The Saga Continues.....Cardiology Clearance

Hello, Well here I was again on the 6th day of a liquid diet, thinking I was having surgery 12/21. However I got a call from my Dr. office today telling me my EKG came back abnormal and now I will need a cardiologist to clear me for surgery. Well isn't that just dandy. Who in the hell waits until AFTER the surgery is scheduled and cleared for my insurance to give me a EKG!?!?! I had one with my PCP in September, and my Dr said everything looked okay. Then at Harper, I was given on for Pre-Op testing, and the staff said my heartbeat was irregular, which is no suprise, I was a premature baby and I had a heat murmer for entire life, but it has never been an issue. I told the staff that and they said it shouldn't be anything to worry about and the Anesthesiologists looked at it also and said it was okay and that I was healthy and ready for surgery. I was in tears when the Dr.'s office called me this morning, they rescheduled my surgery at the last minute last week, moving me from the 18th to the 21st. So once again I have to rearrange my plans. I can't believe this. I told the medical assistant on the phone how displeased I was and at this point and how I was going to be looking to go to another center where things are handled better. I can't help but be depressed and angry about this. Why didn't the hospital say it was abnormal, had they told me that then I could have gotten an appointment with a cardiologist last week and still be cleared in time for surgery. I am having trouble keeping positive. Are these signs that I should not have this surgery.

I can only imagine your frustration and I am so sorry to hear that you are being pushed back again! I will say however that EVERYTHING happens for a reason and there is SOME REASON that you are not supposed to have this surgery *YET*. On a better note though, I would prefer that they found something to be abnormal enough to need cardiac clearance BEFORE surgery was performed and there was a tragic complication and you were not able to pull through surgery. I know no one wants to think about the what if's but surgery WILL happen when the time is right! I would call many cardiologists offices as possible abd explain the situation and see if there is SOME way they can squeeze you in so you can keep your date. This close to Christmas might be hard as many offices I am sure are working short week because of the holiday. It never hurts to try! I wish you luck and keep your chin up. Jennifer 355/223/150

Take a deep breath and smooth out. It's no secret I don't like the company you are working with but they are following protocol on this. They need the most up to date EKG possible and that is done during pre op testing. It's the Dr.s call on whether to operate or not. I think it's a good call because the risk is too great right now. Get it straightened out and have all your ducks in line. I know you want to have the surgery real bad but you want to be alive first. You will get there. Have faith. kp

I agree with the others. Your heart is nothing to fool around with. Chances are you'll get the cardiac clearance you need, but it's better to be safe than sorry. Having lived with two parents with various cardiac problems, I know that results on test can be different from one day to the next. So even if prior tests were fine, Cori is only doing what is best for all concerned. Good luck, I'm sure it will all work out.

I also agree with everyone else ! There is a reason why it's not to happen just yet, but have faith.... it will happen ! Not that it's a good thing that it came back abnormal but I think it's a good thing they are double checking to make sure. My mom also has heart issues so my Dr is taking that into consideration with my surgery and I too will be doing extra testing to be sure. I think it's a great precaution. I know it's easier said then done but relax, things are going to be just fine and you'll be on the losing side before you know it ! ~~Rona

I thank everyone for their support, the hospital called today to confirm my surgery. So I guess no one called them to tell them it was cancelled. How organized is that!? That really boosts my confidence in this place. I have an appointment with the cardiologists tomorrow. I hope it all goes well. Maybe I'll get a date early next year. But if my insurance wasn't changing in May, I would change and go to a different place in a heartbeat. ~Tiarra