Bummed out
I had a whole cardiac workup last fall when I was having horrible chest pains and a hard time breathing. They turned out to be a combo of wicked GERD and asthma. But I learned a few things about cardio tests.
The most important thing is that all the non-invasive tests, be they EKG, stress test, or even PET scans, are more error prone in women, especially heavy women. We have too much tissue (bewbies, and generally) for the waves/currents/whatever to penetrate properly. So you get inconclusive or weird results, and they want to test you more to be sure. After all, people like us with higher weights and a co-morbid or two are more likely to have heart issues in general--so it makes sense to get all the tests done.
So, I think it highly likely there's nothing to worry about. And don't freak out if they suggest an angiogram, aka heart catheter--it may be the only way to really see what's going on. I ended up with one, and I was actually glad, because it showed I have no blockages. In fact, had I not had that done last fall, I'm sure I would have had it done this week, because my EKG at the pre-op testing was wonky.
If by some chance you have an angiogram and they need to place a stent, make sure they know to place a bare metal one, not a drug-coated one. That's pretty standard-- the drug on the stent is a blood thinner, and not a good mix with later surgery and incision healing.
So, as others have said, just breathe. You'll be fine. It's just a small bump in the road. Even if you have to have a stent, it will not mean you can't have surgery.
The most important thing is that all the non-invasive tests, be they EKG, stress test, or even PET scans, are more error prone in women, especially heavy women. We have too much tissue (bewbies, and generally) for the waves/currents/whatever to penetrate properly. So you get inconclusive or weird results, and they want to test you more to be sure. After all, people like us with higher weights and a co-morbid or two are more likely to have heart issues in general--so it makes sense to get all the tests done.
So, I think it highly likely there's nothing to worry about. And don't freak out if they suggest an angiogram, aka heart catheter--it may be the only way to really see what's going on. I ended up with one, and I was actually glad, because it showed I have no blockages. In fact, had I not had that done last fall, I'm sure I would have had it done this week, because my EKG at the pre-op testing was wonky.
If by some chance you have an angiogram and they need to place a stent, make sure they know to place a bare metal one, not a drug-coated one. That's pretty standard-- the drug on the stent is a blood thinner, and not a good mix with later surgery and incision healing.
So, as others have said, just breathe. You'll be fine. It's just a small bump in the road. Even if you have to have a stent, it will not mean you can't have surgery.
Jenn
Type 1 diabetic, 26 years
With great power (the DS!) comes great responsibility.
Thank you soo much Jen for sharing your story with me.It is strange but even though I have never had surgery before I am not scared at all about having the Gastric Bypass .I am more scared of the possible heart catheterazation test done more than anything.Also that you for the tip on the stent.I will keep this in mind but hopefully it will not have to come to this.
P.S. I will try to keep taking deep breaths.
P.S. I will try to keep taking deep breaths.
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