Not having a pre-op

Hey, I just wanted to know if I am not missing anything if I don't have a pre-op appt? I keep asking the dr and he says that they will take care of it at the castle when I go. Does this sound right?????? Am I asking the right questions????

This has me...concerned...so I just thought I would ask. (Not panicked, or anything. Who me???? Nah!) Anybody have any insight?

Hi, Liz! If you have had a recent exam by your dr and don't have any other medical problems, you may not need other tests than blood drawn. They can do those blood tests and a urinalysis on the morning of your surgery when you first check in to the hospital. I only had blood tests, no other pre op tests. And my dr didn't order any bowel prep or special diet the day before. Each dr has his own preferences, and each surgery may be different for hyst patients, so don't worry if your dr gives other routine orders for you than some of the hystersisters here. Be sure to follow your own doctor's instructions. s and best wishes!
Ruthie

Hi Dizzy,

They did my pre-op blood work, etc. at the castle before my gall bladder surgery. I had to be there 2.5 hours before my operation. Just had to lay around before I went in. I talked to the Anesthesiologist (sp) while I was waiting (then his nurse came to talk to me again before I went in)

You might want to call your doc with your pre-op hyster questions. I didn't see my surgeon at all (I was out before he got in the room, or if I did talk to him, I sure don't remember!!) so if you have questions you'll want to have covered them before the big day!

All the best,
C.

I had my pre-op appt about 3 days before my surgery. I found the appt. to be valuable, as the nurse explained each step of the process, including the self-medicated pump, use of catheter, pain expectations, after effects (ex: gas and nausea) and so on.

In addition, my pre-op is when I had to give blood samples, which are important to do blood matching in case there is a need for blood transfusions/supplementation.

Perhaps your doc has a system in place to deal with all the issues once you are in the castle? This site was a valuable resource, in helping me research and ask any and all last-minute question at my pre-op.

However, I personally found the pre-op necessary in dealing with last minute issues. I would have found it a bit more challenging with things on an emotional level if I had to deal with pre-op on the same day as surgery.

Those few day in between helped me become more mentally prepared. If you are at all concerned, please call your doctor and be as assertive as you are able in finding out about a pre-op for you.

Good luck and PLEASE keep us posted!

I didn't have a preop appointment per say. When we decided to do the surgery she handed me a perscription for my xray, ekg and blood work. Due to my insurance it had to be done at a specified center. The Hospital called me about a week prior to the castle date and preregistered me. All I had to do is show up and go directly to preop. There they did more blood work that couldn't be done before.



I'm So glad I did it. The worst is the wait the best is no more periods and having hubby wait on me hand and foot

I have to do blood work before I go to the hospital, but my doctor said she will come and talk to me before my surgery, so perhaps that is what your doc will do also. If you have questions and concerns that younwant answered before that(I've called my doc twice)I would call. Most return call same day, and don't seem bothered ar put off--after all its part of their job. Good Luck!!

I have asked the dr several times about a pre-op appt and his answer is the same, each time. I guess I don't like loose ends. It's nice to hear about your experiences, though, so I don't feel so ....untied!

You're right! The waiting is horrible! All the "what-if's" and the "did I do that's" and "how do I's" out there, I cant stand it!!!!

Only 33 more days to go!

Hi,

If the doctor says the castle will take care of it that morning, why not call the castle and ask what you will have to do as you want to be prepared! I would think that they would tell you!



Sara

Hi dizzy lizzie,

In my case, I went to the hospital and pre-registered with them and they took blood, urine, did an EKG and a chest X-ray a couple of days before my surgery. My doctor's office gave me their pre-op instructions (what bowel prep to use and food and drink restrictions) on the day the I picked up the order for the hospital.
As Ruthie said, we all have slightly different surgeries, and even the pre-op procedures can be quite different.

I like Sara's suggestion to call the hospital. Please let us know what you find out.

's

Karen

Hi Liz

I also agree with Sara and Karen - call the castle. My DH had his recent knee surgery at a hospital in the same group as yours and they did an extensive pre-op - but that was after we asked the Dr. and he didn't have a lot of info about it - so we called the hosp and they took us through it all.

Good luck -

Elaine