How does the doctor determine....

....if you need a sleep test?  Any details on that and standard pre-op testing would be very helpful.  Thanks!!!!

Hi Luceluce - My surgeon does determine if he wants a sleep test done on his patients.  I did not have to have one.  My husband on the other hand is required to have one.  I think he bases it on your history, comorbilities etc. I was required to have the following: Blood Work Complete physical including pap / mamogram EKG Chest X-Ray Clearance from Physcologist Clearance from Dietician  Clearance from Exercise Physioligist Clearance from Cardiologist becase my EKG came back abnormal Hope this helps. Christina

From your history the MD can determine if you are describing signs and symptoms of sleep apnea.  A lot of obese people have undiagnosed sleep apnea.(Can't recall now off hand what the percentages were but was amazed at the numbers I just read in one of my nursing journals)  They'll also look at risk factors that make the patient more prone to having sleep apnea. Shelley

Hi LuceLuce, Every doctor varies in what testing he/she requires.  I went through a battery of never ending tests.  I never complained as these tests either confirmed additional co- morbities that would help the approval process or identify potential problems that could prevent a successful surgery.  Some of the tests I had were: Sleep Study Chest X-ray EKG Echo Cardiagram Ultrasound of Gallbaldder Scope checking for ulcers Many blood tests  Psych Eval Lung testing(can't recall the name of the test) General Physical from PMC I would rather err on the side of caution and have every possible test, than skip them and maybe have a problem down the road.  The tests are not that bad.  I will say that the worst procedure I underwent pre- and post- op was the bowel prep prior to surgery.  Not all doctors require that so don't worry.  The time and testing will fly by and you wll have surgery before you know it. Mary

 

 

Thank you all so much for taking the time to answer my question!  I really appriciate it and wish you all the best of luck.

Like many of the others said it depends on your prior medical history. Most doctors will have you fill out a questioneer as to what your sleeping habits are and your are also questioned on the answers. Now, my husband required 2 sleep studies before hand. One before he was diagnosed and prescribed a c-pap and then after he had a c-pap. He had severe apnea. I did not go for a sleep study. Christine

Hey if you are still going to use dr bonomo you are going to have to have a sleep study done they will not do surgery without one.  Mercy was so backed up so I had mine done at UIC and they were so impatient about getting the results from them.  but all the other tests you are going to have to have as well no matter what PFT, eko, cardioligist, can't remember the rest but it is a lot a couple of x rays