Stress Test Question - Page 2

depglass · ‎03-10-2010

I had the test where you just lay on a gurney (pacemaker). The worst part was the boredom. They should put a TV in that room.

hckynut · ‎03-10-2010

On 3/6/2014 redbird said:
My husband had a nuclear stress test a couple of weeks ago. It took about 4 hours, much of which was waiting time between parts of the test. An IV was inserted in his hand and he was given the chemical substance. The test consisted of 2 sets of MRIs with a treadmill stress test in between. If you are having the nuclear test you will know as there is a page of instructions regarding fasting, meds, etc to be followed prior to the test.

Regardless of what kind of procedure for what part of my body I always refrain from eating and drinking or taking any of my medications for at the very least 8 hours before the procedure or testing. This includes the 7 years I was on Coumadin and having a full blood draw at least 3 times a week, many times 7 days a week. I feel the best readings can be attained when food nor too much fluid or medications can interfere with some or any of the readings. I have no medical or scientific proof of this, this is just what I have always and will continue to do before any type of testing or procedure.

I had this same type test but it was called a Cardio-lite Stress Test. They did an Echo-cardio(times 2) on me, not MRI's. Had the IV placed prior to starting any of the testing. Then they did a resting Echo and from there I went to the treadmill.

A bed was about as close to the treadmill as it could get, just to make this clear. This test was walking starting at 2mph at 2% elevation. Every 2 minutes the elevation went up 2% and every 3 minutes the speed went up 0.5mph. The Cardiologist and the Nuclear Med doctor both told me to let them know when I could only last 1 more minute on this test. I was on the treadmill for a total of 16+ minutes, not including warm up.

When I gave them the signal I would poop out in 1 minute that is when they shot the Nuclear materials into the IV. With a lot of huffing and puffing and legs and lungs aching I was able to finish that 60 seconds each time I had this Cardio-lite Stress Test.

Immediately after the shut down the treadmill I had to jump right onto the bed so they could take another Echo-cardio before my heart rate dropped to quickly. They want the "beats per minute" to be as close to maximum in the "after Echo" to see how the heart is reacting when running wide open. After this "after Echo" I got back on the treadmill for a 5 minute cool down walk. This was not included in the 16+ minute testing.

I don't consider these to be arduous at all. They are physically taxing for sure but the instances when these tests were ordered by my Cardiologist, I was at a good physical fitness level.

hckynut(john)

Georgiagrama · ‎03-19-2010

I just looked over all the forms I have to fill out for tomorrow. I'm guessing that I will be doing the treadmill test because there are no special instructions. I don't know how I will do on a treadmill. I can't run for 5 minutes....I'm old and I have COPD. This should be interesting.

sophiamarie · ‎08-08-2013

On 3/6/2014 Retired08 said:
I just looked over all the forms I have to fill out for tomorrow. I'm guessing that I will be doing the treadmill test because there are no special instructions. I don't know how I will do on a treadmill. I can't run for 5 minutes....I'm old and I have COPD. This should be interesting.

Just wear comfortable clothing (pants and top). You will have to remove your top because you will be hooked up to electrodes (leads) for an EKG while you are on the treadmill. They have little lockers for you to keep your belongings.

Just don't have any caffeine at least 3 hours before the test. (don't listen to all this nonsense on the boards). If your doctor ordered a stress test with contrast, they will start an IV and right before you are just about finished walking on the treadmill, they will release the dye and then you will be finished with that part. You shouldn't walk any more than 7 minutes at the most. If you have trouble walking, then they can put you on a stationery bike or even a wheelchair. Don't worry - they know what they are doing.

Just don't worry - relax and the whole thing should last no more than 2 hours, depending on the facility and other minor factors. Usually, they start these tests first thing in the a.m., like 8 am..... Good luck - and most of all - don't worry..... When is your test??? ${#emotions_dlg.thumbup}$ Smile

Georgiagrama · ‎03-19-2010

On 3/6/2014 sophiamarie said:
On 3/6/2014 Retired08 said:
I just looked over all the forms I have to fill out for tomorrow. I'm guessing that I will be doing the treadmill test because there are no special instructions. I don't know how I will do on a treadmill. I can't run for 5 minutes....I'm old and I have COPD. This should be interesting.

Just wear comfortable clothing (pants and top). You will have to remove your top because you will be hooked up to electrodes (leads) for an EKG while you are on the treadmill. They have little lockers for you to keep your belongings.

