Just a quick update to explain why it’s been so quiet on the blog this month.
I finally had the “do-over” for the surgical procedure that was cancelled when I had the allergic reaction to the antiseptic.
Because I had lost confidence in the VA hospital, I switched from handling this procedure through the VA to handling it through Tricare.
In an interesting twist of fate, my new doctor has the same rare allergy that I do, which meant I didn’t have to worry about accidental exposure to that substance in the operating room. Bonus!
However, as it turns out, I still had to remain extremely vigilant. Although my allergy is clearly marked in my records, few people seem to understand how this allergy translates to real life, which results in interactions such as these:
[Scene: Pre-Surgery area]
Nurse 1: Hi, I’m Nurse NAME, and I’ll be going over your paperwork with you today. How did you clean prior to surgery?
Me: I took a shower last night and a shower this morning.
Nurse 1: With soap and water?
Me: Yes.
Nurse 1: Were you given the pre-surgery paperwork suggesting you cleanse with Hibicleans prior to surgery?
Me: Yes.
Nurse 1: And did you follow those procedures?
Me [mildly sarcastically]: No. I’m allergic to Chlorhexidine, so I thought that would be a bad idea.
Nurse 1: Oh.
[Note: This means that the military hospital gave me a standard pre-surgery paperwork package instructing me to clean myself at home with a substance to which I have a documented allergy. There is apparently no control in the hospital procedures for this mistake.]
[Scene: Pre-Surgery area. Later…]
Nurse 2 (LPN): Ok, I’m here to get you prepped for surgery. Do you have any allergies?
Me: Yes, I’m allergic to Chlorhexidine.
Nurse 2: Ok, I see that in your chart. I’ll write that on your wristband. [Writes on wristband, and attaches it to my arm.] Ok, now I’m going to insert your IV. [Opens IV kit.]
Me: Are you going to use an alcohol wipe to clean the site?
Nurse 2: No, I’m going to use the wipes in the IV kit – Chloraprep wipes.
Me [Firmly]: No, you’re not. I’m allergic to those.
Nurse 2: Really?
Me: Yes. They contain Chlorhexidine.
Nurse 2: Oh. … Ok, I guess I’ll go find some alcohol wipes.
[Note: This indicates that the hospital does not have special IV kits for individuals with Chlorhexidine allergies, which is somewhat understandable given that it is a rare allergy. However, it also indicates that medical personnel are inadequately trained on Chlorhexidine allergies and required modifications to standard procedures.]
Bottom Line: Given the lack of awareness by medical personnel of Chlorhexidine allergy (an antiseptic widely and frequently used in the medical field) and its practical implications (changes to materials used in standard procedures), I am deeply grateful that my surgeon has the same rare allergy and could maintain a safe environment for me in the operating room. I am particularly grateful for that given that (1) I had to be extremely vigilant to avoid exposure (and another allergic reaction and cancelled surgery) prior to surgery, and (2) I could not maintain vigilance in the OR since I was anesthetized.
If you have a similar rare medical allergy, please learn as much as you can about sources of exposure, and be very cautious to avoid exposure in medical environments. Do not rely on medical personnel being informed and aware – they probably aren’t.
Note: Check Your Six is an aviation term meaning to watch for attacks from behind. It more broadly means to be situationally aware and to maintain vigilance.
