Question:
DID YOU HAVE TO HAVE AN ARTERIAL BLOOD GAS DONE BEFORE YOUR SURGERY ?

OKAY BOYS AND GIRLS MY PRE-OP TESTING IS ON JUNE 21. I HAVE TO HAVE AN ARTERIAL BLOOD GAS (ABG). HOW WAS IT ? WAS IT UNBEARABLE ? GIVE ME THE SCOOP.    — JENNIFER W. (posted on June 11, 2007)

June 10, 2007
I did not have to have a Arterial Blood Gas drawn before, during or after surgery. But my husband, through-out his illnesses have had them done and they are not pleasant. I know he dread's having them done. I'm not telling this to scare you, but to give you a head's up. This must be something your surgeon requires, everyone is different. Good luck with your surgery and recovery.
   — GrammaAnn

June 10, 2007
My DH and I both did. Our clinic was very thorough, unusually so, from what I've read since. The ABG is not pleasant, but it wasn't as bad as I had feared. Like they say, hope for the best and plan for the worst. One good thing about them is, they don't take long.
   — Jeanie

June 10, 2007
I have had ABG done a few times and I didn't think it was that bad at all compared to all the horror stories and warnings I had gotten prior. But then again, the gentleman who done mine was a well seasoned tech. perhaps that's what made the difference?
   — SnoDov

June 10, 2007
I had one done for pre op work and she injected some numbing meds into my wrist first. Therefore it really wasn't bad at all. I've had blood draws that have hurt worst where they can't find the vein and dig around. After a minute or two my thumb and wrist felt numb and it was drawn quickly. So mine was definitely NOT unbearable! Hope yours turned out as easily! Good luck!
   — Cindy H.

June 11, 2007
When I worked in the hospital I used to draw ABG's all the time. It is generally drawn from the radial artery in the inside of your wrist. Only about 1/2cc is required to it takes just a moment to draw. The tech can deaden the aread first which requires an additional stick. I used to just do the draw. Most people look away and say when are you going to poke me. It really depends on the skill of the tech and your pain tolerance. The artery can spasm and there are nerves running through the area. I personally did not have to have one pre-op but I can tell you I'm a hard stick just for regular lab draws and the tech at the hospital that drew my pre-op labs hit a nerve in my arm and it ached for a week. The ABG is a short quick procedure. A small price to pay for the ultimate goal, your surgery! It's A Good Life! Lori
   — Lori M.

June 11, 2007
I had to have one pre-op. The nurse had told me they could be uncomfortable. However, I agree with the person who said "hope for the best - prepare for the worst"....it wasn't that bad. It was slightly uncomfortable - but I think mine was mostly because I had such a tiny artery (ha - the only ting tiny about me!)....Again - I think it depends on the skill of the technician. CJ
   — CDJ

June 11, 2007
I don't understand why everyone makes a big deal out of this. When I had mine in May I was pretty freaked out and thought it was going to be crazy. The nurse was doing it, and I asked please let me know when you start, she said "honey it's done" I didn't even feel it!! I just had a little pain afterwards, probably about 3 hours it was sore. BUT IT IS NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT!!!! GOOD LUCK!
   — Tiffany D.

June 11, 2007
Hello. I had one done about 12 years ago for a different diagnoses, but I remember it well. Up till then I gave blood regularly to the Red Cross but my experience with the ABD was so 'unpleasant' that I have trouble to this day giving blood. I'm not saying your experience will be the same, but you asked for testamonials, and mine is that I pray that I don't have to have that test done for my pre-op testing. Good luck to you!
   — BykerGrrl

June 11, 2007
I had it (abg) done as part of my testing and it was not bad. It'a quick, over before you know it. Don't fret, there's a prize at the end... a tool to make a healthier you! Best wishes for success and health, R
   — robinmarra

June 11, 2007
I can only hope that i do not have to have one done. I am very hard to get blood from, period....My dad has had to have them done several times, he has a high pain tolerance and said it was painful, but he's a very sick man, and the time i remember him having it done, he was dehydrated. So i would recommend (as i will do if i have to have an ABG), Drink Lots of Water, more so than usual, to help plump up the artery, it always makes it easier to get blood from anywhere else. Good Luck! and the others are right in saying, it's a small price to pay for the payoff in the long run!
   — slynn33

June 11, 2007
I have had ABGs done in the past when I was sick. The blood is taken out of the artery in you wrist (pulse point). Since the tech can feel the pulse it often an easier to draw than other sites. I to am a hard draw, even now that I am smaller, and have even requested blood taken from there. It doesn't feel great, but it really isn't that bad. Good luck!
   — tazthewiz23

June 12, 2007
An ABG causes deep & painful cramping in the area (usually the wrist) it is drawn. I like what they did for Cindy with the numbing agent. Try calling to find out if they would do that for you. I know I will next time!
   — [Deactivated Member]

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