[PlanningtoLive]

I am scheduled Monday for a heart stress test since I was admitted overnight the end of last month for chest pains. Because of back surgeries, I can not handle the tread mill, so they are giving me an IV with chemicals that will stress the heart.

I am very scared. Does anyone have any information on this procedure, what's involved, how it feels, etc?

I would appreciate any help.

Mary Alice

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Heart-Car...-Injection.htm

this link seems to be reassuring!

[PlanningtoLive]

{{{{{{{Rainbowzz}}}}}}} thank you so much. I hate the idea of chemicals making my heart pump more.


Mary Alice

PTS, I think its important too to remember that the class of drugs you are being given are actually used in hospital to HELP the heart too - and they will have reversal drugs on hand should it get too intense or not go well!

You will be fine! They woud not do it if they thought there was any danger

[PlanningtoLive]

Thank you.

[Elysium]

(((((PTS)))))

I wish you well on your stress test!!

I am a Critical Care/Cardiac Nurse. I have helped many people through these tests. Rainbowzz gave you a great link. I also wanted to give you just a few other tid-bits.

When they give you the medication to induce the workload on the heart, some people have said that they get a warm sensation throughout their bodies and they may start to sweat. Some have said they felt some mild nausea with anxiety.

These side effects pass rather quickly, but some say they are left with a general feeling of malaise for just a bit afterwards.

I want to let you know, as Rainbowzz did, that these nurses, techs, and Dr's are trained in advanced care and will have all the equipment and meds available to counteract any negative effect should one arise. These usually go well and don't typically take that long.

I think you'll do well, and I wish for the best results!!

Hang in there and keep us posted!!

[PlanningtoLive]

{{{{{{{Elysium}}}}}}}

Thank you for the extra information. I have to be at the hospital at 11am, my "resting phase" (?) is at 11:30 and the test is scheduled at 1:30pm. The letter said I won't be done till probably 3pm.

[PlanningtoLive]

Well, I went for the test and it wasn't as bad as I thought. They put an IV in and gave me some dye for the pictures at the resting phase. The injection of chemicals made me short of breath, but the pain wasn't as bad as what I feel everyday. So I don't know about that yet.

They took more pictures and I left. At least it's over with. Thank you for the replies and information.

Mary Alice

((((((PlanningtoSurvive))))))))))))))))))))))))) I did not see this before.
Im so glad you are ok....

[PlanningtoLive]

{{{{{{{muffy}}}}}}}} thank you. I just have to wait a couple of days for the results they said.



Mary Alice

[PlanningtoLive]

Stress test turned out okay. Because I still have the pain, they are going to do an echogram (?), an ultrasound of the heart and the valves all around it.

I go next week on the 26th. Please keep me in your thoughts that they find out what the problem is. Thank you.

Mary Alice

(((PlanningtoSurvive)))Im so glad your stress test turned out ok
the echogram easy test. I had that done years ago. After I had my daughter. Due to stress in my life at that time my heart started to have extra heart beats. At that time it made me feel like i was going to pass out. Anyways turned out I had mitrovalve prolaspe. Maybe spelled wrong. Sounds bad lol but mine was not. Acually it was a good thing it showed up as I take antibotic before dentist or surgery.
Thats why i was so concerned but not enough lol when i got ill this time
Stress can do alot of damage to us all. I know my friend you have been under stress.
If it turns out to be this. I am praying its like mine and can be controlled with no meds. just by limited stress. Which i know is hard. As i have a issue with it.
I hope this helped. Please know i care and will be praying for you.
Ohh one thing that helps me that i forgot is to breath
(((((planningtosurvive)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

[PlanningtoLive]

{{{{{{{{{muffy}}}}}}}} thank you for answering my post and reassuring me. Your friendship means a great deal to me, please take care of yourself.

Mary Alice

[Fuzzybear]

((((((((((((((((( Mary Alice )))))))))))))))))

[PlanningtoLive]

Fuzzy

Mary Alice

[PlanningtoLive]

Echocardiogram is in the morning. I am nervous, not about the actual test, but the results. Watch them find nothing and I am back at square one.

Mary Alice

[PlanningtoLive]

Had the test. Got to see my heart valves and the heart itself beating. The technician asked if I had any respiratory problems. The test took about 30 minutes to get all the different views.

I will know on the 31st. Thanks to everyone.

Mary Alice