did not get cardiac clearance

There was something the doctor did not like about my EKG, so I have to go back Friday for a nuclear stress test, echocardiogram and something else.

I thought you were already approved? Don't they do all that before they submit to insurance? At any rate, better safe than sorry. Your heart is nothing to play with when it comes to surgery. At least you know they did actually review your ekg thoroughly and they are checking everything to make sure you are ready for this. I hope everything goes ok with the follow-up.

Insurance approves, then Dr. M sends you for cardiac and pulmonary clearance and an upper GI. 

Oh, I guess Dr. V works backwards. I had to have everyting cleared before they would even send it to insurance.    When they send it to insurance it means you are ready to go.

Don't be discouraged.My stress test (chemical) was not clear .They did another test and I was cleared.I was very nervous but worried for nothing.

I hope your test goes ok and everything is cleared.  Keep us updated.

Linda

Did you use a cardiologist close to home?  Or one at Northside referred by Dr. Macik?

The cardiologist I saw (referred by Dr. Macik) said my EKG was fine but wanted to run a stress test and echocardiogram.  I wasn't sure if that was his standard protocol or if it was because of my autoimmune disease.  Having autoimmune disease puts one at high risk of cardiac issues.

I'm sure everything will be just fine and you'll have your clearance long before your surgery.

LaShelle-Dr. Macik does clearances after approval.  When I asked to do them earlier (before approval) the office said that if I didn't have approval yet, the insurance could try to not pay for the visits.

**on a side note (sorry tchrmom, I'm about to hijack your thread), as of today, I have officially lost 100 pounds!  Woo Hoo!  I have lost 30 pounds in 33 days since surgery!  My blood pressure has been running suspiciously low, so I talked to the nephrologist (my official appt is next week) and he told me to cut my pills in half.  Now, if I could just cut the CPap machine in half!

Good for you!! You are doing great!!

I saw one at Northside Cardiology.  I have had some chest pain on and off for a while now, and even went to the ER one night. The ER doc said I have costochondritis (sp?), which is an inflammation of the tissues in the chest wall. I take anti-inflammatories and it is usually fine.
But, Dr. Hafeez said that there was something on the EKG that went down when it should have gone up - or some such...and I have a family history of vascular problems. He said taking into account all of that with my diabetes and hypertension, he wants to do all these other tests. So, Friday I go back to have the tests, then on the 17th, back to see him for the results. Surgery is scheduled for July6, so it should be fine.

Wishing you all the best with your test!  If your hearts not strong you really dont want to go into this surgery anyway in my opinion so its bitter sweet I know!  Hang in there and I'll be thinking about you!!
Ginger

Stay strong and positive, God knows what he is doing!