ANA Discussion Forum

Pre-Treatment Options => Pre-Treatment Options => Topic started by: Debbi on April 09, 2008, 10:03:03 am

Title: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: Debbi on April 09, 2008, 10:03:03 am
Hi All-

So, I get the fax with the info for the Pre-Admittance appointment on the 14th and - much to my surprise - I see that I also need to come in two days prior to surgery for another MRI and "markers" on my head!  (And, I should add that I can't get the markers wet, so you know what THAT means - no shampooing until I'm home from the hospital!)

So, my questions are

Did anyone else have to get "markers" ahead of time?

Can anyone recommend a dry shampoo that I could use for those couple of days?

I think I am overly obsessed with the shampooing thing - maybe I should be more worried about the brain surgery??!!   ::)

Three weeks and counting...

Debbi (shampooing compulsively...)
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: lori67 on April 09, 2008, 10:33:58 am
Sorry Debbi.  Never heard of them marking your head days in advance.  I would be the same way you are though - not being able to wash my hair would drive me crazy.  Maybe you could bring them a Sharpie marker - those stay on pretty good!

It's amazing how much difference there is between the techniques the doctors use. 

Never tried one of those dry shampoos, but I know there are a few on the market.  I would think the drug store would have them.

Lori
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: Kaybo on April 09, 2008, 10:41:40 am
Debbi~
I feel quite certain they didn't mark me for my AN surgery - I know not in advance!  For my last surgery (T3), they just did it that morning and they marked a LOT -- I was so sad I forgot the camera for that one!!  LOL!!!   ;D
I agree w/ Lori -- go for a Sharpie -- HEY, a new commercial for them about Sharpies lasting ability and different uses!!
K
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: ppearl214 on April 09, 2008, 11:29:49 am
Hey debbi,

Unsure about the markers. It is my understanding that markers are typically used for radiation therapy, such as cancer treatments but not for invasive surgery. Hoping someone here can answer... this is a first that I've heard, as well.  BTW, I do have colored Sharpies if interested :)

BTW, hairdresser here. Years ago, there was a spray shampoo, called "PSSSSSSTTTT".... (think back all.... ;) ). Anyway, its basically a spray that consists of talcum. Talc will absorb oils in the hair.  Not sure if it's still around, but baby powder/talc (away from surgical sight) may be of help. Just FYI...

signed,
Phyllis, licensed cosmetologist in 2 USA states :)
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: leapyrtwins on April 09, 2008, 11:39:19 am
Deb -

I didn't have markers for either my AN or BAHA surgery, but for both surgeries the doc marked my ear with a pen so he would know which side to operate on.  I think it's actually a rule at hospitals now since there are cases where the docs screw up :o

For the AN surgery he just put a large dot on my ear lobe, for the BAHA surgery he actually signed his initials on my ear lobe.  In both cases he used purple ink and it was a real pain to get it off! 

Believe it or not, the PSSSSSST dry shampoo Phyl mentioned still exists.  I don't know if it's available at your local drugstore, but I ordered 2 cans of it from drugstore.com prior to my surgery.  Then I found out that I couldn't use it because the residue getting anywhere near your incision is a big issue. 

Jan - not a cosmetologist of any kind  ;D

Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: LADavid on April 09, 2008, 12:01:22 pm
Hi Debbi

Never heard of the marker days in advance.  They did mark the AN side while I was in pre-op.  Of course they waited until they had shot me up with Vallium to ask me which side the AN was on -- which seemed a bit odd.  I got it right.  I am quite sure they knew they just wanted the words to come from my mouth.

And as far as the shampooing -- I am assuming it's standard procedure -- they had me shampooing with an anti-bacterial shampoo three days before the surgery. 

I know your concerns -- I had them too -- but in retrospect, during my hospital time, my biggest concern was when are they going to give me real food instead of ice chips.

David
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: Debbi on April 09, 2008, 12:33:55 pm
Ah, yes, I remember Psssttt.  Can't believe it is still around.  I'll check out local drugstore for a can.  I know I am just being silly obsessing about the shampoo - guess it feels like something I have some control over as opposed to the surgery which is totally out of my control.

