THE DREADED ARTERIAL BLOOD GAS TEST

Hi Everybody - I had most of my testing already, All I have left is my pulminary tests on Tuesday and not looking forward to the Arterial Blood Gas Test. Apparently they stick a needle in your wrist into an artery. YUCK!!!! My wrist is hurting and I have not even had it done yet. Has anybody else had it done?? Is it really as bad as I hear it is??? I'm such a wimp Thanks! Mary

Mary I have asthma and with that comes LOTS of ABS tests and its ok it won't hurt having it done but the wrist gets a little sore for a couple days after.. you will be fine... Debby

Thanks Deb. You are the first person to say that and I am glad to hear it. I am not a wimp, so I'm sure I can handle it. Wish me luck Mary

Mary if you can handle having your blood drawn you will be fine.

I keep hearing how terrible this test is, but seriously, it wasn't bad at all for me. I think it must depend on who the technician is. It was about six months ago for me now, but I really don't remember it being much worse than a normal blood draw. Keep a stiff upper lip, and you'll be fine, I'm sure!

Hi Mary I didn't have to have one done as part of my pre-op testing but I did have one a few years ago when I was on vacation and thought I had a PE. It did hurt worse than a regular blood draw IMHO, but it'll be done before you know it. Just keep a big ol' grin on your face! Best wishes to you! Hugz, Cathy

I had it done about 8 weeks ago - it was NOTHING! They use a tiny tuberculin needle - and poke it into the artery. It felt bruised for a few days - but the draw was VERY easy and I must say relatively painless. No problem! You'll do fine. Mary B.