Question:
Questions about EKG , ECHO and Stress test

I FEEL SO SAD TONIGHT! My doctor told me today that he wants me to have an EKG, an ECHO and a Stress Test. I asked him why and he said he wanted to check my heart to see if it could take the stress of surgery. He said if I don't pass it he won't do the surgery. I burst into tears and was still crying as I walked out of his office. His nurse is going to call me next week with my appointment date. Has anyone else gone through this? PLEASE' I need some encouragment. Thank you.    — [Anonymous] (posted on February 2, 2001)

February 2, 2001
Hi, Hmmmm..how can I put this. You are having this surgery in order to save your life. You dont want to die on the operating table. Your surgeon has your best interests in mind. Wouldnt it be better to know that your heart might not withstand surgery BEFORE the surgery rather than while you are on the table? I had to undergo an EKG, Echocardiogram and a stress test. I had the surgery 1 week ago and am doing fine. Everything will be ok :-)
   — Eva C.

February 2, 2001
I know exactly how you feel. My PCP ordered extensive testing for me that included Stress Test, EKG, Echo, cardio-doppler, and the list goes on. I was initially "stressed" about it, but I understand it was all for my benefit. I passed every test and got my clearance yesterday for my surgery on Tuesday. Don't sweat it, everything will be fine. Good Luck!
   — BOBBI M.

February 2, 2001
Hi! I had to have a stress test, endoscope and sleep study BEFORE I could them to send in my insurance paperwork! It is for the BEST, really it is. I know how you feel right now, I too was crushed when I found out that he wanted me to do all those tests. BUT once I got over my crushed feelings, I got on the phone and schedueled my tests. You will get there, REALLY you will. Good luck! Hugs Jann
   — paschool

February 2, 2001
Hi, I had to have an EKG too. Just part of the pre-qualifying test. My first EKG was fine but when I had an EKG for preop (2 days before scheduled surgery) it came back irregular. Now I freaked, I didn't want my surgery cancelled and was afraid something was terribly wrong with my heart. My surgeon then ordered an Echo, which was a breeze. In fact it was very interesting to see my heart via sonogram. Turns out my heart was fine and they believe the 2nd EKG was not done properly, probably leads were placed wrong. But I understand how you feel, it was very scary. Good luck to you and just remember you are doing this for your health and it is better to find out now if something is seriously wrong before surgery.
   — Kim F.

February 3, 2001
I too panicked because I had to have cardiac clearance. My surgeon required the clearance when I showed up for pre-op testing the day before surgery. My cardiologist refused to do the clearance or any tests for it because he didn't believe in the surgery. I was devastated, but with the help of the staff at the clinic, I calmed down and went to another reputable cardiologist who performed the Echo and EKG which came out fine, even though I was stressed and in a hurry. My Echo was at 8:30 am and I was supposed to go straight to the hospital for surgery with my clearance. I was 10 minutes too late and was so disappointed. But I was rescheduled a week later and did fine. 65 pounds ago! Good luck!
   — marciejayne