I do find it weird about the markers, though - I haven't heard or read about anyone having this prior to surgery.  I'll have to ask MaryMomof3 since she had the same surgeons as me and only had surgery a few weeks ago.  Maybe I'll send the surgeon a quick email, too - I'm sure they love it when patients question their protocols!   ;D

Thanks for being there for me!

Debbi - b minus 21 ....
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: lori67 on April 09, 2008, 12:44:14 pm
Oh yeah, I remember PSSSSSSTTTTTT!  Team that up with some Aqua Net hairspray, and we big-haired Jersey girls were good to go!

I got the marker treatment right before when the doctor came in and wrote "YES" on my face in front of my ear. I think my husband took a picture of that since he thought it was funny.  I do remember it was not easy to get off.

Lori - in desperate need of a cosmetologist (or a magician)
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: ppearl214 on April 09, 2008, 01:01:05 pm
USA malpractice insurance... doncha just love it... now they "mark" us on proper to-be surgical site..... go figure....

signed,
Phyl, retired cosmetologist who self colors own hair
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: Jim Scott on April 09, 2008, 01:46:02 pm
Hi, Debbi:

My neurosurgeon employed nerve monitoring and I received 'markers' prior to my surgery. 

They indicate where a nurse (or whoever does the job) is to shave very small  'patches' to accommodate the nerve-monitoring electrode connections.  The shaving was done 24 hours prior to the surgery, at a local hospital.  I wore a baseball cap to the hospital on the day of my surgery.  If you're having nerve monitoring, which I highly recommend, not to worry, the 'shaved patches grew back quickly.  If you have long hair, they shouldn't even be noticeable.  Ask your surgeon about the reason for the markers.  If they are related to nerve monitoring during surgery, that's a good thing. 

I couldn't shampoo for four days following my surgery.  I hated it, even though I'm a guy.  Hey, no one likes oily, dirty hair!

No clue on 'dry shampoo' but Psssssst has been around a long time and sounds like it'll do the job for you.   

I think you're going to be just fine and on top of that, post-op, you'll have clean, soft hair.    ;)  Things are looking up! 


Jim
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: Debbi on April 09, 2008, 01:48:58 pm
Hi Jim-

Well, thanks SO much!  Makes perfect sense - and, yes, they have a whole nerve monitoring team, apparently.  Just the same, I'll shoot the surgeon a quick email to verify.

Thank you, thank you - you've put my mind at ease ... at least for now!   Sure not looking forward to the dirty hair though... ugh.

Debbi - getting ready to shampoo in NJ...
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: leapyrtwins on April 09, 2008, 02:45:43 pm
Well, I'm glad that Jim could shed some light on this question.

I had nerve monitoring and I didn't get markers prior to my surgery - at least not that I'm aware of.  Maybe they placed the markers after they put me to sleep  ???

It will be interesting to see what MaryMomof3 says.

Jan - trying to decide if she should self color her hair again, or continue to embarass daughter with her gray   ;D

Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: Debbi on April 09, 2008, 02:56:53 pm
Hi Jan- you could color your hair purple or something like that - you know, kill two birds with one shot. Freshen up the color AND embarrass your daughter!

Ha Ha!

Debbi (going to have the colorist do it - the coloring, not the markers....)
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: leapyrtwins on April 09, 2008, 03:02:11 pm
Now you suggest it!  Purple hair would have looked great with my purple ear lobe!

Jan - wondering how old is too old for purple hair ???



Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: LADavid on April 09, 2008, 04:24:23 pm
Jan
It's never too old for purple hair.  I was tempted to go into the hospital with a blue Mohawk.  Then I started thinking that I didn't want the doctors laughing at anything when they were fooling around inside my head.  I opted for a marine cut.
David
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: lori67 on April 09, 2008, 04:32:43 pm
I didn't have markers for my nerve monitoring, but my monitoring was what I was the guinea pig for, so it wasn't the usual kind.

Debbie, just think of the money you can save on shampoo and conditioner for a little while.  You can use that to buy chocolate or something instead.