Just don't have any caffeine at least 3 hours before the test. (don't listen to all this nonsense on the boards). If your doctor ordered a stress test with contrast, they will start an IV and right before you are just about finished walking on the treadmill, they will release the dye and then you will be finished with that part. You shouldn't walk any more than 7 minutes at the most. If you have trouble walking, then they can put you on a stationery bike or even a wheelchair. Don't worry - they know what they are doing.

Just don't worry - relax and the whole thing should last no more than 2 hours, depending on the facility and other minor factors. Usually, they start these tests first thing in the a.m., like 8 am..... Good luck - and most of all - don't worry..... When is your test??? ${#emotions_dlg.thumbup}$

First thing in the morning (Friday). I've been trying to drink a lot of water tonight, just in case they have to start an IV. I have tiny, hard to find veins and they always send someone in who can't find a vein.

I thank you for the encouragement. I'm a little afraid actually.

sfnative · ‎03-10-2010

I had a nuclear stress test about a month ago because I was unable to have a normal stress test due to a bone-on-bone left knee. It took maybe 2+ hours. Yes on the I.V., but no "port," as in a device which is meant to remain in place over an extended period of days/weeks - just a regular I.V. A good tech should be able to handle your anatomy, so please don't fret too much.

There was much imaging and back and forth, but when they injected the vasodilator, I was asked to tell them what I was feeling, so gave them a blow by blow. The physician said, "your face never flushed." Well, my face never flushes for any reason, but I suppose it was indeed expected with my vessels dilated. But--it did make my migraine worse!

Best of luck to you!

granddi · ‎03-16-2010

I had stress test and echo. I was NOT happy that both of my nurse "techs" were male. Your chest is bare then "covered" For the Echo, you lay on your side with bare chest. The tech uses a hand held scan with gel and moves it over the chest. Yes, he did cover me with a small towel but it was a very long 22 minutes!

hckynut · ‎03-10-2010

On 3/9/2014 granddi said:
I had stress test and echo. I was NOT happy that both of my nurse "techs" were male. Your chest is bare then "covered" For the Echo, you lay on your side with bare chest. The tech uses a hand held scan with gel and moves it over the chest. Yes, he did cover me with a small towel but it was a very long 22 minutes!

Do you want me to tell you what gender treated me most of the time when I had a major artery hematoma after a Heart Catherization? A Heart Cath is put into a major artery in your groin in case you aren't familiar with them. And guess what gender did this on the 5 I have had to date? Doctors don't do this and I met very few male nurses during my many stays in the hospital.

I also was hospitalized with 2nd degree burns in my groin area that had to be cleaned 3 times a day and covered with Silvadene Creme each time. I'm thinking most males would prefer a male nurse during these types of treatment, but you get what you get. While I understand the way you feel?

When one faces life/death situations as I have several times? Modesty is nowhere in the picture. Anyone that has had these types of experiences learns very quickly that modesty goes out the window and saving a life is what is important.

hckynut(john)

sylviahomeatlast · ‎03-11-2010

the procedure took 1 1/2 hours

bells4me · ‎03-13-2010

On 3/9/2014 hckynut said:
On 3/9/2014 granddi said:
I had stress test and echo. I was NOT happy that both of my nurse "techs" were male. Your chest is bare then "covered" For the Echo, you lay on your side with bare chest. The tech uses a hand held scan with gel and moves it over the chest. Yes, he did cover me with a small towel but it was a very long 22 minutes!

Do you want me to tell you what gender treated me most of the time when I had a major artery hematoma after a Heart Catherization? A Heart Cath is put into a major artery in your groin in case you aren't familiar with them. And guess what gender did this on the 5 I have had to date? Doctors don't do this and I met very few male nurses during my many stays in the hospital.

I also was hospitalized with 2nd degree burns in my groin area that had to be cleaned 3 times a day and covered with Silvadene Creme each time. I'm thinking most males would prefer a male nurse during these types of treatment, but you get what you get. While I understand the way you feel?

When one faces life/death situations as I have several times? Modesty is nowhere in the picture. Anyone that has had these types of experiences learns very quickly that modesty goes out the window and saving a life is what is important.

I actually want a male doctor & nurses. I don't like women touching me. I cringe when I have to go for a mammogram. I agree with John that it really doesn't matter what the s*x, they are just doing their job.