Question:
Feedback please.
At a physical therapy appt. I made a 'sigh' noise, asked if I was OK, I
said it's just the costochondritis no biggie. Well, PT was stopped, B/P
checked 100/70, pulse 62, and a brief EKG done -- all fine.
Therapist said she was concerned with anyone having any kind of chest
pain. OK. But it ain't my heart. She send info to my doc. PT is now
"on hold" and I had to go see my doc who did an EKG which was fine.
She seemed to think this was much ado about nothing and I said as much
but then she ordered this freaking test since it was decided a treadmill
stress test would be pointless and I don't believe this test is *not*
medically necessary, don't want to go through it, spouse will have to
take yet *another* day off to drive me.
After reading a number of sites describing this test, there's variations
as to whether a cardiologist is in the room, don't eat or drink for 12
hrs prior, another states 3 hrs, others state 4 hrs.
If only I had not "sighed" as I was rolling this overweight body from
one side to the other to complete the exercise. If only I had just said
I was tired or anything other than costo=minor pain in breastbone/rib
area.
Answer:
If you were the therapist, you would realize how
many times people with one condition, such as FMS,
have attributed another condition to it. Such as chest pain.
Far better for all to be sure.
If that's the drug alternative to the treadmill test, I had one about two
years ago (smoker, history of heart disease in family, high BP and high
cholesterol). Due to bad knees, FMS and cervical spondylosis, we opted for
the drug version of the test.
It's not too bad, most times you sit in waiting room waiting for the next
set of tests. The part where they inject the drug is the only major
discomfort... it felt like an elephant had landed on my chest (normal for
smokers they said), but it only lasts about 30 seconds.
Lucky for me, the test came back normal. I take HCTZ for blood pressure and
watch what I eat to keep my cholesterol down (was normal this year - woot!).
I still need to lose weight and cut back on my smoking though - those are my
goals for this year.
I told you before, *Get the Test* it's no big deal & Jim should have enough
vacation or sick days he can take to not lose a day of pay to take you.
http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/tests/testd08.htm
I'd read it along with numerous others. It is a
big deal. Initially, I just thought how stupid and what a waste of
time. Now I don't want any IV dobutamine with all the possible side
effects w/test lasting up to 2 hours. I've a hx of getting the 'rare'
side effects from meds and/or needing lower dose than the average
person. The more rare side effects are a bigger deal. So I've gone
from "stupid waste of time" to "no freaking way I'm putting myself
through this" - particularly when there is apparently no reason and
I'll have to forego the PT since w/o these test results they won't see
me. Just ridiculous.
If I've started having panic attacks already, test isn't scheduled till
6/20 and test can cause panic attack in addition to a potpourri of very
nasty stuff, then I'd be a basket case having to be dragged kicking and
screaming. Just too scared. Probably drop from myocard/infarct on the
way in.
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic3/dobutamine_ad.htm
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic3/dobutamine_wcp.htm
Since doc thinks treadmill would not yield good results, I'll ask her
about bike - my legs aren't bothering me much at all and are pretty
strong. At least no drugs I've never had before.
