Thanks Jhori and Diva,
I had it today at 8:30am, oddly I was stressed for days thinking about it, even had chest pains and went to ER on Thursday, they did the ekg, showed nothing, bp was high and heart rate 122 (but I wasn't in a panic-anxiety yes, but not panicked- I even chuckled with the nurse said oh my goodness your heart rate is 100 on registering, I said pffffffft, that's really nothing, and I don't even feel it. They did the protein test to see if in midst or prior MI or heart damage, was ok. I seemed to relax later, as they suggested if I was nervous to be admitted overnight for observation, however my husband said I will stay home with you tomorrow (on Friday) and seemed to get better. Think the thought of it was making it worse.
I laid it in the hands of the Lord, said, well If I'm going to go, please make it painless and quick. I prayed. Oddly, I was so relaxed making a 30 mile trip to have it done. Especially, when I was cut off from even my decaf coffee, etc for 24 hours before procedure. Get this- my bp at home is generally 130/82, and panic attacks are 150's/105 and rapid heart rate. Today at the cardiologist was 90/70? The nurses were all just saying, oh how many people would love that reading. I'm saying....um....it's not that way at all. I did very well, no panic or apprehension during the test, Thank the Lord! Bummer side, it will be 24-48 hours on results. Keep me in your prayers please, hoping for all good news.
Anyway, if anybody needs a thallium stress test, here is a run down.
You register, info, etc.
You strip off the top clothing and have the gowns front and back (will put in EKG -12 line leads)
Insert an IV- and inject the thallium
Then you get to lay on a table, flat on your back (ugh hate that), and raise your hands straight over your head, as if you were ready to take a drive off a board. A machine for the next 15 minutes takes about 64 pictures to see the blood flow thru your heart at rest.
Next you come back to the stress/ treadmill room, they take your bp, check the lead lines on the ekg, and give your target rate based on age, gender, etc. Mine was 147. So off I start with a slight brisk walk, as they continously monitor me, and gradually increase the incline and speed to get the target rate, which I hit about 6 1/2 minutes into the test, they immediately inject the dye at your target rate again, I elected to go the full 8 minutes for my age and gender, to cover my bases, but only raised to 155, not far over the target for another quicker run on the treadmill for another minute and half. Actually not a run, or a jog, just quick uphill climb on the treadmill. Then they sit you down, get your BP again, and back to the room for the laying on the table and again 15 min/ 64 pictures of your heart while under stress. Then I was let go. So, I'm anxiously awaiting to hear the results. Will keep you updated.
