So I had my required stress test today. When the hospital called, they said to wear gym shoes and wear comfortable clothing. So I did. I went, prepared to walk long and hard on the treadmill, to get my heart rate up. That's about all I knew about stress tests. Well, when I got there, they told me my doctor had ordered a "chemical" stress test. I had never heard of such a thing. But it did mean I didn't have to do the treadmill...LOL.

She explained I did have a heel spur, which might make it hard to do the regular test. I agreed. I also have arthritis and do weigh 300 pounds. So I was grateful, once i got used to the idea. I was not grateful, however, when they had to stick me FIVE times to get the IV in! I do provide a challenge, I realize ("delicate veins," they told me), but FIVE times is a new record. One nurse tried 3 times. The other tried once. Then they called someone from surgery to do it, and yes, she got it first time.

They gave me the radioactive stuff, and i did feel weird, as they said, within a few seconds. I had to take a few deep breaths, and I felt a heaviness on my chest. But it all passed quickly, as they also said; within 2-4 minutes. Then I had to just sit and rest for awhile, so my heart could go back to resting rate. Then they took a picture of it with a special machine.

In the end, they said I was normal. That was good news.

RNY, here I come.... DECEMBER 1. TEN DAYS! The only test remaining is the "Type and screen" test, in case I need to receive blood during or after surgery. I'm thinking that probably won't happen. Please, Lord....

I can't believe it's finally here. I attended my first information session in JULY.

When you have your surgery you might want to ask for an ultraviolet light guided IV, or as for anesthesia to do it. I'm sure one of those options are available but if not, ask for the most experienced nurse to start you. No need to suffer with more pokes that necessary! I'm rootin' for ya!

@@bugsy72 -- It sounds as though you had a nuclear stress test. Was that it?

Edited November 21, 201510 yr by WLSResources/ClothingExch

Sounds like she had a Sestamibi stress test, which is nuclear. I've always loved that word. It sounds like a vacation.

@@TinyTink -- "Sestamibi" is new to me. I won't look it up because your take on it is better than anything else could ever be. Not just a vacation, but a very sexy vacation. In a remote part of the world. With a tall, dark, handsome stranger. Who is fluent in Italian and Romanian. And Ukrainian, worlds nicer than Russian. And... And....

Quick, the smelling salts.

Which way to the airport?

Edited November 21, 201510 yr by WLSResources/ClothingExch

@@bugsy72

Glad everything went well for you. I had a nuclear stress test in June and you are right that feeling when your heart starts racing is very weird but everything went good as well.

I also am a hard stick when it comes to IVs. Especially when they use lidocaine to make it less painful. During both my bypass and my spine surgery in June they stuck me 8 times before they finally got a line in.

I had surgery on Monday and warned them that lidocaine will make it worse for both of us. They had a anesthesiologist do it without the lidocaine and bam they got it on the first try. From now on I am going to tell them not to use lidocaine.

The other good news is as you lose weight you end up with more veins for them to choose from which is great. Before my bypass they really stuck me in the same place every single time and that created years of scar tissue.

I had the isotope stress test, with a nuclear heart scan after that.

http://www.heartsite.com/html/chemical_stress.html

DJMOHR, I don't think they use the lidocaine on me--at least, not that I know of. I do have one vein in my lower arm that they often go to. But I had bloodwork Wednesday and then the stress test Friday, so I've been stuck quite a few times this week. But I'm kind of used to it at this point. It doesn't feel good though!