Question:
If you are wearing a nicatein patch at pre-op will it show up in the blood test?

My original sugery date was dec 4, I was lucky and the sugery got moved up to Aug 7. I had planned to stop smoking thinking i had plenty of time. However, I am now looking at aprox 26 day until my sugery. My post op is on July 24. I am more anxious than every now and feel that i must complete at least 3 weeks on the patch. Will it show in my blood or my gases test? Will i have to have a gases test in the wrist? so many Questions very little time. Please pray for me. Thank you so much! OH, 5 days no smoking!    — Lisa V. (posted on July 15, 2002)

July 15, 2002
Congrats - you have done the hard part! IF your doc (not all do) wants an ABG (arterial blood gas from the wrist) test - the way they tell you have been smoking is by your carbon monoxide levels - not nicotine levels. Any doc would probably be proud you were on the patch - stick with it as long as you need it. My hubby quit smoking 7 months ago, but still chews gum when he "needs" it - parties, etc.
   — M. A. B.

July 15, 2002
I wouldn't worry. Even if it does show up, at least the surgeon will know you are really trying to quit. I quit 6 years ago using the patch. I was fully off of cigarettes in 3 weeks! Mind you, I smoked a good pack a day for 20 years! It is hard but you can succeed at it. And you will feel so much better!
   — Kim B.