:) Introduction :)

Hi~ My name is Theresa. I am new to this group, I have enjoyed reading your profiles and I am so glad to not be alone in this adventure. Can anyone give me a good story about an ABG draw? I just found out about it and I am very scared. After reading some postings on it, my stomach turns everytime I think of the "horrible" pain. Thanks, Theresa

Hi Theresa, Welcome to the best wls site around...You will find so much information here, and some real nice people too I can't help you with abg draw, I didnt have to have that...Just try to remember, its all going to be worth it.. (((Hugs)))*smiles* Sally W. (Silly little dreamer) 409/200/175

Hi theresa, I am theresa too.. nice to meet ya. sorry I can't help ya with the ABG draw.. don't even know what it is. Theresa lap RNY 4-16-03 256-153-135

Hi Theresa - I didn't have an ABG draw either. I had to look it up online to find out it was Arterial blood gas. I don't know what's involved in that at all - might check with the main message board since it's so busy. Might get more answers on it. My guess is that it's either not painful or only as painful as an IV since no one else has ever mentioned it where I've been reading. Glad to have you with us, though. Hope you hang around! Dina

Grrr - this sight always gives me fits when I try to submit posts!!! I didn't have the ABG (Arterial blood gas, right?) done, but you might check with the main board since they are so busy. Might better your chances of a good answer with them. I'm guessing it's not that big of a deal since I've never heard it mentioned before. Welcome to the board though - hope you hang around! Dina

Hi Theresa! I had about 4 ABGs done in the course of 24 hours. (the day before my surgery when I went through all the pre-op stuff) It didn't seem that painful to me, but then I have never had much of a problem with blood draws. The difference is, the needle is a little bigger, and instead of getting blood from the vein...they go strait down into your wrist (right under your thumb) into the artery there. My artery is very deep, appearently, so they had to try several times. I remember it "ached" more than it hurt, if that makes sense. Honestly, I was so distracted by the upcoming surgery that I don't even remember it being a big deal at all. Hope some of that is useful info. Good luck!! -Mary P