Question:
DO I NEED TO SEE THE CARDIOLOGIST BEFORE THE CONSULT?
I have found out that I need to see the cardiologist for pre-op clearance. There is a 6 week wait for getting an appt. Although I haven't got an appointment yet for my surgeon, I was hoping that it would only be a month or so away. I have been referred to Dr. Sanderfer in CA. Does anyone know if I need to have that test done before the consultation? Thanks in advance. Kerri — Kerri 4. (posted on May 14, 2003)
May 14, 2003
I know that the waiting for a surgery date (let alone the wait for that
*day*) is a stressful pain-in-the-tush kinda time. But, IMHO, you don't
want to punt any pre-op testing, even if you feel like you are in perfect
health. I thought I was in fine health, and found out through pre-op
testing that (1) I had gallstones (so goodbye gallbladder, along with the
RNY), and (2) I had a hiatal hernia (self-correcting, so no surgery
necessary for that one). I had no symptoms of anything, and thought the
whole testing rigamarole was silly until those results came in. Plenty of
other folks have found out about stuff they didn't know about during the
pre-op testing phase. Better to know and deal with it now, than to
struggle with it in the hospital as a fresh post-op (heaven forbid), or to
find out later, down the road, that there's any cause for concern.
Consider it part of the process of getting your health back on track. Even
if it *is* frustrating to have to go through all these hoops!
— Suzy C.
May 14, 2003
I don't want anyone to misunderstand my question. I know I need to do all
of these pre-op tests, I would think it strange if I wasn't supposed to. I
just wanted to know if it needed to be done BEFORE I see the surgeon for
the first consultation.
— Kerri 4.
May 14, 2003
I wouldn't worry about seeing a cardiologist BEFORE your initial consult.
Most likely your surgeon will refer you for the tests that he/she wants you
to have.
I did not see a cardiologist--I did have an EKG, chest xray and blood
drawn. I also had a stress test administered in my surgeon's office (that
I *think* was probably interpreted by a cardiologist). But all of this was
after my initial consult.
Your surgeon (if a cardiologist visit is a requirement) may have sort of a
"partnership" with a SPECIFIC cardiologist who sets aside a set
amt of time just for Dr. XX's WLS patients.
I would wait, until AFTER your initial consult to see what your surgeon
recommends.
— Marilyn Kay J.
May 14, 2003
My surgeon insist on a cardio clearance before surgery. I am getting the
clearance before my initial consult, and I am glad I did. The Dr. found a
problem with my ekg and I am having some extra testing, "possibe
silent heart attack", and she informed me that they would not put me
to sleep without this clearance. So first, I want to know if I have a
heart attack, and second I want to know I will wake up from surgery. It
took me 6 months to get my appointment so when I walk in there in July I
want to be ready for a date. So I am in the process of getting all my
clearances. Good luck.
— Tammy S.
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