Question:
Do we have to get blood gases drawn??
I just read a post about getting blood gases drawn (and it hurts like heck) do we have to get it done after surgery or do some dr not do it?? first the NG tube now this?? oh my god i dont think i can do this — [Anonymous] (posted on February 1, 2001)
February 1, 2001
YES, YOU CAN do it!! Blood gases are like other medical things--Ivs for
example. Sometimes they hurt and sometimes you barely feel them. I have
had them done once and it was not such a big deal, really. Like a toothache
for a couple of minutes. Likewise, I was slated--and dreading--to have an
NG tube, and don't even remember it because it was pulled so early in
post-op care.
Blood gases (aka "ABGs") are done when a heart or lung problem
such as emphysema MAY pose a problem with anesthesia types. NOT NEARLY
EVERY MD ORDERS THEM, NOR DOES EVERY PATIENT NEED THEM. Fears are
normal,but as my sister tells me, "Don't borrow trouble!" Wait
until it comes to you, and remind yourself that a) half the stuff never
happens after all, and b) quite a few thigs aren't nearly as bad as we
fear. --Jesse, 8 days post-op and doing well.
— Jesse M.
February 1, 2001
Ahhhh, come on!!! :-) What is 15 seconds of 'ouch' compared to a
lifetime of misery? Same goes for the NG tube, sweetheart! OF COURSE you
CAN do this!!!! Don't let the far of the unknown steal the opportunity to
LIVE again from you. No one has said that this journey is easy, but VERY
few say that they regret their decision. In fact.... I haven't read a
single post that said that. Personally, I can't wait for my NG tube and
blood gas!!!!! :-) Hang tough!
— Laurie L.
February 1, 2001
Don't waste energy worrying about the tubes and needles. I mean, they
sliced a nine-inch hole into my abdomen...a little needle wasn't nothing.
In any case, I didn't have an NG tube, a drain tube or an ABG...your doctor
may not order them either. Good luck to you and think warm skinny
thoughts!
— Allie B.
February 1, 2001
Some do, some don't. I was high lung risk, so I had to with my RNY. Ow.
15 minutes of discomfort. 1 minute for every 10# I lost. Fair enough. The
NG tube was annoying. A blood draw is more painful, if you're thinking
pain. You're out when they put it in, gaga when they take it out. Even
still, it doesn't HURT, only feels odd because it is an unrecognized
sensation. See? Sore, but not agony on the incision. Unfamiliar
sensations, but very do-able.
— vitalady
September 17, 2001
OMG did it hurt!!!!!!.. I am a hard stick anyways and thank god where the
test was done was in the part where babies are born cuz i surely yelled to
the top of my lungs...it hurt badly for me...
Tina
— SouthernFancy
September 17, 2001
I had the arterial blood gas test done the morning of my surgery, they took
the blood thru an artery in my wrist. It most definetely wasn't a pleasant
experience, but compared to the surgery it was nothing. Not to worry, the
techs who do this testing know what they are doing and it's only a few
minutes of being uncomfortable.
— Carrie G.
September 18, 2001
First, not all doctors order a blood gas. Mine didn't and I am a severe
asthmatic. Second, you can speak to your surgeon about the test. Find out
if he routinely orders the test and why. I have found that every time I go
to the ER because of an asthma attack that doctors will often order ABGs as
a matter of routine. Unfortunately, they've been really painful for me, so
I have begun to refuse them. Often, I've found, it doesn't really change
the course of treatment. So, if you are really afraid, or think that it
will keep you from having the surgery, talk to your doctor, express your
fears and ask how necessary the test is, and what they are looking for
SPECIFICALLY, just to make sure they are not doing it as a matter of
routine. If your surgeon feels it is necessary IN YOUR SPECIFIC CASE, rest
assured that it is NOT the end of the world. I've had enough to know that
sometimes, it doesn't hurt at all, depending upon who does the test. If you
need one, just ask if they can give you something for pain before the
procedure, usually they can. Good luck, and don't be afraid, in the big
picture, it's really nothing! Good luck. Maria
— Maria H.
November 20, 2002
I had my Blood Gases Test Oct. 25, 2002 and was very apprehensive. Lucky
for me that I was really, really thirsty the night before! My Dr. advised
me, nothing to eat or drink after 12 Midnight, so at 11:30pm the night
before, I drank myself silly on water, water, water and more water! And I
am really glad I did. The gentleman who did my test got me in early,
before my EKG and Dubutamine Stress Test. It was a BREEZE! I asked him
about the severe discomfort and pain of other patients that I had talked to
and he said that it might have been because they were dehydrated. Most of
his patients for the Blood Gases Test get to him AFTER the others or later
in the day. Because I had hydrated myself so well the night before, it is
possible that made it much easier. Technicians have a harder time getting
IV's in me than he did. Good luck to all! And remember, focus.
— Mandi E.
September 6, 2003
i am the person in the lab who does the abg's and they are painful for some
moreso than others and i have had them when my lung collapsed every 2
hours if ypu get a good experinced teck it shouldn't be too bad just
remember to breath in your nose and out your mouth SLOWLY and it will be
over in a few seconds!!!!
— blank first name B.
January 3, 2004
I had my ABG done and it didn't hurt me a bit. Least ways no more then
giving them blood. Just a little sting when they put the needle in is all.
I wish everyone luck on their surgeries.
— Jeannett F.
January 9, 2004
I had to have this test also. The pulmonary guy did it. And when he does it
he gives you Novocain in the back of your wrist where the blood is gonna be
drawn from. Then they stick you with the other needle into an artery. It
doesn't really hurt at all, but you do feel pressure when the blood is
being drawn and the needle is coming back out. But No biggy, its really not
bad, unless of course they don't numb the area first.
— ItsThenewKelley
October 6, 2004
find another dr. i did and the test was not necessary. I tried to have it
the first time, but after being stabbed 4 times and no blood...i
refused..then when i went for my clearance they wouldnt give it to me
unless i had the test..
needless to say..i was cleared by another pulmonologist 2 days
later..without the test.
— LiL Vanilla *.
October 6, 2004
I have had blood gasses drawn several times. I did not find it to be any
worse than any other blood draw.
— **willow**
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