Pre- op

[garyw]

Can anyone tell me what to expect in the pre-op at the hospital? The Dr's office said to allow "at least 4 hrs" there. Sounds like a long time.
Is a lot of that time waiting between tests, I wonder.

Gary

[shannan]

My pre-op was very basic....blood pressure, blood test, urine sample, height and weight taken, and chest XRay. I don't believe there was anything different than most people have done before going under anesthetic, that I recall anyway. The time may be due to wanting results from the tests. It is more likely that it is just waiting room time, after all it is a doctor's appointment LOL. Take a deep breath and try not to worry too much.....I know it's difficult, but know there are many of us thinking of you during this time. Good luck

[throeback]

I'd say ask the NS when you should check in. Another thing you will want to do is to check with hospital admitting to make sure they have room reserved for you the day of surgery. 4hours doesn't seem like a reasonable amount of time to be waiting around....... for sure check with the NS.

First of the week is always best rule of thumb for major surgery.... make sure your NS is doing rounds that week and that he is NOT simply on a pager. You might try using a surgical scrub(soap) on your back three days prior to tumor day and then again on the morning of is a really good way to lessen the odds of infection..... check this out with your NS regarding his specific instructions for pre-op hygiene matters.

When is your big day?

Throeback

[Tmasgio]

You will definitely want a private room as you will be there for a little while and it makes it so much more peaceful. I would not worry about the amount of time there it just takes a while to get all of the paperwork done and go from place to place for the tests.

[tc]

Don't they have to do baseline MEPs and SEPs before you have surgery?
Teresa

[bethann]

I do not remember any tests other than blood drawn before my surgery. I was in a waiting room until they called my name and away I went. Quick and sweet next thing I knew I was awake in my room. I went from surgery recovery to my privet room where my family was waiting for me when I woke up. I awoke to my Doctor poking at my arm and leg and yes I felt it all. The second surgery was much like the first except I awoke with a very bad headache and they did not let me lift my head for over 24 hours they also gave me an MRI soon after the second surgery. That was a little rough with the migraine I was having. But all was well.

Beth

[garyw]

The estimated four hour "pre-op" that I was referring to, is one that is happening two weeks prior to my surgery, and is scheduled for Sept 15th. The actual surgery is scheduled two weeks later on Monday Sept 29th. I had the impression that these comprehensive pre-op tests are intended to ensure that a patient's general health is as it outwardly appears, so as to minimize the chance that surgeons might encounter surprises on the operating table from conditions unrelated to the part of the body being operated on. It would also be a good time to evaluate neural deficits in order to give the rehabilitation staff something to aim for after surgery. As Teresa (TC) said, the MEP and SEP baselines may be established then, but they may have to be done immediately prior to the surgery. The other suggestions sound good, and will be kept in mind.

[Joel]

Yeah, I think 4 hrs is about right--mostly waiting. Bring a good book.......
Joel

[peilynne]

Hi Gary,
Good luck on your surgery, I'll be thinking of you. I had my rehab at Lyndhurst, from Oct 29-Feb 22. The facility, staff, nurses, doctors, physios and occupational therapists are amazing. You will be going to a great place, wishing you all the best and a speedy recovery,
a fellow Canadian,
Lynne Maclean