Question:
Has anyone ever been denied surgery as a result of an arterial blood gas test?

my surgery is set for next friday the 24th, and i received word today that i need an arterial blood gas test and another night at the sleep lab because of some build up of carbon dioxide that showed up on my PFT. i only slept a total of 45 mins with the bi-pap last week, so they want to get a "setting for my machine before next friday.I just returned home from the blood gas test, and my sleep study is scheduled for next weds., the 22nd. Should i be worried they will postpone my surgery? They have ordered a sleeping pill to assure some results this time. thanks for any input......    — paula T. (posted on May 18, 2002)

May 18, 2002
Dear paula I do anesthsia on large animals allot. Mostly on cows and sheep. and we take blood gas to make sure that co2 levels are normal. Usually there's a ventilator going to help you breath while surgery is being performed that controls your c02 output. (Let me give you an example of the natural c02 output your jogging on the treadmill and your breathing heavy which means your burning off allot of c02 so your levels are going to be high but when your sleeping your levels should be much lower than that. so if you have high levels while your sleeping or trying to sleep than that is a serouse lung obstruction. Which can affect your heart. so that probably why your body doesn't sleep properly. Your in bed but your body is running this race. There are ways of controlling the race so you can have surgery. I dont think you will be denied I think that this surgery will help you get out of the danger zone. Any questions just write [email protected] Ps i have seen real doctors deal with this thru oakland childrens hospital and some doctors through private organizations.
   — sheri B.

June 17, 2002
I am sorry to say that I have been turned down by BTC in Ypsilanti, Mi because of my blood gases. The surgeon said my carbon dioxide level was 50 and it needed to be down to 42. He said they don't have a ventilater so I am concidered high risk. I am so frustrated, but I WILL find a doctor who puts his patients on a ventilator during surgery as a precaution, so don't let anything stop you from having the surgery you need for a chance at life. I certainly won't..... Hugs, Carol Holmes
   — Carol H.