I didn't get the cardiac clearance I needed for surgery

I am so bummed!  I just got back from the cardiologist.  My blood pressure was up (it's been a stressful week) so now before I get cleared for surgery he wants to do a cardiac stress test and he can't do it until June 19th.  I KNOW nothing is wrong.  I had a stress test two years ago and another echo within the past year, and my heart was totally fine.  This delays my surgery date even farther now.  They wont even give me a surgery date until I have cardiac clearance   I got my surgery auth, which I thought would be the hardest part, I was wrong. Linda

Hang in there Linda!  Things happen for a reason even if we hate the way it happens.  This will give you more time to learn and be prepared for the after.  Take this time and get ready as in your stuff you will need after, vitamins ordered, protein that sort of thing. Time will fly by Hugs Brenda

I wish I could say something to make this better for you.  I do know your frustration.  When we were fighting for my husband to have the surgery we ran into one road block after another for TWO years.  We were ready to just give up, but we kept doing that one more thing they asked of us and eventually he did get his surgery and now he's two years out.  Dr. LePorte did his surgery and he's a great surgeon. I, personally, had to go through the six month of the Healthy Roads program.  Did I feel it was a waste of time?  Yes.  Did they teach me anything about healthy eating and exercise that I didn't already know from a lifetime of dieting?  No.  Sometimes we just have to jump through their hoops and know that we'll get there.  I'm sure you'll be fine and before you know it you'll be telling us your surgery is scheduled and you'll be on the other side of this.  Don't give up.

He's just covering his back side.  In due time girl.  I've had a heart attack and a double heart bypass and still got the procedure.  But I did have a stress test a few months before my RNY.  One more hoop to jump through.  It's like going through college or applying for a job.  Jump through the hoops that they're asking for...Brian

That's why I love this website.  Thank you all for the encouraging words.  I am starting to feel like a poodle (jumping thru all the hoops) however, I know I shouldn't complain.  From reading other posts I know people have had to wait alot longer than I have for the authorization.  I am just being pressured a little at work too.  Meaning my boss wants me to have the surgery ASAP so I will be back to work to prepare for our open enrollment (yes, I work for an insurance company)  but I feel that whenever it can be scheduled is when I will have it done.  I am not sure what my rights are, but now because my insurance approved this surgery as medically necessary, is it still considered elective?  I want it ASAP more than she does. But I also know that if they tell me I can have my surgery in July or August, then that is when I am going to have it.   Linda

Hi Linda Just relax and remember everything happens for a reason.  Your stress test will be here before you know it and it will be fine and you will be on your way to the losers bench - I am sure of it. I too went through lots of hoops and even had a problem with my initial cardiac clearance (its all on my profile) but eventually all was well..... Hang in there my friend

Thanks Jean. I know it will work out.  Happy TGIF

I know that the waiting is the hardest part! Remember, this is major surgery;  better safe than sorry!  And no, this is not an elective surgery. If it was, your insurance wouldn't be paying for it.  Hang in there! Rachel

I also had to have a cardia stress test & my surgeon is Dr. Ali who is with Dr. Leport.   Dr. Arzabal is the cardiologist in Fountain Valley, and when I let him know how disappointed I was about the delay in getting an appointment for the stress test (OK, I almost cried right then & there in his office), he rearranged somebody's schedule so that I could have the stress test TWO DAYS LATER !!!!    YEAH for Dr. Arzabal & for me --- I really appreciated him doing that.    The test came out fine & I'm sure yours will too.     Try asking, it couldn't hurt.....  As it turned out for me, there were still other delays, but my day came & so will yours!!!!

I agree with Jan, it can't hurt to ask. At least see if they will put you on a cancellation list to get it sooner if there is a cancellation opening!! That is what I had to do for my gall bladder scan.  Like everyone said, everything happens for a reason, so trust that God knows what he's doing and you will have your surgery when the time is right for you!            So sorry about this disappointment, I had many myself!!   biggest hugs, Becky