Artery Blood Gas Test

I was told that the test was to determine if you have enough oxygen in your blood to be put out, so wouldnt having it done once you are out, be kind of dangerous if they find your oxygen levels are dangerously low.  If it isnt for that purpose, then what is the purpose?  I would think if your oxygen levels are really low, it would be dangerous to be put out causing a lack of oxygen to the brain - that is what was explained to me.

I had severe asthma many years ago and had this test many times - it was horrible - I also watched my mom with emphysema have it all the time.

I dotn have asthma anymore, so I didnt need it for my RNY but had it for my appendix, tonsils, gallbladder and reflux surgeries.  came out okay each time - thank goodness

I had this test when I had my original RNY in 2004.  I was not a smoker, nor did I have any respiratory problems, so not sure how exclusive it is to people with those issues.  I had a young man attempt to do mine at first...poking and jabbing and trying again and again.  It was awful.   Finally they sent me upstairs to someone who ended up doing the test out of the back of my arm by my elbow.   It was not pleasant, but hey, you can get through anything....hang in there!

I was supposed to have it done pre op, but had such a panic attack that they couldn't do it and said they  would do it when I was asleep, but my friend who is a nurse and works at the hopital where I had my surgery told me they never did it.

Never had it , not even sure why you would have it, I have never had it for any of my surgeries, my mom had it once in the ER at it hurt her pretty good.She had severe COPD and heart failure

I did have it done during some of my preop testing - and yes, it hurt, but no more than anything else.  The bad part for me, they had nurses in training trying to draw the blood.  After 3 sticks I Iooked at the trainer and told her either she does it, and gets it on the first stick, or it was all over - 1 more stick was it.  I was much more patient than I ever thought I would be - but I have found out through 3 surgeries and 2 colonoscopies in the last 4 years - I can tolerate so much more than I ever thought I could and I am a very strong person - it's really a surprise to me because I have always thought of myself as a chicken!!