Recently, I had surgery. Before my procedure, the anesthesiologist said she was going to place an arterial blood line into my wrist. The doctor promised to insert the line while I was asleep during the surgery.
If you do not know what an arterial blood line is, this is a needle which is placed into an artery. A line runs out of the artery and is connected to a machine. The machine monitors blood pressure. Arterial blood can be collected to monitor the levels of carbon dioxide, oxygen and electrolytes.
I have had a similar procedure done before in which a needle was used to collect arterial blood. It is one of the MOST PAINFUL procedures I have ever endured. I absolutely REFUSE to have my arteries accessed. I would have refused to have this arterial blood line placed; however, the anesthesiologist insisted upon it and promised to place it while I was unconscious.
The line was placed. I was glad I was not awake for it. Whoever inserted the needle missed on the first attempt. A second try was needed. The line was very painful. I pray I will never need one ever again.
No comments:
Post a Comment