Freaking out

I am so frustrated. I just called the hospital for the time of my surgery and they said 2:30 tomorrow be there at 1. They said I cannot even have clear fluids up to 4 hours before (I have reactive hypoglycemia) like usual. The problem is when I go more than 6 hours without fluids they cannot get a line on me. Last time 9 times later with an infant IV needle and blood running down both arms they got a line. It is totally stressing me out that I won't have fluids for 14 1/2 hours before the surgery. Plus I have a cold and a mild fever 99. I have been waiting so long for this and it just seems like it is all going to fall apart. AHHHHHHH. I am just sitting here crying like the stress of the surgery isn't enough. Thanks for listening.

Hi Jackie,

I'm 2 wks post-op, and also had an afternoon sugery. They *did* have trouble getting my IV in, as I was bone dry as required and apparently have puny veins!

The good news is, I now know what to tell them to do if it ever happens again. After nurse #1, #2 both tried and failed twice each, they brought in the expert from recovery. She had me run my arms (up to my elbows) in hot water at the sink. After a few minutes of this several good candidates appeared, and she had success on the first try. I will not hesitate to ask them to let me do this again in the future if needed. Maybe this trick will help you too!

I'm hoping this may calm at least one of your worries! Hang in there, you're almost there. I'll be thinking of you tomorrow.

Jackie,

I am sure this is a stupid question, but have you told your doctor about your condition?

The reason I ask is that I am Diabetic, and can not go long without intake as well. I made sure that my doctor and the hospital knew about my issue and was very loud and clear with voicing my concerns.

The results have been that I stop eatting and drinking at midnight(snacking at 11:45), and I check into the hosptital at 4 AM, for a 5 AM surgery. They have also told me that since I get hypoglycmic at a blood sugar of 85, that they can have a booster shot ready for my iv in the event that my sugar goes low.

Why I get weird when my sugar goes to 85 is beyone me, since I am very in control of my disease, and have an a1c of 6.0 and require no medications to stabalize my disease. I also have reactions if my sugar goes above 150, therefore I have to monitor myself to keep inside the "range" as much as possible.

They should be able to adjust your schedule to accomodate your condition.

please keep me posted

After reading the last post, I was wondering - maybe as soon as you arrive at the hospital they can hook you up to an IV --- don't waste your energy stressing -- call them again and voice your concerns - be your own advocate. If you are too stressed to do it, get your closest relative or friend to do it for you.



I hope you get calming news very soon.

My doctor does know about my condition and let me the last time have clear fluid up to 4 hours before my D&C, Lap and adhesion removal. I don't know if thing changed because of the hyst or what. I have called both the hospital and doctors office and they both said the same thing nothing after midnight. I have tried hot packs and the hot water in the past with them slapping my arms as we go into surgery. My last hope is to give the anethesiologist a ring and see what they say. Thanks sisters for the support. If I get through the next twenty four hours it will be a blessing and the healing will begin.

My surgery was scheduled for 3:00p.m. with no fluids after 10a.m. I had been having IV treatments for anemia and my veins were already a mess not to mention they are normally difficult. Any way I woke up at 9:45a.m. the day of surgery and only had time for very limited fluids. By the time I got to the hospital there was not a vein to be found. I was covered in warm blankets to coax them out and three different nurses tried in sucession. They finally let the "A" man do it. He just came in, took one try and got a vein. The only problem was he didn't use the shot to numb me first.

Do let them know ahead of time that your veins are difficult so they can be prepared and do talk to your DR about your suger issues so they can be ready for any problems and drink as much as you can while you can in preparation. I do not reccomend following my method of hydration. I really regreted it at pre-op.

Good Luck
mostuff

What they told my husband (he had 4 minor surgeries in 2 mon. time)is drink plenty of fluids the day before. Get good and hydrated. One girl tried 6xs and couldn't get it. He came home a walking pin cushion. After their advice he never really had a problem again.

I tried it and usually they have problems getting a IV in and when I had my lap - no problem at all. Its all in the technique, too. My plan is drink alot of liquids and throw in abit of cranberry juice the day before - couldn't hurt.

Goodluck!

Jackie,

So your day has come!

You are about to become a Princess!

I will be thinking of you today and praying that they are able to get your IV's in.

Please check in as soon as you feel able to get on the computer for a few minutes.

PS tell the king hello for me!

I also have difficult veins that are difficult to get an IV in. Make sure you tell them the problem with you veins so they get someone qualified to put it in and use a smaller needle. You might even sugget putting in a lock so they can draw blood from one place.

God Bless!