And David, good thinking on not wanting to make your doc laugh during your surgery.  You might have wound up with a permanent Mohawk!

Jan, maybe you should save the purple for the symposium next year.  That way we'll all know it's you when we arrive!

Lori
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: Debbi on April 09, 2008, 04:40:09 pm
Well, now that you've all created great mental pictures for me - what with purple hair, mohawks, etc ... I'll be expecting BIG things at the symposium next year.

David, I still think you might have at least colored your buzz cut something interesting ... 

Hey, maybe if I bring some of that temporary hair paint to the hospital, my hubby can paint my hair after surgery - it would keep anyone from noticing how dirty and yucky it will be.  Hmm, maybe I'm on to something here...  I'm sensing a possible business venture...    ;)

Oh, btw, I got one additional piece of info about the "markers" - they are officially called Fiducials.  Doesn't THAT sound important!!

Deb - pre fiducial, pre surgery, pre postie...
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: Kaybo on April 09, 2008, 05:10:55 pm
WOW!  I was only away for a little while and I miss whole pages!!

K  - NEEDING color but can't get it for 3 more weeks!!
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: yardtick on April 09, 2008, 05:26:14 pm
Hey my AN friends, I've had purple hair, with red highlights.  If you really look closely at my picture you can see it.  I'm expresso now!!!

Anne Marie
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: Kaybo on April 09, 2008, 05:28:49 pm
You go girl -- are you a wild woman living on the edge or what??
K
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: Debbi on April 09, 2008, 05:41:37 pm
Maybe we all need to start thinking green - it IS spring, after all...

Debbi - b minus 21 and I'm all a-twitter
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: marymomof3 on April 09, 2008, 06:09:06 pm
Hi Debbi - I would've responded before... but didn't see this post.  I did not have any kind og marking at my post op appointment.  The only mark I had was just before surgery when the doctor put a mark on my ear lope on the AN side.  Other than that, I never heard of any marking. 

At my post op appointment, I met with a anesthesiologist, a PA and a nurse.  I had an EKD, blood drawn, and some random tests to review my balance.  And you know, the basic take a deep breath while I listen to your heart. 

Please feel free to cal me if you need anything.
Mary
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: leapyrtwins on April 09, 2008, 08:22:15 pm
Jan
It's never too old for purple hair.  I was tempted to go into the hospital with a blue Mohawk.  Then I started thinking that I didn't want the doctors laughing at anything when they were fooling around inside my head.  I opted for a marine cut.
David

Awww, David, you're no fun!

The blue mohawk would have been the talk of the OR  ;D

Sounds like something I would have done, if I'd only thought of it!

Jan

Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: leapyrtwins on April 09, 2008, 08:24:27 pm

Jan, maybe you should save the purple for the symposium next year.  That way we'll all know it's you when we arrive!

Lori

Great idea, Lori.  But you're forgetting that you and I are both shaving our heads in order to get our knit hats from Steve!  Maybe we can paint out heads purple once we shave them.

Jan
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: leapyrtwins on April 09, 2008, 08:27:32 pm
I did not have any kind og marking at my post op appointment.  The only mark I had was just before surgery when the doctor put a mark on my ear lope on the AN side.  Other than that, I never heard of any marking. 


So, Deb, maybe you are going to be a guinea pig like Lori.

I'd ask for royalties if I were you; Lori missed the boat on that  ;)

Jan
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: jtd71465 on April 10, 2008, 04:08:07 am
Make sure they don't get carried away and start drawing a mustache on you with these permanent markers!

Joe-

Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: leapyrtwins on April 10, 2008, 06:12:23 am
Make sure they don't get carried away and start drawing a mustache on you with these permanent markers!

Joe-

Well, if they did the drawing after they knocked you out and you woke up post op this way, they could hand you a mirror and it would distract you from everything else that was going on   :D

Jan
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: Debbi on April 10, 2008, 09:05:26 am
Okay, so if I am correct, I need
A) an agent
B) a mustache stencil
C) several different colors of dye for head/hair

Joe, I'm thinking that the mustache might help to keep the focus off of my disgusting hair!!

