Question:
Anyone required to have a D-dimer test?
I saw the pulmonologist last week and also had a sleep study on friday. I received a call today from the office that the Dr. feels I should have a D-dimer to r/o embolisms. I am freaking out hysterically crying. Is this a test the most people are sent to get or should I be consumed in panic? — mperez77 (posted on July 21, 2010)
July 21, 2010
I totally understand why you are hysterical; I think I went somewhat insane
with all the WLS delays due to additional precautionary pre-surgery tests
being ordered. I was diagnosed with mild to moderate emphysema some years
back, and prescribed supplemental oxygen when exercising or sleeping. But
when I was going through the steps to be approved for RNY, the doctor of
internal medicine made me go through some extreme tests to rule out
pulmonary embolism as my lungs sounded too clear for emphysema. Tests did
not show PE, and I did not have any trouble when I finally had my surgery
except my oxygen stats didn't stay up for a week or two, which is very
common after RNY. In all likelihood you will be cleared for surgery and be
amazed at how much easier it was than you had been led to expect. But
there are a very small percentage of people who do suffer pulmonary
embolisms with WLS, and it's very dangerous and the effects potentially
long-lasting, so it's not a bad idea to be tested. If you live in the
U.S., doctors practice "defensive medicine" to avoid being sued,
which means they seem to go overboard in ordering tests that aren't
necessarily indicated. This is probably the case with your situation, as
it is with most, but all you can do is walk through this and just jump
through whatever hoops are required to get your approvals -- with the least
possible stress to yourself. The really wonderful thing is that now that
I've lost about 80 pounds, I have an exam next week to find out if I still
need oxygen for exercise and sleeping. I feel pretty confident that I do
NOT. Please feel free to e-mail me directly through my profile info if
there's anything I can answer for you or if you need support. I truly
understand how hard it is for you right now. God bless. Be patient!
Janell C.
— Janell C.
July 22, 2010
the d-dimer is just a blood test,easy-peasy. You will be
fine!http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D-dimer
— [Deactivated Member]
July 22, 2010
Thank you for your responses they mean a lot to me. I had blood work today
and results should be in by Monday. I guess this is just nerve racking
being that PE are no laughing matter. But as many friends and family
members have said it is in God's hands, and if he has got me this far he
will carry me all the way through.
— mperez77
July 22, 2010
Please be sure to let us know when you get your test results! Best
success!
— Janell C.
July 28, 2010
This is a quick blood test that determines if there is any risk of embolism
in the body. If it comes back as positive, the leg ultrasound will be
necessary to rule out or confirm the risk, but it is your dr. that decides
what to do, because he is following your procedure.
— Dr. Elias Kuster
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