Pre-op Experience....Blood gas check

I completed my Pre-Op yesterday 07/11/06 at Tampa General Hosptial. I really didn't know what to expect. Everything went great, the Nurses were all very friendly. It was wonderful...until I got my blood gas checked. Wowzaa!!!! It hurt like heck!!! The nurse gave me a shot of lidocain but it didn't help. Once he hit that artery the pain shot up to the tip of my thumb and down to the corner nerve on the inside of my elbow. The pain was very very deep and uncomfortable. I've had 3 knee surgeries and can take a fair amount of pain, but I was totally not prepared for this! Pre-Op newbies be warned!!!! I just thought I'd share with you guys. peace.

I guess every pre op is different. I didn't have to have a blood gas check for either of my WLS, but I have had one in the past so I do know your pain!! It is definitley not a fun experience. I had mine done while I was doped up on morphine and the morphine didn't even numb that pain. But a small price to pay for a new healthier you!!!

Yeah, you're right JoAnn, I'd do it over 100 times for the new me! But the reaon I had to have it was b/c Dr. Murr wanted to check the oxygen levels in my blood, due to my sleep apnea. My sister doesnt have sleep apnea and Dr. Murr did not require a blood gas check for her. But anywhoooo, it's well worth it!

I have never had to have one done. I have seen many though. I could imagine that it hurt though, the arteries are so much deeper than the veins that the use for normal draws.

Wow they checked my gases by just putting one of those electronic things on the tip of one of my fingers. They had a reading in minutes plus throughout my hospital stay. I guess their just having fun testing to see if you'll go through with it. Mike

Haha Mike! Guess so. It'll take more than that to stop me from being a loser. Speaking of that, I also found out that I lost 10 pounds at the pre-op testing. I was excited, especially b/c I thought I had gained. I'm so excited I just can't stand it!!!! WOOOHOOOOO!!!!