Surgery Question

[ICNJess]

Not sure where to post this, but here goes:

Before you go into the hospital for surgery, they tell you not to wear any nail polish or make up that day. Why is that?? I am just curious. I think the nail polish thing is so they can put one of things on your fingers that measures your heart beats, but I'm not sure. But make-up...why not?

Not that I'd feel like wearing makeup on the day of surgery let alone apply it, but I am just wondering why they say that? Not that it matters for my surgery this Friday since the area they'll be concentrating on his my backside, make up will do no good there lmao .

Thanks, if anyone knows!

Hugs,
Jess grouphug

[ICNDonna]

We don't usually think much about it, but our makeup does contain significant bacteria, especially powders. It doesn't bother us because it's our own bacteria, but it might not be good if it got scattered in an operating room.

The nail polish isn't usually a problem any more with more sophisticated monitoring equipment, but they used to say no nail polish because they checked circulation by pressing on a fingernail. Try it --- if you press on a nail, it turns white, then immediately is pink again.

As I said, this usually isn't an issue any more, but some hospitals still have it on their admission directions.

Hugs,
Donna

[ICNJess]

Huh...that does make a lot of sense. I was just going over my pre-surgery instructions, and it said no nail polish or make up. Thanks for the answer, it was really baffling me.

Hugs,
Jess

[liz2]

In my area hospitals also request that you bathe and wash your hair with an anti-bacterial soap like Dial.

[ICNJess]

Liz--

Mine requested that as well. Guess it all makes sense.

[Iris]

That was interesting information about washing your hair with anti- bacterial soap, makes sense, I never thought about that at all. Before I had all my surgeries I remember they said no make up or perfume, and no jewellery which I had anticipated. There is no way I can take off my wedding ring they would have to saw it off, so they always put surgical tape around it. By the way Jess will be thinking about you on Friday, take care all. Iris hi hat

[SheriG]

Hiya Jess...The other reason for removing nail polish and makeup, is so that the anesthesiologist can keep an eye on the color of your skin and nail beds to make sure you are getting enough oxygen. Best wishes on your upcoming surgery...you will be in my prayers and in my hear! grouphug

[ICNJess]

Thanks for all the input. :) Surgery got cancelled today (I feel like crying) so another week I get with wires sticking out of my back. Won't be till next Wednesday, and even that is tenative. That will be week 3 of these wires and such, hope they don't cancel it again. Pray that they don't! scream

[auntiedeb]

grouphug grouphug grouphug Jess, did they say why the surgery was cancled for? I am praying for you. Let us know how you are doing. Go ahead and cry. God collects our tears in a bottle.

[ICNJess]

Well they cancelled because they couldn't get a surgery team together. :( I did cry, and I feel a little better. I just feel a little overwhelmed right now, what with everything going on.

[BrendaS]

Jess,
So sorry to hear that your surgery has been postponed. That's a bummer!! When I went in for my cysto in the hospital, they told me nothing about how to prepare. I was surprised to find out that I had to remove my contact lenses. I am blind as a bat so I couldn't see anything! I would have brought my glasses had they told me about that one.
Brenda

[Iris]

Oh Jess, I am sorry they cancelled your surgery, that really is a bummer for you. Hope they can get it done soon for you, will send a little prayer your way and hope that you get the go ahead soon, hugs and hugs Iris kissing grouphug grouphug

[Brea]

Hey Jess,,Sorry to hear that they cancelled your surgery. I know it sucks,,you get yourself all talked into it and ready for it then they drop the bombshell..CANCELLED banghead . I will keep you in my prayers for your upcoming surgery.. grouphug grouphug angel angel ....Brea

[ICNJess]

Thanks everyone, for your kind words. :) I was pretty upset at first, but I believe that things happen for a reason. Not sure what the reason is, but I'm sure it's good enough if it kept me from surgery Friday. *Sigh* One week from today! I can't wait to get these wires gone!

Hugs,
Jess grouphug kissing

[Christa]

About the make-up, washing, and contacts- I think there aren't medical reasons for these requirements. Why do I think that? Because in hospitals in both Poland and Germany I was not asked to do any of those things. They put a bonnet thing on my head and prepared all necessary areas. It's probably the procedure in the hospital that all surgery patients have to prepare in that way. But they crossed the line when they took off my socks!
Christa

[michaela]

Like someone said the color of your skin, the size of your pupils and the capillary refill in your fingernails tell how much oxygen is in your body. Good Luck Jess!

Michaela