as recent times, but I'm always worst the morning of. I feel good about my decision to go with the Spinal, I think it's going to be much easier to stave off the after effects of Valium or whatever they decide to use than a full-blown anesthesia like Sodium Pentathol. I've always been put off by the theory that being put under is the closest you can get to death without dying.
>
> I will feel better knowing that my friends are thinking about me.
>
> Peace,
> Greg
>
> > >Greg,
> >
> > I know that you are going to have knee surgery on Monday. How are you feeling about it (the spinal anesthesia)? I am just wondering if you have any last moment anxieties as the day/time approaches.
> >
> > I hope the anesthesia effect will not be too lasting. You will be in my thoughts on Monday.
> >
> > -Rzip
Posted by Cindy W on October 22, 2000, at 21:28:29
In reply to I'll Be thinking of you too!, posted by tina on October 22, 2000, at 12:45:26
> Greg:
> My absolute best of all wishes to you for an easy surgery and a zippy recovery. I'll be thinking of you.
> Love ya
> Tina
>
> > Our Zip, (get it? Rzip/Our Zip, cute huh?)
> >
> > Thanks for the thoughts. I am trying to keep my mind off of it but the thoughts are getting thru. I'm not nearly as bad as recent times, but I'm always worst the morning of. I feel good about my decision to go with the Spinal, I think it's going to be much easier to stave off the after effects of Valium or whatever they decide to use than a full-blown anesthesia like Sodium Pentathol. I've always been put off by the theory that being put under is the closest you can get to death without dying.
> >
> > I will feel better knowing that my friends are thinking about me.
> >
> > Peace,
> > Greg
> >
> > > >Greg,
> > >
> > > I know that you are going to have knee surgery on Monday. How are you feeling about it (the spinal anesthesia)? I am just wondering if you have any last moment anxieties as the day/time approaches.
> > >
> > > I hope the anesthesia effect will not be too lasting. You will be in my thoughts on Monday.
> > >
> > > -RzipGreg, I'll be thinking of you too! Hope things go well and you're healed soon.--Hugs...Cindy W
Posted by stjames on October 22, 2000, at 22:38:48
In reply to Re: Upcoming Knee Surgery » Rzip, posted by Greg on October 22, 2000, at 11:07:48
easier to stave off the after effects of Valium or whatever they decide to use than a full-blown anesthesia like Sodium Pentathol.
I've always been put off by the theory that being put under is the closest you can get to death without dying.James here.....
full-blown anesthesia is not Sodium Pentathol. Pentathol, or others, are used for
sedation so you are not aware of the procedure. Full-blown anesthesia
envolves many drugs but the primary ones are the inhalation anesthetics.
This requires mechanical ventalation to breath for you.james
Posted by Cam W. on October 23, 2000, at 6:45:15
In reply to Upcoming Knee Surgery - A Question, posted by Greg on October 17, 2000, at 8:48:05
Greg - Good luck, dude. Enjoy the down time. I'll be thinking of you today. Take it easy on the nurses (Just bash the docs, but wait until after the surgery). - Cam
Posted by Greg on October 23, 2000, at 10:32:41
In reply to Re: Upcoming Knee Surgery , posted by stjames on October 22, 2000, at 22:38:48
James,
I of course realize that you are right. Just to me, anything that puts me under is full-blown. Either way, I'm awake for this one, I hope to get the monitor in view, I'd like to see what the inside of the knee joint looks like. I know, pretty sick huh? Update to follow....
Greg
> easier to stave off the after effects of Valium or whatever they decide to use than a full-blown anesthesia like Sodium Pentathol.
> I've always been put off by the theory that being put under is the closest you can get to death without dying.
>
> James here.....
>
> full-blown anesthesia is not Sodium Pentathol. Pentathol, or others, are used for
> sedation so you are not aware of the procedure. Full-blown anesthesia
> envolves many drugs but the primary ones are the inhalation anesthetics.
> This requires mechanical ventalation to breath for you.
>
> james
Posted by Mark H. on October 23, 2000, at 13:38:44
In reply to Re: Upcoming Knee Surgery , posted by Greg on October 23, 2000, at 10:32:41
Dear Greg,
Just want you to know I'm thinking of you and doing extra practice and mantras today, asking for your rapid recovery from knee surgery and the anesthetics.
In peace and appreciation for all that you are,
Mark H.