As always, LOL

Waiting to hear back from Dr. Golfinos about the markings... 

Debbi - impatient in NJ
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: Boppie on April 10, 2008, 09:54:31 am
In the early morning before I checked in to the hospital, my husband drew an arrow up my neck and pointing to my AN ear lobe.  I put an easy pull off band aid on my abdomen with the words "this side for fat" written on it.  I didn't care how silly or obsessive it looked.

My ear lobe was marked with a purple pen in the OR prep area, just before I went out.  The nurse and my neurosurgeon questioned me and confirmed with me the side to be done.  I signed papers that stated the name of the operation and the side for the surgery.
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: Kaybo on April 10, 2008, 10:58:57 am
I guess that I had mine done before all of that became an issue...I might get the markers out today, though, just so I don't feel so left out!!   ;D
K
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: leapyrtwins on April 10, 2008, 11:22:41 am

My ear lobe was marked with a purple pen in the OR prep area, just before I went out.  The nurse and my neurosurgeon questioned me and confirmed with me the side to be done.  I signed papers that stated the name of the operation and the side for the surgery.

Exactly what happened with me, too.

K -

just borrow some of your girlies' markers  ;)

Jan
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: Kaybo on April 10, 2008, 11:28:13 am
they are all dried up & I am such a meanie mom, I won't get more -- you mark on the walls....   :D
just kidding (kind of) hope we are past that!
I want to use the "scented" kind anyway!
K
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: leapyrtwins on April 10, 2008, 11:45:37 am
Maybe you should get new markers and let the girlies help you  - might be a good project for a rainy day ;)

BTW, I am a mean mom also - my kids tell me that all the time LOL.  Actually they don't know how good they have it - I'm a total pushover when it comes to them  :)

Jan 
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: lori67 on April 10, 2008, 12:06:15 pm
You need washable markers and a big box of Magic Erasers!  Then you don't have to be mean.

Debbi - if you're going to be a guinea pig, get your contract for your cut of the profits beforehand.  I might have been a millionaire...oh well...

Lori
Title: ? coloring your hair prior to gamma knife radiation ????
Post by: claire1 on April 10, 2008, 08:31:15 pm
Hi to all you who dye your hair

Just happen to think of all the things I have to do prior to radiation.  Low and behold !@#$%^
Dying my hair.  Is this alright to do two weeks before the radiation??  I hope so other wise I might come out looking older than Mathusa.  What has everyone done in this regard? Will it have any effect from the radiation? ( increase hair loss? etc.)
 


I have long hair to the middle of my back   
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: leapyrtwins on April 10, 2008, 10:04:09 pm
Good question, Claire. 

I wish I had an answer for you, but I had surgery.

If no one can give you input, you might have to ask your doctor.

Jan
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: Kaybo on April 11, 2008, 06:45:59 am
Claire~
I would think it would be OK, but I would call the Dr.'s office to make sure!
Let us know!
K
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: Debbi on April 11, 2008, 06:54:40 am
Ditto Kay and Jan.  Check with your doc to be sure, Claire. 

As for us "blade girls (and guys)", we just have to contend with the no shampooing after surgery thing ... sigh.

Which reminds me, I am scheduled for a trim, color, massage and facial the Friday before surgery - I like to think of it as a mini vacation before the work starts.  If nothing else, it will be great for my nerves and general stress.  Nothing like getting rubbed and pummelled to make the world seem right!

Deb - counting down and breathing...
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: Kaybo on April 11, 2008, 06:59:16 am
Debbi~
Sounds like a great idea and a wonderful day!!
K
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: Debbi on April 11, 2008, 07:51:41 am
So, I got a call from the surgeon's office this morning - no markers needed after all!  Without going into all the detail, it was a clerical error in the pre-admittance instructions I got.  Wahoo!  I've got two more days of clean hair!!!!

See how little it takes to make me happy?

Deb - smiiling in NJ ;D
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: Kaybo on April 11, 2008, 09:57:09 am
Debbi~
Now we can say, "Gee, your hair smells terrific!!" for a few more days!!!!   ;D
K
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: leapyrtwins on April 11, 2008, 11:37:09 am
Well, it looks like for the time being Lori will be our only guinea pig!

