Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
General health

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Original poster

No nail varnish or jewellery before you go in for an op. Why?

29 replies

Megglevache · 03/04/2007 11:30

Message withdrawn

OP posts:
expatinscotland · 03/04/2007 11:32

I think it's so they can use your nails to check for blood oxygenation.

satine · 03/04/2007 11:34

Yes, they keep an eye on your fingernails and toenails as the 'beds' beneath them turn blue if your blood oxygen is getting low. And I guess they don't want to lose jewellery, and it might harbour germs.

JackieNo · 03/04/2007 11:35

Yes, I think expat's right. NOt sure why they remove jewellery, though. Maybe in case you have to be erm, manhandled around a bit, and they don't want anything getting caught? Or your fingers swell up and they can't get your ring off?

expatinscotland · 03/04/2007 11:35

I wore make up to all my operations, but just foundation, concealer and powder so my complexion was even.

Original poster
Megglevache · 03/04/2007 11:36

Message withdrawn

OP posts:
flamingtoaster · 03/04/2007 11:37

I was told the no jewellery was because if they are using diathermy to seal blood vessels metal nearby can cause sparking which is dangerous with the anaesthetics etc. I was allowed to keep my wedding ring on but it had to be taped over so there was no bare metal.

McCadburysDreamyegg · 03/04/2007 11:39

That's right the jewellery is all about diathermy and the nail varnish is to assess your capillary refill following an operation.

HopeIGetSomeMegaEggs · 03/04/2007 11:40

Have been told same re nail varnish and jewellery - had tape over my rings.

When I had my cs they strapped some sort of electrode thing to my thigh - anyone know what that was or did I dream it?

AitchTwoOh · 03/04/2007 11:40

plus, it's just tacky.

McCadburysDreamyegg · 03/04/2007 11:41

diathermy pad

HopeIGetSomeMegaEggs · 03/04/2007 11:51

Thank you McDreamy - was not that with it when they told me, just nodded and smiled.

Ceebee74 · 03/04/2007 11:53

Lol - I was gutted when they did this to me for my emergency c-section - had put nail varnish on for the first time in weeks the day I went into labour as I was a week late and mightly peed off so thought it might cheer me up - and then to see it taken off with the cheapest crappiest remover 24 hours later - heartbreaking

expatinscotland · 03/04/2007 11:54

Nail varnish is tacky?

Original poster
Megglevache · 03/04/2007 11:57

Message withdrawn

OP posts:
olivo · 03/04/2007 12:02

i ahd to remove earrings for my em c-section but tehy left my nailvarnish on my toes! was v pleased, had had a nice expensive pedicure on dd's due date to cheer me up...

choosyfloosy · 03/04/2007 12:06

bloody hell, if i'm having an operation i want to look as bad as possible - jean kerr said this in her 50s column - "you don't want your husband turning up at the bedside saying "Boy, honey, YOU look great, but let me tell you about the day I had..', so I say, no makeup, no lipstick, let those fine lines appear. Make it very hard for them to say that they never saw you look better in your life."

AitchTwoOh · 03/04/2007 12:10

expat, am still too busy pmsl at your 'foundation and powder so that your complexion was clear' for your op to answer that...

saralou100 · 03/04/2007 12:11

i believe if you have acryllic nails on they use your toes instead

it does very much depend on the anaesthetist aswell

also the urgency of operation.. i had a section under a general, very quickly done, i had nothing done.. not shaved, varnish left in tact and nightie left on! wore my necklace, earrings and wedding rings!

HopeIGetSomeMegaEggs · 03/04/2007 12:23

I only had nail varnish on my toes not on my fingers but they still took it off.

expatinscotland · 03/04/2007 12:27

I'm Mexican American, Aitch! As my sister always says, 'The only way you're getting hold of my makeup is when you prise it from my cold, dead fingers.'

choosyfloosy · 03/04/2007 12:30

saralou I'd agree, anaesthetists tend to be rather gorgeous and with access to lots of drugs, i guess it's a good thought to have plenty of slap on when meeting them

HopeIGetSomeMegaEggs · 03/04/2007 12:38

My anaesthetist was gorgeous and the gentlest man, I didn't feel a single needle, When my BP went a bit low and I started sinking through the table (not literally) he snapped me out of it, twiddled his syringey things and asked how I felt. " Wonderful" I relied " Ah yes, that will be the heroin" he replied!!

saralou100 · 03/04/2007 13:01

lol..

margo1974 · 03/04/2007 13:14

my anaesthetist looked like a dutch porn star, but once the pain relief took hold, I forgave him

expatinscotland · 03/04/2007 14:45

My surgeon was SO hot, I was thrilled when I met up with him a few years later in a foreign country and found out we were both divorced!