PATTS (PAC) Info for TEGH

I was at TEGH today for my PATTS (they call it PAC) assessment.  I left my house in Milton at 7:30, and didn't get to TEGH until after 9:30!  For those who know the area, that's an insane amount of time - particularly because I took the 407 across the city!  It was the 404/DVP that really slowed me down.

Anyways, once I got there things went smoothly.  I saw the Pharmacist first, which was great because I was able to get her to verify that my local drugstore got my vitamin K prescription right.  She gave me a sheet with dates to stop taking my multivitamin and to switch from Advil to Tylenol. 

I then met the RN, who did the standard checks and also an EKG and swabs  (she did the nasal, and left me to do the rectal swab ) - apparently both of these are to test for a couple of "superbugs" that are going around right now.  She also gave me more information about how things would go the day of.  

The Nurse was going to take my blood, but she sent me down to the blood lab to get it donw when she saw how nervous I was (I HATE needles, and it's made worse by the fact that my veins are hard to get at).  She said that she only takes blood a few times a day, while the ladies downstairs take it all day long.  It went very smoothly at the blood lab, so if anyone is bad with blood tests, definitely ask if you can get it done at the blood lab.

Then I met with the Anesthesiologist.  It went pretty smoothly, and after looking at my neck/throat told me that they should be able to wait until I'm under to intubate me.  Because of my sleep apnea I will spend more time in recovery - 4 hours vs. the standard 2 hours.  I feel badly for my husband - he'll be waiting for me for around 7 hours on surgery day!  Hopefully they at least update him once the surgery is over.   Someone had asked a few days ago if we had to bring our CPAP to this appointment - no need to, just make sure to bring it on surgery day.

Finally, I went to Diagnostic Imaging for a Chest Xray, which was easy.  Overall, I was there for just under 3 hours - not too bad!

Sorry for the long post!  I tried to search for PATTS experiences at TEGH and didn't get many results, so I thought this might help those looking for information on how it goes.

A few weeks to go and I start Opti!  The countdown to October 16th is on - I am SO ready for this. 



 

 Thx for the post!  So anxious for you too!  

Thanks!  Good luck with your appointment on the 5th! 

 My surgeon app. Is at 11am, wonder if they would do my patts the same day???  Have you ever heard of that?  Would save me an about 9 hour ride or plane ride!!!

I haven't heard of that, since I think the PATTS is scheduled by a different part of the hospital, or potentially a different hospital all together (not sure if you're meeting with a TWH surgeon, or one from a partner hospital)?  I have heard that you can potentially have PATTS a couple of days before surgery, so maybe explore that option?  Then you can just fly in a few days early for your surgery.

Good luck and keep us posted!

 I had posted about my TEGH PAC, but it was in December of 2011.  Pretty helpful set up to stay in one room while their staff cycles in and out.  Good of you to write of your experience.  I just did my 2nd PAC there on Monday.  I have started the VLC diet to reduce liver size and have surgery on the 2nd.  Best wishes to you!

Good luck to you, too!