RubyEllen (and anyone else)

I DO have to have the Arterial Blood Gas test.  It's part of my surgeon's procedure.  I get sick to my stomach just thinking about it - I almost told them to forget the whole thing.!  LOL

I'm going to pass out - I know I am. 

Why?  It's not a big deal at all.

Laura I know you dont like needles but it's just a needle stick drawing a sample of blood from an artery.  It isn't much different from getting a blood draw from the vein for a regular lab test.  I think you are way to strong to let a little ole needle stick get in your way.  Did you ever discus with your doctor about maybe getting Ambien to take on a prn basis that you could take before these upcoming procedures?  Also what would be good is hypnosis type therapy.  My psychologist did this with me several times when I first was seeing him to help me calm down and remember some pretty scary memories.  I have really bad veins and am a tough needle stick but I am not scared of needles.  However, if there was a tarantula involved in the WLS journey, I would have to think twice. LOL!

Oh great, you had to mention spiders.  I hate spiders too.  Now I have visions of spiders walking around with needles!

LOL  I'm teasing.  ;)

You two and also posters on the RNY board made me feel much better.  A couple of people said it was the most painful thing they'd had done - LOL - but the majority said it was no big deal.  I asked about the procedure when I made the appt today and the guy said that they numb the area and that shot stings as it takes effect but then after that, you feel nothing.  I like to be prepared so it's good I know.  I still might pass out though.  :p

OOOOPPS, we scared you when we were trying to reassure you. I'm surprised ABG's are part of your pre op. I would ask WHY it was needed and if it could be skipped due to your needle aversion. Do you have asthma or emphysema (also called COPD)? Are you a smoker? If the answer is NO to all these questions, I would try to get out of this test. At least ask if your surgeon would consider not doing it. Surgeons don't like to be challenged generally (it takes a healthy EGO to go into surgery for a living). but explain sweetly that you would prefer it if this test is not done unless it is 100% required.

HOWEVER, it's not that big a deal. Tell the people that you have a needle aversion and you need someone who has done this many many times. You don't want someone new doing it on you. Be sure you are seated or lying down and look the other way. They just have to find an artery to poke in your wrist and the blood tubes fills right up because the blood in the arteries is under pressure. They hold your wrist for a long time to make sure it clots afterwards. You might have a bruise.

It's not a huge biggie, just a tad bigger than a routine venipuncture. You can do it if you have to.