Interscalene Block

[MellowshipSlinky]

Anyone had one, or even better administered one?

Going for shoulder surgery in a few weeks and this is the anaesthetic I’ve been told I’m having.
Whilst I’ve had quite a few ops over the years they’ve always been under a GA, so not really looking forward to an hour of listening to what they’re doing to me..

So is this form of anaesthetic very reliable regards pain relief, not feeling anything etc?

[The_Doc]

In the right hands it's very effective and the surgeon won't start unless you are numbed. He and the anaesthetist will check.

You could always have some sedation too, you know because sedation/8 NHS gin and tonics might help

[gasman712]

Interscalene blocks for shoulder surgery are increasingly common.They are not ompulsary if you decide that you do not wish to have one. They usually last 12-18 hours but I'm aware of some very rarely lasting upto 36hours. During that time you'll be unable to move or feel most of our arm. The advantage of a peripheral nerve block for anaesthesia is the avoidance of sedative drugs and analgesic and their side effects(nausea, itch, drowsiness etc) but there disadvantages too.
I would suggest the reading below and discussing your options wih your anaesthetist on the day of surgery.

https://www.rcoa.ac.uk/system/files/10-BrachialPle...

https://www.rcoa.ac.uk/system/files/13-NerveDamage...

PM me if you wish

[MellowshipSlinky]

Thanks both.
Very informative

Although having a needle stuck into the armpit....

Edited by MellowshipSlinky on Thursday 12th October 07:57

[MellowshipSlinky]

Currently laying in my hospital bed with the block slowly wearing off.
What a very weird sensation of seeing and touching ones arm but not feeling it!

So bloody heavy too..

Injection was into my neck, and then just heavy sedation- felt nothing, and heard nothing during the op.

[tumble dryer]

Get well soon.

[MellowshipSlinky]

Thank you