NOTES - Surgical Procedures :

Not The News I Wanted To Hear!!! - - Posted by My_Knee_Hurts (William), 6 April 2004

Hello
I have recently seen my OS, about the results of my MRI Scan on my problem right knee, which is a little bit swollen, and has been given me mild to moderate pain over the last 12 months.
He explain to me, that I have a torn Cartilage, and his concern about the Anterior Cruciate Ligament, and has booked me in for a arthroscopy.
I have been told that the procedure with this surgery, requires you to be under a general anaesthetic, but his only minor surgery.
For some mistaken reasoning, I throught that you only required a local anaesthetic, and was awake during the procedure.
I am now a little worry about this, but realise that there maybe no other way of dealing with this problem.
I would grateful for any advice, and as I said earlier, I am not in a great deal of pain.
Quite frankly I am not sure what to do.

Regards
William
Posted by Linds (Linds), 6 April 2004

Hi William,
I am wondering why you are so very concerned about the general?  IT's not all that bad, the chances of complications are very low.  That's not to say they don't happen, just they aren't common.  
Most surgeons do use a general rather than a spinal anesthetic , or epidural. However I think you're probably able to request this.  I know my OS will not do the spinal thing, he likes the general, but some surgeons will. Maybe you should discuss your fears with him. If you are in alot of pain, I definately think you should go through with the scope and see what can be done.  Being in pain forever isn't any fun at all.
Goodluck,
Hugs and hope
Linds
Posted by My_Knee_Hurts (William), 6 April 2004

Hi Linds
Thanks for a very quick reply.
Will take into consideration your comments.

Best
William
Posted by bkessler (bkessler), 7 April 2004

William,

Sorry to hear about your knee... I don't think you should worry too much.. Have you been under general before? If so, usually there will not be any complications.. I know surgery is scary, and trust me, i'll scared out of my mind but i'll keep you in my prayers.. Good luck and keep us posted
-Brooke
Posted by My_Knee_Hurts (William), 14 April 2004

Thanks for your comments

William

This old Forum was so valuable that we have kept it as an archive. It is just for reference. If you want to ask questions or offer advice, there is also a current Bulletin Board which you can access from our home page.