pre-op testing

what do they do for pre-op testing I go for it this tuesday
feb.20.I can't find anything on this. please reply. i'm
kind of nervous.
sandy

I had two preops: 1 at the doctors and the other at the hospital. At the doctor's office, my doctor talked to me again about the procedure, did a pregnancy test (standard before such a procedure) and asked a lot of questions regarding medical health (questions that she said would be repeated at the hospital). At the hospital, first the preop nurse asked a lot of the same questions I had already answered, then I had blood drawn and last, I spoke to the anesthesiologist regarding the proposed anesthesia. Some people have to have some bladder related testing but I did not have any stress or urge incontinence so that was not an issue for me. I had already had a recent transvaginal ultrasound so another was not repeated. My doctor also did a brief pelvic exam just to reconfirm everything as well.

I was given preop instructions (ie. no food or drink after midnight) as well.

Hi Sandy

You don't say what you're having done or what the reason for it is, so I'm not sure exactly what you will have done pre-op, and it does vary a little from one doctor to another, but basically the testing is done to make sure you're a good candidate for surgery. For example, because I have asthma I had breathing tests done. Standard here is either an IVP (Intravenous pyelogram) OR an ultrasound of the kidneys, a chest x-ray, some bloodwork and . . . a lot of questions. Oh, and an EKG. That's all I can remember offhand. Nothing exotic and probably nothing you haven't had done before except for the test of the kidneys, perhaps. This is all done to let them know what to look out for, if there is likely to be any stress on your heart (surgery and anesthesia normally are not) or strain on your kidneys (some medications are excreted through the kidneys) and to make sure your lungs are clear. If there are any problems they can be addressed. About the only thing they don't work around is a respiratory infection or the 'flu. In my case, my pre-op also included an interview with the anesthesiologist because I have problems with drugs. This is also the time when you can ask questions and mention any of your concerns. These will be noted on your file and you can expect to get asked about them again on the day of surgery. You will also probably be told what the general procedures are regarding admission and preparation for surgery and maybe even something about what to expect afterward.

It's normal to be nervous, of course, but there is really nothing scary that happens at pre-op. Or even on the day of surgery, for that matter. I'm telling the truth.

SORRY, I LEFT OUT THE DETAIL.LET ME START AGAIN. HI! MY
NAME IS SANDY. I'M 42 AND I'M HAVING A TAH/BSO ON FEB.28
2001. I'M HAPPILY MARRIED WITH 3 KIDS, AGE 22,19,17
I WILL HAVE PLENTY OF HELP BECAUSE ALL MY KIDS ARE STILL AT
HOME.I ALSO HAVE A GREAT PYRENEES, A CHOW, AND A LAB.
2 CATS AND 2 FISH.I WAS JUST CURIOUS ABOUT THE PRE-OP TESTING BECAUSE IT IS VERY NEAR.I DIDN'T HAVE A PRE-OP
APPT.W/MY DOC.I'M SUPPOSED TO HAVE THIS DONE AT HOSPITAL.THANKS FOR REPLYING IT HAS HELPED TO EASE MY FEARS.
BOY DID YOU GUYS RESPOND FAST.I DIDN'T THINK I WOULD GET A
RESPONSE UNTIL MAYBE TOMARROW.DO YOU SPEND 24 HRS ON THE COMPUTER? WELL IF YOU DO, THANKS AGAIN FOR RESPONDING.