Pulmonary Hypertension

Hey everyone! I went to the cardiologist today to get my cardiac clearance for surgery. He said my EKG looks fine expect I have pulmonary hypertension. He said this so casually like it meant nothing and now that I've been googling it I'm worried that they wont perform the surgery. He's scheduling to have an echo done. Do you think they'll cancel my surgery now? I feel like if I don't get the surgery now, I'll probably only live into my 40's.. and that's being generous. I hate this waiting game. I haven't heard of anyone in their 20's getting PH. Have any thoughts or comments? 

Sorry to hear that. Do you have sleep apnea? Be sure to make a list of questions before your next appointment. Also, the doc needs more than just the basic EKG to diagnose it. Perhaps that is why the doc was nonchalant? It could be just a situation of ruling it out. 

Definitely ask your doc lots of questions. Maybe call tomorrow and tell his/her nurse you heard the doc say that and you are confused if you really have it. 

I had edema which led to PH  which led to respiratory failure and being kept alive on machines for a week. if there are any underlying issues be glad they are looking into it. delayed surgery is better than possibly life threatening complications. trust me :)

I think it's great that you're encouraging the OP to get checked out, but respectfully I don't think a worst-case horror story is what a nervous person seeking reassurance and compassion needs right now.

BTW - Kevin Bacon had her complications from batched Gallbladder removal surgery that was performed at the same time as her WLS surgery.  Have that in mind.  Her 10 days extra in a hospital was related to complication to her GB removal surgery. 

Complication can happen. During any surgery. Regardless of the underlying conditions. 

Wishing yuou best luck. 

Uh, the time she's talking about is when her last child was born 2years ago - it was a complication related to pregnancy.  

I'd like to reassure the OP (original poster) that pulmonary hypertension does not preclude WLS.   I suggest you call his office and ask for his nurse.   Explain what you've found online.  Ask her if you can speak to him about his diagnosis and what it means about your health.   

Cool.I know ANY complication can happen during ANY surgery.  Hate when people try to scare potential WLS person.. 

 So glad you cought the issue. 

I'm not a doctor -- and I am guessing that you aren't either.  Googling cannot take the place of talking to your surgeon.  Don't panic yet because you've not truly been given a reason to.  I think that the cardiologist saying that your EKG looks fine and being nonchalant about the PH is probably a sign that it's very mild.  It is not uncommon for obese people, especially those with sleep apnea, to have it.  Talk with your doctor.  I wouldn't panic yet 

SLOW DOWN AND STEP AWAY FROM THE GOOGLE ;)

Seriously though, if the DOCTOR (who has years of intense medical training) acted casual, then so should you. This is how doctor work. They play the "rule out" game. If something odd shows up, they go into the mode of ruling out all possibilities. Hence the EKG. If something funky showed up and he didn't rule out anything serious, I'd think him irresponsible. You're probably fine, but he has to make absolutely sure because that's his JOB.

So, slow down, take a breath, and go get a pedicure. No need to jump to conclusions over what is probably nothing.

Take care, hon. Let us know what you find out.