Pre-Op Testing at St. V's

Can anyone tell me what to expect on Tuesday, 03/03 when I go for my pre-op testing at St. Vincents? 

How long does it take? 

I live near New Palestine and that is quite a ways from Carmel. 

I am scheduled to see Dr. Mick at around 3:00.  What happens there? 

Will he have all of my test results and be able to clear me that day for surgery?

Thanks,

Lisa

Hi Lisa.  I had my pre op testing in November, so it wasn't that long ago.

It takes about 4 hours.  Someone will escort you from place to place, and it feels like it goes pretty quickly.

First stop:  Blood tests.  A kind nurse will remove 3/4 of your blood volume to fill a football field full of vials, while you relax in a recliner.  Then you blow into a bag.  You have to drink a lemon lime solution that really tastes like vinegar, and after a while you blow into another bag.  This checks for the bacteria (H Pylori) that causes ulcers.  Then you give a urine sample.  Never mind that you have not had anything to drink in hours and it will be difficult to pee a few drops!

Next stop:  Gallbladder ultrasound.  I guess this is so the doc knows whether you have gallstones and he/she needs to do a two-fer and remove the gallbladder at the same time.  (They also do an ultrasound of the doc's bank account to see if he needs a new car - this helps to determine whether or not your gallbladder is bad...)

Next stop:  Chest Xray.  Not bad - easy to deal with, except by that time you are freezing.

Next stop:  Upper GI series.  This is the fun part, and folks bear with me.  I've told this story before....  First, you get some pop rocks in a cup.  You put those in your mouth and listen to the snap, crackle, pop, while you are told NOT TO BURP.  Easier said than done.  Then you are given a big glass of chalk to drink.  You have to drink the entire glass without tossing your cookies.  Then you stand against the platform, while the technician lowers you into a prone position.  When you are lying down, you are asked to roll from side to side. 

I said hell no, because I just knew she was going to videotape it, add circus music, and put it on YouTube.  Well, she convinced me to do it by letting me know I wasn't getting out of there till I did it. 

Then, while lying on my tummy, she gives me another big cup of chalk, but it is just a smidge thinner this time.  I also get a big straw.  She says she needs me to take 3 large gulps so that she can check my swallow reflex.  I informed her that if I take 3 large gulps, she's going to be checking my projectile vomiting reflex.  Anyway, I get through that.

Finally, we're done - she tells me I can have a cup of water to get the taste out of my mouth.  I inform her that it will take tequila and limes to get that taste out of my mouth.  She does not have a sense of humor.

Then it is on to the next station - Respiratory therapy.  There you will be introduced to your new bestest friend - the incentive spirometer - and shown how to use it to strengthen your lungs and clear them after surgery.  You'll also have an EKG.

Then that's it and you can go get something to eat and drink till time to see the doc.

The doctor will get your medical history and ask a lot of questions, and do a brief physical exam.  You take your EKG tracing with you and give to him.  He'll clear you for the surgery. 

I think that's about it!  Folks, if I missed anything, please fill in the gaps!

Good luck to you Lisa!

Chris

Christie,

You have a fantastic sense of humor.  Now I will be chuckling through the whole process.  I am sitting here LOL .  

Thank the Lord, I already had the upper GI...I had to get one to get approved by insurance since I am having a revision.  You are so accurate in your description.

So the Dr. does give a physical exam in his office as well.

Thanks so much for the information.

Laughing Lisa

Oh Yeah...I have already had my gall bladder removed.

Chris, I loved your sense of humor about the pre op testing. As a nurse it was good to see the "other "side of these test!

BUMP...Hi Lisa...glad Christie was able to help you out. Thats why I love OH.

Christie you are a hoot!

Antonette!  Smooches!  How are you hon?

Glad you enjoyed my explanation!  Sounds like your doc isn't going to get a new car this time around.....   no gallbladder, no car!  

YES - LISA  ~REAL~TIME~140AM 03/03/2009
YOU WILL HAVE ALL YOUR RESULTS
WHEN YOU GO TO DR.MICK'S OFFICE AT 300PM
PLEASE SAVE YOURSELF TIME
& CALL AFTER DONE AT ST.V'S -
I GOT DONE EARLY - SO I CALLED DR. MICKS
OFFFICE & THEY GOT ME IN EARLY.
BUT, I WENT TO CRACKER BARREL RESTURANT
96TH STREET/465.
DR. MICK WILL GIVE YOU CLEARENCE
PLEASE CALL ME  ~ LOVE YOU - SUSAN

Hi Lisa,  I hope I run into you today at St. V's.  I'll be looking for your beautiful smiling face.  Good luck with your tests.  Be on the look-out for a blonde with really cold hands.  I don't tolerate the cold weather well.  I am a very touchy, feely person that loves to hug people if they are receptive to it.  But my hands are always like ice cubes since I lost all my weight. So are my 10 little piggy's.  At home I always have 3 heavy pairs of socks on to keep those babies warm.  Now if I could just keep my nose warm....

good golly, do you think I need to find a man to keep me warm?   
Maybe I'll get another doxy

hugs,
Kathy