I Survived the Arterial Blood Gas Test....barely...

Okay, I'm just kidding about the barely - it wasn't horrible. Not something to look forward to, but it was doable and I didn't pass out! LOL

They numbed the wrist area first and that really stung and hurt - OW! But, it's a good thing they did b/c it took them about 12 times to get the artery - TWELVE TIMES!! It could have been more, I lost track! I guess I not only have an artery that rolls when the needle gets near it, but it's also teeny. Great - something about me is teeny!

They had to bring in a different person finally and she was able to do it after two tries. So, with two more shots of Lidacane, I think I had about 15 sticks in my wrist! It's all wrapped up and I do not want to see the bruise - they said it would really bruise and I bruise easily anyway...eek!

My whole arm is super sore, it's hard to type. I'm going to take some Tylenol and go to bed soon.

Oh - RubyEllen gave me some great advice to concentrate on my breathing and that really helped - they said I did better than most people! ME! I usually pass out! HA!

So, that's done, blood tests tomorrow and the endoscopy on Thursday and then all the pretest stuff should be done and we can apply to insurance.

I am so glad that you made it through!!  I wouldnt want to look at your wrist either!  I HATE when they cant find a vein!  I went in for a DNC back in May and even after numbing.. she prodded, re-pooked, prodded some more.. I was so bruised!! 
Looks like you are just about done! YAY!

You did it!  Isn't it amazing how fear can rule us and the real incident isn't as bad as we imagined?  You did great.  And now you can move on to what you really want to do!

Shoot, I was worried about you yesterday all day long and I was hoping they would find that artery right away. I've seen the sort of thing that happened to you and it's nobody's fault. Just happens sometimes. I'm SO PROUD of you for not fainting or barfing. Just think of it as a really good story to tell. Seriously, you were very brave. This is an ARTERY they were going for, not a vein. The other stuff will be easier.

I'm a big believer in hot showers or baths if you are sick, cold compresses on your forehead if you have a headache and counting to control your breathing if someone is poking needles in you. The distraction of the counting really helps.

I have 9 lbs to go until I can submit to insurance. I'm just doing protein shakes this week. I'm only working half days even. I am TOTALLY FOCUSED on getting this final weight off because I want my SURGERY!!!! Do you think I can lose 9 lbs by Monday? I'm going to try.

RubyEllen, you give such good advice!

Good luck with the shakes this week and fighting the late night hungries.

I have excess mothering energy as one kid is in Los Angeles and one is in Seoul, Korea. (I'm in Missouri). So I'm glad I can give and receive advice from you guys. It's pretty nice. :)

What I'd REALLY like is someone to cook Sunday lunch for. My husband really and truly doesn't care about food at all. It's only a source of energy to him. We are like the Jack Spratt who ate no fat and his wife ate no lean. (I'm referencing a Mother Goose  rhyme here!)

The hungries are better today than previously. I feel a little light and airy. (I also feel like I might fall over if I stand up TOO fast!)

I have had 4 of them.

The 1st time a very small man with little hands did it and i didnt feel a thing..

But the next time owie,so it all depends on who is doing it..

But now its over and on to the next step...
huggs