Cardiac Clearance?

[JapGirl 229]

So I was originally told by the tech that everything with my EKG was fine.....

Well I found out today that it was abnormal and they require a cardiologist to sign off of the surgery for clearance for the anesthesiologist to put me under.....

WELL my surgery is tuesday and if I can't get clearance by then I'll have to reschedule. Which wouldn't be a big deal, but I'm traveling for this and the cost to change flights is very expensive and it's hard for me to get time off work as well.

So that being said, I managed to find a cardiologist that can see me Monday morning. I'm curious to see if I'll he able to get this clearance in one day? Or if it will take multiple visits?

Has anyone had their EKG come back abnormal and had to see a cardiologist? How long does this process take? Should I still hold out hope that I can keep my tuesday surgery date? Any experience is welcome.

P.s. sorry for the novel.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

I had to see a cardiologist and he ordered an ultrasound that I had to go back for, so depending on what tests he needs and how quickly they can get you in for the test and he can read the results it could vary.

So, my answer is, it depends.

[OutsideMatchInside 10,166]

I had an abnormal EKG, then an abnormal echo, then an abnormal stress test, then I had a cardiac cath. My heart is fine, it just beats different which I already knew.

Anyway. It took a month. I doubt the cardiologist is going to sign off you having surgery just by giving you an exam, they are going to want more tests.

Good luck.

[JapGirl 229]

I hope I could get whatever tests he needs that day. I'm in freak out mode.

[OutsideMatchInside 10,166]

If you get the tests the same day, the Dr has to have time to read the tests that day. Techs usually perform tests and the doctors read the test at their leisure.

Does this cardiologist understand your urgency?

[JapGirl 229]

I'm hoping since I'm 28, with a lower bmi, and low blood pressure, and 0 family history of a heart issues at all, that i might have a glimmer of hope..... I'm not putting too much into it though. Gah. They've had the results for almost a week. Why wait until now to tell me when I'm so close to my surgery date ????

[JapGirl 229]

I told them when I scheduled the appointment. I plan to belay this to the doctor as well

[OutsideMatchInside 10,166]

I had my surgery within 8 weeks of meeting my bariatric surgeon the first time. I had met with the cardiologist before I even met with my Dr. The whole heart drama is what pushed me to surgery.

Keep us updated.

[JapGirl 229]

I will! Thanks for the insight

[RoachBug 233]

I was directed towards bariatric surgery by my Heart Failure Specialist, as a means to drop weight and improve eligibility for transplant (which in my case is definitely in my future). Over the past 10 years I have had 2 heart attacks, 11 stents, a pacemaker/defibulator, and several caths. Though I do not think a cardiologist would deny your surgery (for the obvious benefits), I would not think that the surgery would be something that he would rush into clearing prior to establishing that you could handle the surgery and recovery first (which could take some time).

I wish the best for you and hope the clearance comes in a timely manner. I will be finishing up my pre-op requirements at the end of March and hope to have surgery soon after.

[CBT 450]

That EKG was a blip in time. The new doc will repeat it. It could have been a blip and the new one could be clear. You may just have an abnormal wave. It could be sooooooooo many things. But if it's a sign of something more severe, you don't want to have a heart event or a stroke under anesthesia and durning surgery that you've traveled for. I hoping it was a blip or a functional murmur that the cardiologist can hear. Good luck!

[JapGirl 229]

That EKG was a blip in time. The new doc will repeat it. It could have been a blip and the new one could be clear. You may just have an abnormal wave. It could be sooooooooo many things. But if it's a sign of something more severe, you don't want to have a heart event or a stroke under anesthesia and durning surgery that you've traveled for. I hoping it was a blip or a functional murmur that the cardiologist can hear. Good luck!

This is my hope. That it's something simple. If its a serious issue Then of course that will be different. But I'm fairly positive this is not anything serious. This makes me feel better! Thank you!

[CBT 450]

No problem. I have an abnormal EKG and it's a known issue. Some surgeons require medical clearance and some do not. So, anytime I have an EKG for clearance, I now just change it to medical clearance appointment

Any update on your end?

[JapGirl 229]

Sorry. I found out on Monday that basically I have big boobs and they put the leads in the wrong spot. Surgery was tuesday morning at 715.

[CBT 450]

Haha! That's brilliant. Congratulations on your surgery!!!