Pre-Op Testing

Nov 16, 2009

I suppose I should put a thing or two on my blog. I've always enjoyed reading what other people have to say about their experience with the whole process, so hopefully this will benefit someone else.

Today was pre-op testing day at St. Vincent's. I had to show up at 7:45 AM, and confirm every piece of personal information that I just told them over the phone a week before. I also had to show them my insurance info, which of course they already had because their billing department had prepared a summary of my benefits for the surgery.

I had to fast (no food or liquids) starting the night before at midnight.

After a bit of a wait I was taken back to have the following tests done:

H. Pylori - This is a bacterial infection that can cause problems after surgery if you have it. To test for it, first you blow air into a bag and then seal it. Then you drink a solution designed to react with the bacteria, and wait 15 minutes. Then you blow into a second bag and seal it. The lab then compares the two samples to look for evidence of H. Pylori.

Blood Tests - I had approximately 10 vials of blood drawn for various things--CBC, etc.

Urine Test - I forgot to ask what they were testing here. Possibly this was for the nicotine test.

After this was done I was taken to radiology, for more tests

Ultrasound - The technician locates the most painful place to shove the sensor, and then pushes it there with great force. The purpose of this is to take a look at internal organs, particularly the gall bladder.

Chest X-Ray - They take a front and a lateral shot. They had to do both of mine again because they were clipped.

Upper GI - This isn't that bad, but it was the worst part of the procedure. You drink some crystals designed to inflate your stomach with gas, and then drink the contrast solution. You then roll around to have it coat your stomach, and they roll into various positions for them to look at your stomach lining and such.

After the radiology was done, I went on to the respiratory center for:

EKG - very quick and simple. Some people with known heart conditions have to do a full stress test.

PFT - Pulmonary Function Test. You breathe in and out the way that they coach you.

They also give you the incentive spirometer and train you how to use it. It's designed to help prevent pneumonia after surgery, as well as to possibly help detect a leak.

I finished up about 10:30. We went shopping and got some lunch, and then went to the afternoon appointment for a physical. The doctor here just asks some questions about history, looks at the test results you brought from the hospital, and if it all checks out he gives you his OK and sends a letter to your doctor saying so.

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