Scared-a bit. Anyone know anything about a PET test??

Okay, so I saw the cardio doc last week-he said my ekg was abnormal!? Wanted to do a stress test to rule out a heart attack or blockage, etc before he would clear me for surgery.  I did the stress test over the past two days. After today's testing was done, he tells me he wants to do a PET now because he's not sure if he is seeing breast tissue or an actual blockage-so I'm having this done Monday, 4 days BEFORE my surgery?  I am a bit scared now, I mean this is my heart.   I've come this far, I'm praying that nothing stops me from going forward and that it's all just breast tissue.  Say a prayer!  Anyone else experienced this??

http://www.texasheartinstitute.org/HIC/Topics/Diag/dipet.cfm Go to this website, and it explains it. I will be praying for you. Let us know how it goes. Missy

A Pet test they shoot a dye in vein and then take picture of your heart I seen the cardio and he wanted to do the same thing but he wanted to do that test and nucler stress test at the same time.  So you are not alone I havent did either test but that is what they are.

Thanks for the replies-I appreciate it! I checked out the website Missy-it was very helpful.  Jarfly why haven't you done it? Just curious! Thanks again :)

Well Lisa I have back out from having the surgery due to the Lung Dr. found something that is stopping me from having my surgery.  I will have to get that corrected before the surgery can go on. That is why I am not  going with the cardio yet I have to get through this Lung thing first.

Warning I am a very honest person and I dont sugar coat unless u ask me too...  But sugar coatin wont help ya so here goes... I had it done not long ago...  It's not dye they put in.  I had dye during a ctscan before. That was easy. You will have an IV. You will go into the big hoop which is the machine (look like a ctscanner) It lasts for about 45 minutes.  They will inject Thallium into the IV close to the end of the test for 6 minutes.  It puts ur body into a state of being exerted big time. "Stressed."   It is were all the blood vessels etc in the body dialate.   You may become flush, sick to ur tummy, chest might hurt, u might breathe heavy.  You will feel real funny.  I wont lie.  I did become very scared and had an anxiety attack.   You might cry etc, dont worry, it wont last long.  Just feels that way. The techs are very supportive and will talk to u throughout it. Your blood preasure, heart ofcourse and O2 levels will be monitored the whole time. Holler if you need me.

hey just wanted to ler u know you are very helpful to newbie's ( me)  & want to thank u in advance  that lady was really worried about the pet test & came in & calmed her & gave her the info she needed   that is a blessing...................god  bless

I know to me other then waiting ofcourse, that the fear of the unknown was always the worst.  I was SO thankful that I had someone tell/warn me of the test before I went for mine so I atleast knew somewhat to expect.  SOme like the friend that told me didnt know anything about it so she was totally suprised and scared when that last phase started.  Would be nice if they knocked ppl out for that test. lol

 

Thanks guys-hey Joy-I had the stress test done, and they did the IV thing then with the radioactive isotope (Cardiolite?) stuff injected into the IV.  They did this over a two day period.    The more I talk to people the more I'm learning this is really in my best interest-to make sure nothing happens to me on the table.   I'd rather be safe than sorry, but the countdown is on and  I just want to be OVER all of this now LOL!

Ohhhh ok. They did urs differant then.  I wish I had that one then! lol Kiddin.  Any resu;ts yet??? I SHOULD have a "date" next week so I will keep u posted!