Question:
What are some of the reasons a doctor might cancel or postpone surgery?

Today I went to see my PCP and he told me that LAST YEAR my blood test showed that I have borderline hypothyroidism. He didn't even tell me this! It could be worse now. I just took another blood test today. Also, I may possibly have anemia because of my abnormal periods between periods for the last year. I'll find out for sure when my blood work comes back. Should I be worried about having hypothyroidism or anemia? Could they prevent me from having this surgery and is there anything else that might show up in the blood work that I should be worried about? How many of us are scared as hell that something will show up before surgery to prevent us from having it?!?!?! It's my biggest worry now! Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!    — Samar M. (posted on June 26, 2002)

June 26, 2002
I have the same fears that you have. My pre-ops are the 3rd week of July (surg Aug 12). I have been getting more exercise, practice breathing and taking my vits with iron and watching my sugar intake in order to get decent test results. Thats pretty much all I know to do. I know that it wont change some things but I went through hell getting ins approval and then have to wait 8 weeks for surgery. That is a long time for our minds to play games with us. Slow thyroid is no reason to cancel surgery and getting an iron supplement and eating high iron foods will help with your iron levels. If your iron is low, get the foods and supplement and then request another iron test b/c you were on your period or had just had it when the blood was taken. Hypoactive thyroid can cause weight gain by the way. My drs have told me over the years that mine was borderline...I always wondered if that was a factor in my weight gain. Good luck and try not to worry~~~~~worrying will make your blood pressure go up LOL!
   — cherokey55

June 26, 2002
Hi, I just got my pre-op (surgery July 30th) blood work back yesterday and I have subclinical hypothyroidism and I am slightly anemic. I called my surgeon just today to find out what I should do and he said take an iron supplement and start thyroid medication (they usually want it regulated before surgery, mine was 10.52) but this would definitely NOT interfere with my surgery!!!! Good Luck!!
   — TP