Posted by Greg on October 25, 2000, at 11:48:33
In reply to Re: Happy Healthy Thoughts for You Today, Greg, posted by Mark H. on October 23, 2000, at 13:38:44
Maybe the SB just hadn't worn off yet, But the last 24 hours I've felt like someone hit me in the knee with a sledge hammer. But I was kind of expecting that. It'll pass though. The walker and crutches are coming in very handy. But I might just have to take the entire week off from work and you don't know how much that breaks my heart....
Ahhh... the sacrifices we make in the name of science. The upside of this is that all my new meds are still working and keeping everything under control and for that I am grateful.
Peace to all,
Greg> Dear Greg,
>
> Just want you to know I'm thinking of you and doing extra practice and mantras today, asking for your rapid recovery from knee surgery and the anesthetics.
>
> In peace and appreciation for all that you are,
>
> Mark H.
Posted by Noa on October 25, 2000, at 14:07:45
In reply to Re: The day after, posted by Greg on October 25, 2000, at 11:48:33
OUCH!
But you sound upbeat, despite the pain. Hang in there. Take the time you need.
Posted by Cindy W on October 25, 2000, at 21:36:17
In reply to Re: The day after, posted by Noa on October 25, 2000, at 14:07:45
> OUCH!
>
> But you sound upbeat, despite the pain. Hang in there. Take the time you need.Greg, glad to hear you made it through your knee surgery! Hope you recover quickly so you enjoy your forced "vacation"!--Cindy W
Posted by Cam W. on October 25, 2000, at 21:51:25
In reply to Re: The day after, posted by Greg on October 25, 2000, at 11:48:33
Greg - You're alive, but not kickin' - Cam
Posted by Greg on October 26, 2000, at 12:26:35
In reply to Re: The day after, posted by Cam W. on October 25, 2000, at 21:51:25
Oh man! I took the bandages of this morning (by the docs OK) and it looks like he surgically implanted a softball in there. No wonder it's been so sore the last few days. It's feeling a little better today though. Got to learn to slow down some, or so I've been told. Looks like my forced vacation is extended thru the end of the week.
In the words of the Little Texas song, at least now I can "Kick a Little"
Greg
> Greg - You're alive, but not kickin' - Cam
Posted by noa on October 26, 2000, at 18:54:15
In reply to Re: The day(s) after, posted by Greg on October 26, 2000, at 12:26:35
are you doing "RICE"? you know, rest, ice, compression and elevation?
Posted by Greg on October 26, 2000, at 21:07:24
In reply to Re: The day(s) after, posted by noa on October 26, 2000, at 18:54:15
Yes ma'am I am. After all, I live just 30 miles from San Francisco and rice is the "San Francisco Treat"....
Oh, that was bad, I'm soooo ashamed.
> are you doing "RICE"? you know, rest, ice, compression and elevation?
Posted by Cindy W on October 26, 2000, at 21:24:54
In reply to Re: The day(s) after » noa, posted by Greg on October 26, 2000, at 21:07:24
> Yes ma'am I am. After all, I live just 30 miles from San Francisco and rice is the "San Francisco Treat"....
>
> Oh, that was bad, I'm soooo ashamed.
>
> > are you doing "RICE"? you know, rest, ice, compression and elevation?Greg, I'm LOL! You must be healing, if you have a sense of humor! ;)
Posted by Cam W. on October 27, 2000, at 7:02:52
In reply to Re: The day(s) after » noa, posted by Greg on October 26, 2000, at 21:07:24
> Yes ma'am I am. After all, I live just 30 miles from San Francisco and rice is the "San Francisco Treat"....
>
> Oh, that was bad, I'm soooo ashamed.
>
> > are you doing "RICE"? you know, rest, ice, compression and elevation?
Isn't Jerry in the middle of a football season?
Posted by Greg on October 27, 2000, at 10:23:18
In reply to Re: The day(s) after, posted by Cam W. on October 27, 2000, at 7:02:52
Cam,
If you want to call what the 49ers are doing right now playing football, then yes, your question is correct, fine sir.
On top of everything else I've come down with a cold. Been raining cats and dogs the last few days. I guess it's true what they say "when it rains, it pours". But that's another commercial altogether....
Cindy,
Thank you so much for keeping me in your thoughts, it means a great deal to me. I haven't heard from you in awhile, when you get a few free minutes drop me a line and let me know how things are going with you. You can e-mail me if you prefer.
Greg
> Isn't Jerry in the middle of a football season?
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Social | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.