Question:
Help!!! Tomorrow I am having an echocardiogram and I am so nervous...

I took fen-phen for about 1 year and I never had a echocardiogram. I had a EKG which was normal, and that was it. I've always felt since stopping the fen-phen that I was okay because I never had any symtoms whatsoever from the medication. I just completed my pre-op testing this week, and my EKG test was normal again. Now, my surgeon wants me to have the echocardiogram just to make sure there isn't any damage from the fen-phen. I am so scared. Imagine having valve damage from medication. My surgery is scheduled for Monday, June 4th. However, the surgery will come in second to my heart. I sure hope that the ultrasound is normal. Has anyone else had this test done as a result of fen-phen?    — ellton (posted on May 18, 2001)

May 17, 2001
hi, i also had to have an echo, i was on redux for 7 months, i guess that is why my surgeon ordered it, better safe then sorry. have you ever had an ultrasound? that is exactly what it is like, the same gel, only they are looking in your heart area. sometimes they press hard to see all the chambers, it was uncomfortable at times but really not too bad. relax everything will be fine.
   — [Anonymous]

May 18, 2001
Hi Tonya! Do not be nervous about the echo. I had to have the test also for taking phen-fen. The test came out normal. I had WLS on 4/19/00 and have lost 110 pounds, thereby, reaching my weight goal. The test is painless, like being read to see a baby in an expentant mother. I feel that you will do just fine! Take care!
   — Livia W.

May 18, 2001
Hi Tonya, I have to agree with everyone else. Please do not be nervous. I had an echo also and previously had no heart problems that I was aware of. It was kind of neat to see my own heart beating. It made me more aware of my mortality I think . Ended up I had mitral valve prolapse..still got my surgery..and im doing great :)
   — Eva C.

May 20, 2001
I am an echo tech and let me re-assure you if you had a valve problem a cardiologist would have been able to hear that with a stethescope. If a cardiologist listened to your heart then I would not worry.. These surgeons are very cautious as they should be. Thank the the LORD you have a thorough physician. He is doing just what he should be doing. Please post and let us know that everything is alright.
   — Bonita B.