Preop Woes: Abnormal EKG and Elevated White Blood Count

 Hi Gang, I've been sort of AWOL since canceling my previous surgery, but don't worry, I've been lurking.

Today I completed all of my testing for my new surgeon. After a blood test and an EKG, I met with a NP for medical clearance. She noticed a few issues; my white blood count was slightly elevated, and the EKG was showing an abnormality. I can't lie; this really freaked me out, not so much because I was worried, but because I didn't want it to hinder my surgery date for next Wednesday. My EKG from last month was normal. She said she would have it checked by a Cardiologist over the weekend and I would have to have my white cell count re-checked on Monday.

Did anyone have similar issues with either the blood count or EKG? After all of the testing, effort it took to file for short term disability at work, and a two week liquid diet, I SERIOUSLY don't want to have to reschedule. I know that may seem a bit bratty, but I'll be a lot happier when I'm in recovery and all of this seems like a liquid morphine induced nightmare.

I had an abnormality in my EKG when my potassium was low. The best way to up your potassium is Low Sodium V-8 juice. It has more potassium than regular V-8 or bananas or spinach.

I added salt, lemon juice, Worcestershire, horseradish and hot sauce and make it into a virgin bloody Mary :)

It is low calorie, and might be worth drinking a small can everyday until they repeat the EKG....

Its not appropriate to advise someone to increase potassium levels because yours was low to fix an abnormal ekg. Potassium levels, low or HIGH, can cause  cardic arrythmias and ekg abnormalities.  Im assuming hers is normal since she didn't mention it. Potassium is nothing to play around with.

Did you cancel your previous surgery after the doctor had a patient die?

Hi,

I had an abnormal EKG, and had to see a cardiologist.  I had a Right Bundle Block which is the best kind of problem to have because it is asymptomatic and didn't impact my life or surgery.  Its fairly common.  Let's hope yours is similar.

best wishes,

Carol

Hope all turns at well. But if you have to reschedule your surgery, its only in the best interest for your health. Your wbc is an indicator for infection which could be leading to the abnormal ekg. This is why we do medical clearance, your surgeon and your family don't want to resuscitate you during surgery related some unknown. Yes it sucks, i know. But whats the point of wls if you won't be around to enjoy it??? I truly hope its nothing and your on your way to sitting with us on the losers bench. Good luck!

Thanks for the tip NYMom. It could be my potassium, but i'll wait for the blood test to come back so I can know for sure. I've started chugging cranberry juice incase I have a bladder infection. As far as I know my potassium is normal. I did cancel my previous surgery for that reason Grim, and I know I'm being silly and ironic about this whole thing, but I'm self-pay and fear that I will have to pay again out of pocket if retests are required.

Thanks for the good wishes Cappy, you look splendid in all of your goal pictures :) Aharris, I hope so too. I'm just thinking that one of the leads got switched up in the EKG. I'm 26, active for my weight, and stubborn. 

I was self pay too. We are around the same as well. I had to basically spend 10k when all was said in done. It was the best money ever spent with no regrets. And by no means am i rich. I was paying for college, and currently doing a masters program now. I've been a RN for awhile and make pretty decent pay. That was my only saving grace. I planned everything down to the last dime. So having to pay for an extra test or whatever can through a wrench in the plans financially.