It's official. I'm scheduled for the Endoscopic CT Surgery next month. Here's my question. I have the option of either general anesthesia, or regional anesthesia. As I understand it, they give some sort of sedation in one arm (which induces "twilight sleep"), then administer the actual anesthesia via an IV in the hand to be snipped. Has anyone else done the regional/local route? Just curious what sort of sensations accompany this option. I'd prefer to just take a nice nap, but avoiding the groggyness (sp?) and potential nausea of a general sounds awfully nice.


Thanks,

Bill

Hi Bill, I had open CTS release on 7/2 and 7/16. I had the local. I was given something to relax me and it actually made me sleep through the surgeries. If I had to do it again, I wouldn't change a thing. I wasn't groggy and I was completely numb to the elbow for about 12 hours. I was sent home on pain meds and only needed them for about a week. If you have any more questions then e mail me or post here :) Good Luck with your surgery.
~Tarren

Hi Bill
I had a local anaesthetic both times & that was the only drug I was given - no sedation. I've never really understood the need for sedation & having been wide awake throughout, would do it that way again if I needed to. I was given a choice of music to listen to & it also gave me a chance to ask the surgeon as many questions as I wanted. I had a nurse at my side throughout, who chatted away too. Afterwards, it was back to the ward for a cup of tea.

The injection of the local was somewhat painful but after that I didn't feel a thing. I just got a couple of painkillers before I left the hospital a couple of hours later. I personally feel that the sedation is more for the surgeon's benefit, just in case the patient freaks & leaps off the table or something. If you're a laid back type of person, there's no need for all those drugs pumped into you.

Lidia
:)

Thanks, Lidia. I think I'm leaning towards the local anesthesia. I hate trying to shake off general anesth. Are you in the U.K? You mentioned having tea after the surgery. Sounds like a great way to go.


Take care,

Bill

Hi Bill
Yes, I'm in the UK - Scotland. I think you're actually safer with the local too. General anaesthetics do carry a risk so I'd always go for local if I was given the opportunity. Whatever you decide - all the best & hope the surgery makes a huge improvement for you.

Best wishes.
Lidia
:)

Hi Bill:

Had Carpal Tunnel Release surgery yesterday plus he had to do two trigger fingers I had and here I am today typing to you with both hands. I had the twilight sleep and also novocaine in the hand. The hand was numb til this morning . The twilight sleep was great - like a quick nap. Came out of it fine - no nauseousness. And I also had my cup of tea and I am in the US in good old New Jersey. Today I have sorness but no great pain and I have a painkiller which when I take it it somehow miraculously goes right to my wrist! I cannot tell you how scared I was for this whole thing and today I am amazed at what modern medicine can do. You will be absolutely fine!!!
Joan

Hi Bill:

Had Carpal Tunnel Release surgery yesterday plus he had to do two trigger fingers I had and here I am today typing to you with both hands. I had the twilight sleep and also novocaine in the hand. The hand was numb til this morning . The twilight sleep was great - like a quick nap. Came out of it fine - no nauseousness. And I also had my cup of tea and I am in the US in good old New Jersey. Today I have sorness but no great pain and I have a painkiller which when I take it it somehow miraculously goes right to my wrist! I cannot tell you how scared I was for this whole thing and today I am amazed at what modern medicine can do. You will be absolutely fine!!!
Joan[/QUOTE]

Hi, Joan.

Thanks for the reply. It's great to hear that you are doing so well. I've read everything I could find on the procedure and on regional anesthesia. Sounds like "twilight sleep" is the way to go. I'm going to opt for that, no doubts.

I hope all goes well with the healing/rehab. Good luck.


Take care,

Bill