Going for An Echo soon

Has anyone every been cleared by a cardiologist? I have to be cleared because I used phen-fen as a teenager. Besides an echo (I have already had an EKG) what else are they going to be looking at? Hopefully that is it. Did anyone have to have a stress test once they did your echo because of how it turned out? Thanks! Melissa

Melissa, When I went to a cardiologist for clearance, they automatically ordered echo, EKG, and cardiolite stress test -- didn't wait for results. I'd never seen a cardiologist before and had no cardiac history, so I don't know how they decided what to do. I HAD had a high heart rate, and was already on a beta blocker for that. The stress test wasn't a ton of fun, but it wasn't that bad either. My most common phrase the last month or two before surgery was "I CAN DO THIS". I had it on sticky notes on my computer, my bathroom mirror, on a big sign in my office at work -- had to keep the positive vibes going LOL. Hang in there -- you'll be through with tests in no time!

I had to have the echo before my WLS due to having taken diet pills in the past (phentermine to be exact). I also had an EKG, but no stress test. Mine was all a piece of cake and everything turned out fine. Yours will too. jean

I also had a few months back to do the Echo for the same reason as you do since I took Phen-Fen in the late 1990's everything turned out okay with that and next week for me pre-op I have to have the EKG done. I do have a family history of heart disease but so far nothing for me. Things will turn out just fine for you. Deanne

I had to have clearance because of a super common irregular HB. Like the Cardiologist told me, the surgeon just wants another opinion that your heart will make it through surgery. His comment was this... "Since I'm not yet a god, I can't guarantee that, but on a scale of 1 to 10, this surgeon is about a 3 and childbirth is about an 8." I have a few children, so he thought I'd live, pretty much. He also asked about going up stairs and being out of breath, etc.