2 questions??? I need answered please!

I forgot to ask my surgeon this question at my pre-op visit. How soon can you drive after surgery--or at what point do you feel like driving? Also, I have to have a proceedure done pre-op to test blood gas level prior to my hospital orientation?? Is anyone familiar with this? How is this done and why is it done? I was only told that it could be uncomfortable. I would appreciate any info on this. Thanks, LMW

Hi I was able to start driving 2 weeks after my open RNY and was comfortable at that point. The arterial blood gas is to determine the oxygen level in your blood. It is slightly uncomfortable due to a needle being placed in an artery to obtain the blood. It takes about 5 to 10 minutes to draw the blood and about 15 minutes to perform the test. Hope this information helps. Carolyn

Thanks so much for your reply. Wow, that test sounds yuk! Where is the artery that they usually use for this? Please excuse my lack of knowledge!!

The arterial blood gas is taken at the wrist. I was very terrifeid of this test as I am usually a very hard stick for just a regular blood draw. For me it was very easy, the tech really had the knack. It measures not only your oxygen level but can detect nicotine plus a few other gasses in your blood supply. My dr allowed driving 24 hours after you have been off any type of pain med. Again I was very lucky as I did not take any pain meds after leaving the hospital so I was driving on Sunday following a Tuesday surgery. Hope this helps! Marie post op, 12/02/03 lap rny, Dr Hart 539/382/250 pre op for lasik surgery

My Doctor said that we could drive as long as we were not on pain meds. (assuming that you could drive prior to the surgery) I drove after a week and I felt fine. Emily Brady Dr. Hart May 25, 2005 -17 lbs.

I had a lap RNY and was told I could drive once I was no longer on pain meds. Regarding the blood gas test, it was a pretty quick test! They took blood out of my wrist...it felt the same as it feels when they are inserting an IV... They took out one tube of blood and it was over. It was quick and, for me, didn't feel any different than any other time they take blood. Good luck and don't worry...it's nothing to worry about!

Well, for a slightly different perspective on the arterial blood gases....I had one done a few years ago when I was in the hospital for asthmatic broncitis and it hurt like hell. I remember crying over it, and trust me, I don't cry in public over anything. I have been told since then that the area of your wrist where they stick you can be numbed with a topical medicine, almost Anbesol for teeth. I would highly suggest asking for it. Kelle