Worried about Stress test

Hi again!

I have another question.  I am nervous about the stress test.  Hope I can do it.  How long do they make you walk on the treadmill.  I have one hip that bothers me and I am afraid of the test. 

Any help on this would be appreciated, I go tomorrow.

Mary G

Tell them you have a bad hip. You may not have to walk the treadmill. When I had my stress test, I had two bad knees and the one knee had just been scoped again. They did the stress test through drugs (they give you a drug that mimics exercise) and you just lie there. The drug makes your mouth real dry, though, but otherwise, it's not bad. So tell them if you have physical limitations.

HI again!

Thanks, I will tell them and see what they say.  I know it is stupid but I have really been worried about this test.

Thanks for the info.  I will use that to help.


Mary G

My husband had the drug induced stress test and said it was horrible.  If he had known it was going to be so bad he would have walked on his bad knee!  But then again, he's a man....
Jan

I had the drug induced test also.  It gave me a headache, I told the techs and they made an adjustment and headache went away.  I read a book during the test.
Pat

I have had both types. This past one was chemically induced because of chronic health conditions. I also had a heart catheter and was relieved that I was OK but a little upset that I had to go through it. Oh well. Stuff happens in this journey. It's better to be safe than sorry!!! Worrying won't help Practice relaxation techniques and best wishes!

Mary,

I, too, have had both types of stress tests and generally speaking, preferred the regular one over the drug induced one, the regular one is not all that bad, they won't have you doing more than you are capable of, but the drug induced one is easier, I just didn't like how it made me feel, but everyone is different.  It's just a hurdle you have to get over so they know you can withstand the surgery. 

Sending you positive thoughts, Laureen

I agree Laureen ... regular stress test preferred here too.

Hi Mary,

Before my bariatric surgery I had the drug test (adenosine cardiac) because of my bad hip. I've had both tests and definetly prefer the treadmill to the drug. My adenosine cardiac test came back as a false positive (because of large breast tissue) and then I had to see a cardiologist and have more tests. I truly thought that I was going to die since my father had passed away at 47 from a massive heart attack.

Until my total hip replacement (6 months after my RNY) I couldn't walk let alone get my heart beat up while walking on the treadmill so it's good there are alternatives. You should read up on the adenosine cardiac test, because I don't think it's uncommon to get false positive results.

All the best to you.

I was recovering from knee surgery when I had mine and had to have the chemically induced stress test.  My mother had one before I did and told me they give you IV meds and you lie there and then its over.  Well, I called her and told her she lied to me.  She had none of the possible side effects during her test.  I had them all.  I didn't expect anything so I was not prepared.  I can handle most anything if I know it is coming.  the good news is the test only lasts about 6 minutes and then they give you and antidote and within seconds I was feeling normal again.  I think I could do it now and not be affected much because I know what can happen. 

The bottom line is everyone reacts differently.  Know that you may have no reaction at all and you may have multiple side effects ie...flushing, feeling of pressure, etc.  No matter what you are hooked up to an ekg and blood pressure monitor and are being watched closely at all times.  It is relatively short and side effects are reversed very quickly.  You will be fine whichever method you end up doing.