Going into hospital

[missprim]

on Wednesday for an operation on my toes due to Rheumatoid Arthritis.
I will have to decide what type of anesthesia to have, either general or spinal and cannot make my mind up which is the lesser of the two evils.
Any suggestions?

[Mamyalynne]

I too would opt for the spinal, whatever you choose - hope your pain is diminished MissP.

[missprim]

Thanks mamy, I'm not sure now.I think having the spinal might feel more painful
but it might be worth it recovery wise.

[Bambiagain]

Your sickness problem after a general could well be the morphine - I give strict instructions not to be given it. When I was offered the spinal option for a knee op my surgeon advised against it because he says it sound like a garage in there and the noises can be off-putting. But your op may be quieter - I hope so. Good luck.

[Giggsie]

I have had an operation on both my feet at the same time for RA had general and was very sick but I too say it was the morphine. Would not fancy the spinal like to be out cold.

[Greedyfly]

I would honestly choose general - far less stressful. I feared this question when I had surgery but luckily I was asked. Spinal does hurt but for me it would be the stress of it all. Surely if you are asleep then you know nothing of it and the stress comes from healing not right from the off. Good luck with your surgery and what ever you choose.

[Greedyfly]

Also with regards to general, I too got very ill from it and it does take a while for recovery. It hasn't been as bad the last few times as they have given me less and I have now realised what drugs I can and cannot tolerate. Morphine although good for pain relief is awful for me. I ask every time not to have this and am prescribed something else. Whilst the relief isn't as great I don't feel so ill. I now recover much quicker - last time within a few hours. If Morphine isn't good for you also I would just tell the docs/nurse when having you pre-assesment. There are other drugs they can prescribe with less bad effects.