Question:
Anyone required to have a D-dimer test?

I saw the pulmonologist last week and also had a sleep study on friday. I received a call today from the office that the Dr. feels I should have a D-dimer to r/o embolisms. I am freaking out hysterically crying. Is this a test the most people are sent to get or should I be consumed in panic?    — mperez77 (posted on July 21, 2010)

July 21, 2010
I totally understand why you are hysterical; I think I went somewhat insane with all the WLS delays due to additional precautionary pre-surgery tests being ordered. I was diagnosed with mild to moderate emphysema some years back, and prescribed supplemental oxygen when exercising or sleeping. But when I was going through the steps to be approved for RNY, the doctor of internal medicine made me go through some extreme tests to rule out pulmonary embolism as my lungs sounded too clear for emphysema. Tests did not show PE, and I did not have any trouble when I finally had my surgery except my oxygen stats didn't stay up for a week or two, which is very common after RNY. In all likelihood you will be cleared for surgery and be amazed at how much easier it was than you had been led to expect. But there are a very small percentage of people who do suffer pulmonary embolisms with WLS, and it's very dangerous and the effects potentially long-lasting, so it's not a bad idea to be tested. If you live in the U.S., doctors practice "defensive medicine" to avoid being sued, which means they seem to go overboard in ordering tests that aren't necessarily indicated. This is probably the case with your situation, as it is with most, but all you can do is walk through this and just jump through whatever hoops are required to get your approvals -- with the least possible stress to yourself. The really wonderful thing is that now that I've lost about 80 pounds, I have an exam next week to find out if I still need oxygen for exercise and sleeping. I feel pretty confident that I do NOT. Please feel free to e-mail me directly through my profile info if there's anything I can answer for you or if you need support. I truly understand how hard it is for you right now. God bless. Be patient! Janell C.
   — Janell C.

July 22, 2010
the d-dimer is just a blood test,easy-peasy. You will be fine!http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D-dimer
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 22, 2010
Thank you for your responses they mean a lot to me. I had blood work today and results should be in by Monday. I guess this is just nerve racking being that PE are no laughing matter. But as many friends and family members have said it is in God's hands, and if he has got me this far he will carry me all the way through.
   — mperez77

July 22, 2010
Please be sure to let us know when you get your test results! Best success!
   — Janell C.

July 28, 2010
This is a quick blood test that determines if there is any risk of embolism in the body. If it comes back as positive, the leg ultrasound will be necessary to rule out or confirm the risk, but it is your dr. that decides what to do, because he is following your procedure.
   — Dr. Elias Kuster