Probably a dumb questions - but.....

I have artifical nails. I know I'm not suppose to wear make-up, perfume, nail polish etc. for surgery, but do I have to have the nails removed? My pre-op isn't until the 17th and I'd hate to find out 2 days before that on top of everything else I'm trying to get done before my castle date, I have to worry about that hassle. Thanks!

Hi,
First, there is no such thing as a stupid question!

Second, I cannot see any reason why you would need to have your nails removed for surgery,.. your arms are going to be strapped down anyway, and I don't see how they would interfere with anything.

Thirdly, anything that conscerns a 'sister' enough,.. she should always, always ask her The good ones don't mind, and will concur that "there is no such thing as a stupid question".

Best of luck & God bless!!

From my understanding, you can't have artificial nails, but you need to confirm that with your doc. I'd just give them a quick call

You know, I think Kelly is right,....
When I recall how many times DH has told me about all the reasons he (EMT), paramedics, and doctors, etc. need to be able to check your [natural] nails for 'signs' of various things....
I would definately call your doctor,.. now I'm agreeing,.. I recall many reasons why you need your nail bes uncovered. Wasn't thinking about that aspect before, sorry!
Do call your

Hi, I'm new to this and note sure if you already have your answer, but you can leave your nails on for serg. just make sure they are not too long and free of colored polish. Good luck!

I agree with the others. I was told no makeup, nail polish, or artificial nails. Also, they neglected to tell me that I couldn't wear my wedding rings so, I had to take them off at the castle.

Check with your own hospital about their rules. They are all different. Mine didn't seem to care about polish just no jewlery.
Mine didn't even seem to care if you wore make-up into the OR just no mascara. I didn't wear anyway. It seemed a mute point.

Artificial nails and or dark polish are not good, as the doctor's like to see blood circulation. Toe nail polish is a bad idea too. But as everyone has suggested, just ask your doctor.
Good luck
shirley g

Check with your hosptial, but now a days most hospitals have stopped asking for artificial nails to be removed. During surgery you have what is called a pulse oxcemeter (? sp, we call it a pulse ox) on your finger that will give a continous reading of the oxygen levels in your blood. The pulse ox's actually do a very good job of reading through artificial nails and most nail polishes. It is the very light pinks and whites that they really have a problem with. Go figure... it will read right through a dark red, but have a problem with pink!!! But call your hospitals outpatient pre-op testing area and ask them. They will be able to tell you what that hospitals policy is.

Caren

Thanks for all the responses!! I finally got a chance to talk with the nurse at the hospital yesterday. I was scheduling my pre-op appt. and when I asked her about my nails so said not to worry about it. She said that was something they were concerned about years ago. She even said I could wear polish! I don't think I'll push my luck with that and I definitely won't wear any polish on the toes, but I was so glad I didn't have to go thru the hassle and expense of having them removed. Just thought I'd let you know what I found out. Thanks again!!