Newbie with questions

I have been lurking for a few months now and finally jumped in. I received a call from the Dr's office on Friday telling me that my EKG was borderline? They said that they would have the MD take a look and then if it was OK give the package to the surgeon. I am a little freaked here, I don't want anything slowing this process down anymore than it already is. Checking the web it looks like there is a miriad of things that can skew an EKG reading, anyone else have this type of issue and if so, what was the resolution? Also, how quickly do most patients return to work after a RxY procedure? I have read anywhere from 1 - 3 weeks. I don't want to miss that much work if I can help it. Great site... I have learned alot just reading the posts.

You know, it's better to take this slower if needed. It's your health, and if you have a heart problem, no surgeon would want to operate without further evaluation. You'll probably get a referral to a cardiologist for safety sake.  Recovery from surgery varies with the patient. Some have some pain some do not. Some people have a poor pain threshold and they'll take longer to recover. Assuming you have a higher pain tolerance (if there is any pain at all) and you don't feel tired, and you follow instructions set by your surgeon, you might be able to return to work in 2 weeks. I would not plan on one week. I attend 3 support meetings a month. Most people tak 3-4 weeks and some up to 6 weeks. Each patient and each case varies somewhat.

Welcome, Eric...

I had to have a treadmill test to rule out any heart problems prior to RNY. It's wise to make sure the heart will do ok through surgery....it's the docs covering their bases, and, making sure we are healthy.

If you are having the RNY laparoscopically (sp??), and not via an open incision, you really could be back to work (assuming you have a fairly sedentary job!) withing a few days, barring any complications...

best wishes...look forward to seeing you around here.

Lori

We are talking about having major surgery.  Not outpatient stuff where you roll in the hospital that morning, they cut on you and you roll out that night.  You are about to get your intestines re-routed and your stomach reduced to a pouch.  Nothing to sneeze at.  Because I was concerned about how I would fair after surgery, I took off two months and I have a desk job (with very little lifting).  Slowing down the process of getting the surgery is better than not surviving the surgery.  Your goal (as well as your doctor's) is for you to be healthly enough to survive and be successful afterwards.  I understand your anxiety, but these are two things that must be a priority.  Kim

I know that this very serious surgery, just don't want to be laying around the house going nuts for weeks on end. As for the EKG, I have emailed Dr Hahn about what it all means, hopefully he will get back to me. I am ready to get this show on the road...stay posted!

In the time you are off work, your body will be going through so many changes in that short time.  You need to time to build back up your energy, start to eat food again, you won't be doing that right away and just get used to everything that will happen.  You will be tired, so you need to listen to what your body tells you and do it.  The last thing you want to do is go to work too early, end up with some kind of complications and then end up taking alot more time off of work.  I would say at least 3-4 weeks, and then move into it slowly.  Everyone complains about how tired they are, and your body needs to rest, as someone said, it is MAJOR surgery. Good luck,  Diane

I lurk on the boards often & felt compelled to answer your questions based upon my own experience.  First of all, the borderline EKG may not mean anything at all, but if it does, better to know now than while you're on the operating table.  My girlfriend (post RNY 4+years) went in for a routine hernia removal last week and went into cardiac arrest.  She had NO previous signs of heart problems and nearly died on the operating table.  The reason I mention this is that if there are ANY warnings what-so-ever, take the time to address them so that you don't end up in this situation.  I know how exciting and life-altering this surgery can be and the fact that you want to get it done and move on is great...just be careful.   In answer to your question about how long you need to recover, I had surgery (lap RNY) on a Wednesday and went back to work the following Monday.  I have a very high pain tolerance and was certainly tierd, but did just fine.   Best of luck to you...you'll do great!

Now that is what I wanted to hear. I have a semi desk job as I do spend some time in the field. No more heavy labor intensive work though! I feel like I have a high pain tolerance also ( my wife will differ! ) so I am hoping to get back to work within a week to ten days max. I too believe that the EKG is OK...I have never had any problems with my heart that I am aware of. I emailed Dr. Hahn and asked him whether my high blood pressure medicine could have triggered the false reading, still waiting to hear back from him. Thanks for the encouragement..I am ready for this!!

First off welcome to the California board Golfinfool, I don't know about the EKG, but as for the time off from work I missed 6 days and could have went back sooner but the weekend and a holiday had me missing 6 days. I do have a desk job, but by Sunday I felt fine and went shopping. Good luck! Lisa...

Thanks Lisa...good to be here. Like I posted to Sunny, this is what I am talking about. Get in , get it done, and then get on with life! I am in hopes that if the EKG thing is a false reading that they will schedule my surgery for some time in the next 8 weeks. Keep your fingers crossed.