Stress Tests

Hey ya'll,   I'm still finding things out about this site and enjoy reading the posts.  I'm a little nervous right now, I have a stress test scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday in Charlottesville.  From the vague phone messages I've recieved from my doctor's office I'll more than likey have the test with the radioactive injection.  Anyone ever had that before and have any advise for me?  I'd appreciate thoughts and prayers too!  Thanks ya'll.  Hope everyone is doing well.   Waverly

Good am Waverly, I've not had the stress testing done however, I wanted to wish you the best with it. I imagine others will respond and fill you in. Thoughts & prayers coming your way. All best!

Waverly,  I have had it . It is called a Nuclear Stress Test .  When I had it done, they had me sit on the edge of a bed, with my feet dangling. And injected the dye into my IV. Once it had gone through, they were able to see my heart light up . It was painless. It really gives the doctors a clear picture of your heart .  I wish you nothing but the best. You will be just fine . Be strong and stay positive !! I googled it for you : 

A nuclear stress test measures blood flow to your heart muscle at rest and during stress. It is performed similar to a routine exercise stress test but provides images in addition to electrocardiograms.

During a nuclear stress test, a radioactive substance is injected into your bloodstream. This substance mixes with your blood and travels to your heart. A special scanner — which detects the radioactive material in your heart — creates images of your heart muscle. Inadequate blood flow to any part of your heart will show up as a light spot on the images — because not as much of the radioactive substance is getting there.  Tink

Waverly, I have not had this done either but wanted you to know you will be thought of and in our prayers. Sounds as if you will be in good hands and that its not a bad test. Hope all is well, and if I werent in class those days Id run up and interduce myself but Ill be in class both days until 1:00 but maybe another day soon. Best of luck and think positive and keep us posted.

I had it done when I was dx with Cardiomyopathy after I had my son in June of 03.  They first injected me with some dye, and I layed on a table with this machine going around me taking picture of my heart at rest.  Next they had to do the "stress" part.  I layed in a bed and injected me with some medication that caused my heart to increase pace.  Now due to my condition of function of my heart I just remember almost passing out and my BP dropping to 60/30.  They said I had a Tachycardia episode.  Then they had me lay back under the machine that took pictures of my heart again.  The test came back fine.  It did cause me to get a ESP study done due to the tachycardia.  But everything came back fine with that.   I go in thurs. to see my cardio. He is porabally going to have me do this also for clearence.  It isn't that bad.  i would rather do the nucelar one right now instead of jogging.

Hey Waverly,  I had the stress test in Aug, 2005, when I was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure and Mitral Valve Leak.  I had to do the 2 part, 1 resting and the 2nd was exertion but because of my heart and lung conditions, they didn't make me do the treadmill, they just gave me this iv injection that made my heart rate increase.  Of course, mine confirmed the dr's diagnosis but the test itself was easy.  I can understand the fear.  For a while, it seemed like everytime I went to the dr, something else was wrong with me.  Made me not want to go to another thats for sure.  Just trust in your cardiologist.  They are specialists and they know what they are doing.  I am sending prayers for great news. Hugs, Theresa

Thank you guys for the information and the support. It is helpful to know kind of what to expect tomorrow. My father has had them as well and said the worst part was the hot flash you get from the dye injection. He said he understood what my mom went through with menapause. My girlfriend will be with me tomorrow and that is a comfort. She's stronger than I am. I'm in good hands.

I did a stress test before surgery but they made me do it on a treadmill and it was fine. My mother in law had one recently with the shot and she said it scared her to death becaude her heart was racng out if her control and it was unsettling. But afterwards she was just fine and she said it was preferrable to slaving away on the treadmill lolol I am sure you will do just fine - and if you do have an issue you really want to know before surgery and not during it. Good luck! Jackie

Hey ya'll,   I had the stress test yesterday and everything went fine.  It wasn't as bad as I worked myself up for it to be, infact, it was quite easy.  I actually caught a few naps while waiting on the doctors to do the test.  I had the shot that induces the viens to dialate.  That was an experience!  As soon as the nurse injected the meds I felt a warm sensation come across my face and then I felt tightness in my chest.  It felt as if I had ran up five flights of stairs.  The worst part of the exam was having my chest shaved and sandpapered to make sure the leads made good contact.  I'm still a bit sore from that.   I am scheduled for another test this afternoon, but I was told that I should call early this morning to see if they actually need to see me.  That sounded fine to me.     I appreciate everyones prayers and thoughts.  I hope you are all doing fine as frog's hair.  See ya'll soon.   Waverly

Hey Waverly, Great news that the stress test went well. What is next?