And I was SO hoping that Deb could get some royalties out of this  ;D

Jan
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: jtd71465 on April 11, 2008, 12:41:11 pm
Don't let that ruin all the fun, take out a Sharpie and draw a mustache anyway....


Joe-
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: Debbi on April 11, 2008, 01:03:04 pm
Okay, armed with Sharpie, she heads for the OR...
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: lori67 on April 11, 2008, 10:22:37 pm
Maybe you could draw a dotted line on the side of your head and write "Cut here".

Lori
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: Debbi on April 12, 2008, 06:17:40 am
Lori - you just made me laugh out loud - and it is only 8:15 in the morning!  Thanks!
Deb ;D
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: lori67 on April 12, 2008, 01:03:29 pm
Debbi - always nice to have someone laughing WITH me, instead of AT me for a change!   :D

And don't forget the dotted line on you abdomen too.  Try drawing it all the way across so your doctor won't just do liposuction on one side like mine did.
Lori
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: leapyrtwins on April 12, 2008, 01:37:44 pm
And don't forget the dotted line on you abdomen too.  Try drawing it all the way across so your doctor won't just do liposuction on one side like mine did.
Lori

You know, I think it's high time we started lobbying these doctors to take fat from a patient's entire abdomen.  It's just not fair that they are only doing half the job!  LOL

And BTW, Lori, we are always laughing with you, not at you   ;D

Jan
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: Debbi on April 12, 2008, 02:02:52 pm
Okay, and while we're at it, could they do a little work on the hips/butt, too?
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: leapyrtwins on April 12, 2008, 02:03:31 pm
I'll vote for that  ;D
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: Melissa778 on April 14, 2008, 07:07:22 am
I want to see if they can lipo all areas and maybe save some for future patients.....I've got some extra they can have!

On the shampoo front......I too am really not liking the no shampooing factor....But my doc did suggest getting the dry shampoo.  There is a product that they seell at Sephora, QVC, and online called Ojon.....its' all natural.  Kinda pricey though.....$24 for a bottle.  I've been researching it all in great detail since my surgery is coming right after yours.....Best of luck to you Debbi...I'm sure your getting nervous.....I know I am. 31 days and counting for me.   Scariest part for me is the hearing loss at this point.  reality of that is starting to set in......

Melissa.....on edge of chair, biting nails......whoops, got dizzy and fell off.... :)
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: Debbi on April 14, 2008, 12:33:18 pm
Hey Melissa-

Thanks for the Ojon tip - I'll look it up.  And, try not to get too nervous too early (ha - did I really just type that???)   So, you are B minus 31.  And, I'm B minus 16.  Okay, breathe!  And, yes, I know what you mean about the hearing loss - I just keep trying to imagine what that will feel like even though I know I won't know until I wake up.  Did I mention that I tried to plug my AN ear to see if I could block out all noise - didn't really work.  My AN side hearing is still fairly good. 

Had my pre-op appt at the hospital this morning -blood, chest exray, EKG, meetings w/anesthesia, nursing staff.  It was a big jolt of reality!

Deb - counting down the days...
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: Mary 117 on April 14, 2008, 05:01:55 pm
When I was in pre-op, the nurse picked up the shaver and said "Now I'm going to give you the best haircut you've ever had". In the end, I don't think I agreed with her but it certainly was the most expensive haircut I've ever had.

I didn't have markers either. Just shampooing with the anitbacterial stuff (uck). Our surgeries all seem to be variations on the same theme. There probably isn't  one correct way, just many different ways to achieve a successful outcome.

Good Luck!

Mary (in Montana)
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: leapyrtwins on April 14, 2008, 08:19:27 pm
Mary -

love the quote in your signature line!

"well behaved women seldom make history"  8)

Jan
Title: Re: Did Anyone Get Markers Prior to Surgery?
Post by: Kaybo on April 14, 2008, 08:20:26 pm
Oh man!  That is a good one!!  I may have to steal it for my e-mail!   ;D
K