ABG

[nervous nana 98]

Hi everyone, my name is Tina and i am new to the forums but i love reading what is happening with each of you and have learned so much from all of you. I actually spend more time on here than facebook..lol

All my pre op tests were scheduled for next Friday on May 29th. This includes an ABG (arterial blood gas) has anyone else had to get this and how bad does it hurt? It is the only thing about this whole process I'm dreading.

[moonchild.12411 7]

oh, sweetie.. I'm not going to lie.. those things hurt like hell.. I have had plenty of those since I was a teen because of respiratory issues.. I just want u to prepare urself because that way u can expect it & not panic during it.. there was one woman who didn't hurt me that bad, & she did it completely different than the others.. she got down at eye level with my wrist resting on the hospital bed, & went in straight instead of them hovering over my wrist & going straight down.. maybe I shouldn't tell u all of this.. really just trying to help!! if u can take an ipod or something to help keep u calm.. that helps me!! please keep us posted!!

[nervous nana 98]

Just checking back in to say I had my ABG today. I felt it no doubt but it is over and that was my first hurdle to my new life!!

[spiritfilled 32]

What is ABG?

[moonchild.12411 7]

@ nervous nana: yay!!! I really hope I helped & not caused u to have a panic attack.. lol -- @ spiritfilled: abg's are arterial blood gases.. it's where they draw blood from an artery in the wrist.. in my experience, it's not an exact location for them.. they have to kinda search for it once they're in it.. i can honestly say that those are one thing that can raise my blood pressure! lol

[nervous nana 98]

Yes it did definitely raised my blood pressure and I wouldn't say it was a pleasant test but it was such a relief when it was over. Left a big hole.in my wrist though. You did help and thank you so much for replying to me. This was really a big deal to me and I am so glad to have it behind me. All other pre op testing is scheduled for next Friday. This site is awesome, I love all the support!!!

[moonchild.12411 7]

ur very welcome! glad that's over for u!! good luck with the rest of ur journey.. I love this site, too.. wish I would have found it sooner! lol

[caligul 102]

OMG!! That sounds painful! (As if the surgery isnt.. lol) its so crazy how each DR has their own test they make us go thru for the same surgery. ..glad mine did not request an ABG!

[nervous nana 98]

@@caligul, it is crazy how the hoops of fire we each have to jump through is different. The labs, the xrays, outpatient tests, even the pre op diet all different for one common surgery, one common goal. I agree, absolutely crazy! The ABG was almost a deal breaker for me. That's one test I have always been scared of. He's also the only surgeon in my area that requires this test, however he is also the surgeon that my insurance covers with the least out of pocket so I was in a catch 22. I'm really glad I got it over with and glad you don't have to have it either

[NewmaM83 11]

I am having the ABG test done in the morning. It has me extremely nervous! I don't like needles but tolerate getting my blood drawn from the middle of my arm. My wrist though? It gives me the heeby geebies thinking about it lol! I don't have a surgery date yet but this is one of the last clearances to complete, along with a chest xray and breathing test (blow into a tube or something like that)!

[NewmaM83 11]

Just to follow up incase anyone searches this post for info! I had the ABG today. I was dreading it... palms sweaty, pulse racing! When she stuck me though, I didn't even feel it. It lasted about 30 seconds and then done. It makes you a little light headed but thats about it. I guess it all just depends on the placement of the artery and who is doing the procedure!

[nervous nana 98]

So glad that is over for you, for us both!!!! I was definitely expecting it to be much worse than it was. Most importantly WE DID IT!!! Now we can move forward. My surgery will be the end of Oct or beginning of Nov

[NewmaM83 11]

Yes, I was expecting the worse haha! So glad that part is over though. All I need to do is to get lab results back, write a letter to my insurance company stating why the surgery will benefit me, and get a few years worth of medical records. Once I do those, I have to call my doctor and get an appt for them to make sure I have everything done on the checklist, then we wait for approval and a date! Gosh I hope that doesn't take long. Maybe it will be around the time yours is!