Question:
Has anyone had this test done? I am scheduled for it this week, and
am pretty nervous. Anything with cardiac effects seems to precipitate
scary symptoms (guess that's why they're doing it). The IV Persantine
is supposed to simulate the effects of exercise. To do the treadmill,
I'd have to go off my beta blockers for 3 days. If I did that, I
wouldn't even have to get on the treadmill. My heart rate would shoot
up all by itself. :-)
Ever since my 28 y/o brother died in his sleep 4 months ago, I have
been more anxious than ever about dying. The coroner could find no
reason for his death, and he told my parents he looked hard. David
wasn't healthy, but his death was totally unexpected. The strange and
frightening symptoms I've been having for the past year and a half
have made me afraid I don't have much time left. I've heard of people
who felt that way, and died. But did they die because they thought
they were going to, or did they intuitively know something was going
to happen?
Answer:
I don't know any thing about the specific test you're having. But on this
last point -- I think you can be assured that everyone who deals with
serious chronic illness goes through points where they think about death
quite a lot. Likewise, death is "brought home" when someone close to us
dies... That's normal, it's not a sign.
If you'd like to see a "blessing in disguise" (sometimes that helps!),
that awareness helps us very much appreciate the time and opportunities we
do have. After all, a falling brick (or whatever) can just as easily hit a
healthy person; so all anyone really has for sure, is today...
I have had a similar test done but they used dolbutamine with mine.
It is done the same way. They take you in a room with a machine that looks
like an ekg machine. They will hook you up with the electrodes and take
some EKG"s before they start.
Then some one will come in a start an IV in your arm and you lay there.
I had to lay on my left side.
next they put a flat or rounded, which ever they have and put jelly on it.
That is like what they use for a mom who is having a baby. YOU know to see
the little one. that is rubbed on your chest to take some pictures.
Slowly the medication is dripped in but they will tell you that. IF you
feel anything, you tell them and then they will stop the test right then
and there. There is a doctor with you.
Please don't be scared and remember it is for your own good that it is
being done.
you heart rate will go up but again they will keep asking you if you feel
alright. Tell them anything you feel.
That is it..
I tried to concentrate on a spot in the room but there was 2 good looking
doctor in mine, and well I had to look at them. Plus I figit and believe
me that is fine too. LOL. I got scared, it is only human. BUT you are in
good hands..it will all work out.
