First Visit Today - ThinnerTimes

ScootRider · 03-21-2005, 05:49 PM

Well I did it. Could happen as soon as two months. He said I am good candidate for Lap.

They did EKG, Arterial Blood Gas and Chest Xray today.

The ABG had to be done in both wrists cause she got tired of digging on the right...

The Dr. mentioned males have more complications than females....surprise.

Mike

ScootRider · 03-22-2005, 06:56 PM

HELLO!! IS THIS THING ON????

Bigbaldbuddie · 03-22-2005, 07:52 PM

What's ABG?

ScootRider · 03-22-2005, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigbaldbuddie

What's ABG?

arterial blood gas. nasty little procedure.

Meaghan · 03-22-2005, 08:54 PM

ahh!!! That is the only thing I'm scared of!!!!!!! Was it really that bad??? I'm getting nauseous just thinking about it.

TabFox · 03-22-2005, 09:10 PM

Having your ABG's checked is as simple as having any blood test. They stick a tiny needle into the artery in your wrist. Just think of it as a teensy price to pay for the final reward of being a loser! You're on your way!

Tabitha
Open 5/26/04
321/181/???

ScootRider · 03-23-2005, 06:15 AM

Yes Meaghan, it is relatively simple and not very painful when done correctly. She did it correctly on the left hand.

But the right hand was another matter. You know how when someone is giving you directions and they say, if you get to the bridge you've gone TOO FAR. Well, that young lady visited the bridge several times.

The number of tests BCBS is going to require is crazy. And they did not weigh me. What's up there?? I guess they are going to use my weight from the seminar, but i was fully clothed then.

Meaghan · 03-23-2005, 06:29 PM

Thanks guys... I have been dreading that test more than the surgery! I asked my Doctor brother about it and he said it was easy, but he's said that before about stuff - not wanting to scare me before it's done.

I go for my pre-op tests next Wednesday - FINALLY I'm beginning to see the big OR light in the sky!!!!!

Scoot - I have a zillion test to go through on Wednesday - but I'd rather them do too much than not enough.

watergirl · 03-23-2005, 06:48 PM

To be on the positive side of things. Guy's may have more complications, but they loose the weight so much faster than women!

Digging sounds painful. I don't care where you do it!

Karenk · 04-26-2005, 02:47 AM

Hello,
About ABG'S first, let me sya hi. I've been watching this website for about 3 weeks. All of you are so brave and sightful. I moved to CA. 1 1/2 year ago from Florida. Yep, I'm a southern gal. I have two beautiful girls a workalcoholic husband and an adorable new kitten. I changed careers a couple of years ago. I'm an Office Specialist for Michael's Arts & Crafts.

As all of you there's a bigggg reason I'm here. I need my life back many hard roads have lead me to this path. Feeling low that I've not been able to do it myself where all other field in my life I strive. There is a sence of hope that I've not had for a long time. Well enough of that for now.

I worked Cardiopulmonary for 13 years and have done ABG's 100' of times.
Artial-Blood-Gas is geting blood from the artery. There are two arteries in your wrist the one on your thumb side is the main one to use. They branch up your arm etc.. There are many things that your able to find out with this test.
The main ones are your Acid/Alkaline (Ph), O2 (Oxygen Level), CO2 (Carbon dioxide) total O2 Saturation= Persent of O2 in your blood
It does take an experience tech to do the procudure well. Unlike the vein you cannot see them or make them visible. They are deeper and move around. This is why it's very important to know what your doing. IF ANYONE has to stick you a third time, tell them NO! have them get someone else. The digging you were replying about is dangerous. There is also a nerve that runs along side of the artery (which can't been seen) and it can hurt if hit. Be still don't tighten up it will be ok, way more are done easy than hard) the bevel needle is so sharp and if you swipe the artery it's a whole new ballpark. (This is very rare) Please know I'm not trying to frighten anyone just educate a bit. With the stain on our heart, due to the excess weight we have to pump oxygen through our bodies harder than others. (Smokers are another side altogether) it's very important to see where the patient is at. Trust me I'm not looking forward to it, but as someone said that's so true think of the out come, I will!

Thanks for letting me share I really didn't intend to speak up so soon. All of you have been teaching me so much. I have my appointment with Kelly today to see what other test they want etc... Again thank you all for the time you take to share pieces of your life to help others.

Calm seas never made a killed sailor.