Ok, this is a wierd one folks...:paranoid

The doc said I could write on my chest where my bra line is so he doesn't put the port right under an underwire. So...what kind of pen do I use? You know how you always see the plastic surgeon writing all over the patient in Dr. 90210? What kind of pen is that?

How about a ball point pen? That washes off right?

Help me out here.

Kristen,

What a great point! I am allergic to penicillin too. I'm scared to death what can happen when your sleeping and I don't want someone to give me PCN by mistake. I don't trust anyone either, before surgery I told every person who i spoke with that i was allergic to PCN. Thank God i did because i guess it's standard to put a bag of antibiotics in you while in surgery and the general Dr. signed off on PCN for me. The nurse caught it before i even met with her but it was the first thing from my mouth and she said.. I got cha... lol but the sharpie idea is great, just for insurance on your life. Penicillin is so common that Dr's don't think twice about ordering it or members of pcn's family for you.

Diva- best of luck to you! You are in great hands and many wishes and prayers are being sent your way for an uneventful surgery and a speedy recovery.

Thank you -I am supposed to be non-latex too so I better write that on me. I've never been allergic to latex for anything except once. The doc said thats all it takes.

KMO,

I was beginning to think I was going overboard, but you just confirmed why I thought of writing it in the first place. I worry enough about the allergy here in the US and have almost been given it before here. I'm going to Mexico for my surgery and I just don't want to take any extra chances with the language barrier. I figure in this case, it's definitely better to be safe than sorry. Anything given to me when I'm not alert will be done through IV so that's why I decided to write it on my arms. I know that nobody's perfect, and mistakes happen. I actually lost my daughter to a medical mistake. Dr.'s and nurses aren't more perfect than I am. We're all people. I have to do everything in my control to make sure that everyone knows.

Diva....

Good luck tomorrow! Can't wait to hear how it went. Latex allergies can be very serious. I'd make sure I went to all ends to notify everyone you come across. Do whatever it takes! :confused:

Kirsten