Surgery postponed - WAH!!!

My pre-op EKG came back abnormal. I was sent to a local cardiologist for consultation. He ran another EKG which was also abnormal. Now I am scheduled for a stress test and echocardiogram tomorrow morning at 10:30 (when my DS WAS scheduled for). Talk about totally bummed out!

One of my friends was told two days before his DS that his EKG was abnormal, and indicated that he might have had a prior heart attack, and might have blocked coronary arteries. He totally freaked, but underwent the angiography the day before his scheduled DS, and was given a CLEAN bill of health -- no prior heart attack, no blockages. The EKG was abnormal probably because of his large size. Then another friend a few months later had the same thing happen. I told her what happened to my other friend, and she had her angiography the day before her scheduled DS -- and found out that she had a 90% blocked coronoary artery -- and if they had not caught it, she might have died on the table. They put in a stent, and put her on anticoagulant therapy for three months, and then she had her DS with no problems. Both of them were 50 years old, over 400 lbs., and both of them are now closing in on the low 200s and feeling fabulous. So, either way, it's for your own good, and should not ultimately prevent your getting your DS in the near future. Breathe and relax, OK? Hugs to you, Diana

Totally understand your being bummed -- who wouldn't be? -- but until you know more, focus on Diane's tales of her friends ... and may this be only a minor blip in the road! Alison

Boy, this setback must be really tough to take. But, maybe there is a good reason. Pat I hope your echo is clear tomorrow. But if they discover something it is better to find it and treat it now, pre-op. Our prayers, love, and support are with you Robindaringtobelieveadifferentkindoflifeispossible

Hey Pat - I am sorry! I can understand why you are so bummed! But I am sure that this happened for a reason - your day for the DS is coming right around the corner do not lose faith! We are rooting for you!!! HUGS - Dia

Diana, as usual you have made me feel better. My main worry was that I'd NEVER be able to have the DS. I'll find out today if I have a blocked coronary artery or not. The treatment for it won't be fun, but it WILL enable me to have the DS in a few months. Everyone else, thanks for the encouragement. I really appreciate it!

Oh that is a bummer. Hope you get it all worked out soon!! Sharon

Hi Pat: It is so hard to be disappointed! My heart goes out to you. But when I was doing all my pre-op work for surgery the same thing happend to me. I was really upset too, fearing they wouldn't allow me to have surgery. I was thrilled to find out there was absolutely nothing wrong! I passed with flying colors. I'm praying you get the same good news! One good thing about it was that now Doctor and I know that my heart is in great shape. If it hadn't been, at least they would be aware of it and know exactly what was going on and probably treat it. I am still waiting for my surgery because of insurance woes...but I'm expecting good news on that any day now...and I'm hoping good news for your too! (((((HUGS)))) Fran

I am going to a cardiologist as part of my pre opt, doctor didn't ask for it, but with diabetes neuropathy, the sensation of pain from a heart problem can be hidden during a attack, so as a part time school bus driver, being (a cheapy that I am, I got paid to take my kids on school field trips,) I had to take physical exams which told me I had diabetes, and also required a stress test. To drive the bus. So I had an angiogram too. Problems are very secretive, and testing is very important. I am going to ask for a 3d MRI of the heart. It's more effective than an angiogram except if its shows something than you would have to go for the angiogram to have a sent or bypass. according to ada, 56% of diabetics have and dont know that they have some form of neurpathy, which is the main killer of the desease, it damages the nerves of sesation to the heart,digestive system,skin,feet,eyes, and with out the sense of discomfort we neglect and allow simple ailment to worsen to infections.gangrene, runaway ulcers, stomach ailments. and worst of all undetected.treated heart attacks, sorry to lecture, but this screening may have saved your life. best of luck, and may the waters be calm.

Update! I passed the stress test and echocardiogram with flying colors. My DS has now been changed to Monday, May 16th at 12 noon. And since all my pre-ops are completed, I now only have to endure the day of clear liquids and the bowel prep and I'm good to go. Thanks again for all your encouragement and sharing of info. It is a lifeline!