Post ltp management

hcs_mom · #1 12-09-2006, 06:18 AM

For some reason I started thinking about monitoring post-LTP and I am now freaking out about them doing a blood gas. When they are still in NICU, they always did the heel sticks, but I'm not so sure about when they are older. I know an arterial blood gas is very painful. How do they approach this? I know I have no way round it, but I want to make this whole surgery next week as "easy" as possible.

So, do they do an ABG? Where do they take blood from? If they can't do a heel stick, will they numb the site? I'm going to request a PICC line. I think they can get blood from a PICC, but not sure if it's the "right" kind of blood.

HELP!!! More

. Gee, I wonder where Brianna gets her dramatics from????

Jennie

hcs_mom · #2 12-09-2006, 07:51 AM

I'm assuming they can administer meds through this line too??? (I'm breathing, barely!

)

Jennie

babyhugger · #3 12-09-2006, 07:58 AM

I have no personal experience, but as an "old" nurse, when we had to do frequent ABGs, an arterial line was placed while the patient was in surgery.

Ann · #4 12-09-2006, 09:05 AM

Jennie -- If they need to monitor arterial blood gases closely, I'm sure they'll put in an arterial line.

T-bone · #5 12-09-2006, 11:19 AM

Oh Jennie, I can feel your anxiety. I have no answers for you.
But just keep taking deep breathes. You will get through this. We are all behind you sister.

Love,
Tess

RobiL · #6 12-09-2006, 02:29 PM

I'm agreeing with what they have all said so far about the ABG's.

Hang in there Jen. Dawna and i will be there Friday. I know that's a hell of a long ways away.

If you need a shoulder. You know how to find me.

Oh I got Brianna something little lastnight. IT's up to you when the girls get the gifts.

call me if you can before tuesday.

You've got my cell and house number.
Cell is better to get me on.

See ya

Robin

Mom2TwinsPlus1 · #7 12-09-2006, 03:19 PM

Emma's blood gases (which are now done few and far between) are all still from heel sticks. Always have been.

cmnorman · #8 12-09-2006, 08:01 PM

Marisa had a central line...and they wanted to put in a arterial line in the PICU but they never got a good stick and it was pretty painful to watch. We finally said 'no more' and hoped that the central line would hold. It was hard. And, after all was said and done, she did get a blood clot (resolved) in that central line afterwards. Her leg is still larger from the aftereffects, 2 years later. But it is getting better.

I think we had to fill out some lengthy paperwork to try to get the arterial line....make sure someone who knows what they are doing does it in the OR and not in the PICU.

Sending many hugs your way...
Michelle

annettevz · #9 12-09-2006, 09:46 PM

Jennie,

Ash had a PICC in for her last surgery. She also had an art line and a central line. Her blood pressure was monitored continuously during the surgery with the art line. They also did all of her bloodwork through either the PICC or the art line, depending on what they needed. All 3 where put in during the surgery. (after many, many attempts. You should how bruised up she is!)

Hang in there honey!!!!

Annette

hcs_mom · #10 12-10-2006, 06:06 AM

Thanks so much for your input. I will, at a minimum, ask for an arterial line to be placed in surgery. I do feel better about this now...
Jennie