Nuclear stress test

[Birky]

I am scheduled for a nuclear stress on Friday and have never had one before. I am sure some of you have. If I asked this before, please excuse me since I am getting very stressed with all that is going on. I am having that test and an echo for the cardiac clearance for my shoulder surgery. I have really considered cancelling the surgery since it is such a hassle with the coumadin.

 

[Marguerite53]

Hi Marcia. I had a nuclear stress test pre-surgery (right when they determined I would need surgery within 3 years). Having one post surgery should be very interesting for you, actually! You know what they're looking at!

Basically, for me, they take a baseline "photo" xray (not an echo, I don't think....some special type of machine) of your heart, then they put you on the treadmill til you reach the desired heart rate and they take another one and compare them. You are injected with a radioactive substance prior to both (as I recall) and then lain on a table where they bring the machine to you. They were busy pointing out to me all the nuances on the screen, but I was not well versed at that point (hadn't found this site ) so was clueless.

As far as your shoulder goes....if it is bothering you, it is only going to get worse. I had some miniscus work done on my knees (albeit 6 years ago, prior to knowing I'd need AVR) and was SO relieved afterwards. Didn't realize that I hadn't had to put up with all that pain! I'm a tissue valve, so don't have to worry about coumadin management. BUT....someday you might be in a worse situation and really be ill and need to know how the management thing plays out for you. Wouldn't it be good to use this as a test run and get the kinks out of the system so to speak? Also, you have all the people on this site to help you!

Good luck and keep us posted.

(Oh! and I see from your profile that we share a significant date!! We'll have to find a way to celebrate together! )

Marguerite

 

[Nan]

Hi Marcia, As Marguerite said, the nuclear stress test is really not a big deal...it just sounds imposing when they say nuclear! They can do it either with the treadmill or with an injection/IV of something that speeds your heart up like exercise does. And the scanner is just that, a scanner.

How are you handling the coumadin for your surgery? Shoulder stuff can be pretty disabling so probably a good idea to get it taken care of. I am asuming you have already gone the physical therapy and cortisone route?

Good luck.

 

[Birky]

shoulder

shoulder

I had 5 cortisone shots and 2 sets of physical therapy so I think it should be repaired. The shoulder wakes me up at night -feels like it is coming out of the socket. I am going to do the Lovenex shots this time. Do not want to be an in patient and get stuck every 6 hours. Cortisone shots helped for a while and then I fell in the bathroom and that's when I tore the labrum. It is painful to move it certain ways. I am kind of scared of the surgery since I know it is going to be painful and have to wear a sling for 1 month. Have ther surgery on Mon, see Dr. on Thursday and start physical therapy on Friday. Got to be off work for 2 weeks-I might go back in a week if all is well. Thanks for your help,

 

[hensylee]

I had a persantine test 2-3 weeks ago and in Dec 2005. It is a chemical test and might be nuclear because radiation was used by the machine. It is really easy. They plug an IV in and shoot some stuff in there that speeds your heart to exercise level and have you on a monitor and EKG. Then they walked me into xRay and I lay on a narrow 'bed' that felt like metal covered with blankets. Soon a machine went over and over and over me, back and forth, taking pix. That was at exercise speed of the heart, then they let me lie there and stretch a bit for a few minutes while the heart slowed to resting and took more pictures. It's only slightly uncomfortable, no pain, just a feeling of fullness at times and should you become very uncomfortable they can reverse the chemical immediately. During the first testing when they put in the chemical there are two nurses right next to you at all times. You can drive yourself there and home - I could have, but didn't. They cautioned me not to hold any infants or small children for 24 hours because of the radiation. My test was not called nuclear - it was called persantine. If these two are NOT the same, someone will correct?

 

[Birky]

stress test

stress test

They called it a nuclear stress test. I do have to go on the treadmill to get my heart rate up so I think this is a little different.

 

[Karen]

Hi Marcia,

I know there is some concern about doing stress tests "unnecessarily." But you are very closely monitored as you do the test. I had a nuclear stress test 3 years ago. It requires 3-4 hours, but much of that time is waiting for the radioactive dye that is injected to do its thing. You have sensors placed on your chest that will have EKG leads attached to. I had a scan before the test -- this isn't ALWAYS done. And then there was a PA and a doctor right there while I walked on the treadmill. The incline and rate was increased slowly and you are constantly asked if you're okay. There's a certain protocol that they will take you to IF you have no symptoms. Only about 10 minutes for me. At the peak of the test, more of something (more dye?) is injected into the IV and you continue to walk while you hold your chest right up to a "camera." The PA helps with that -- kind of hard to do while you are still briskly walking! And then the treadmill speed is gradually slowed. Your blood pressure will be checked a few more times afterwards. Then I had to wait for an hour or so before having another scan done. The scan wouldn't have been bad at all, except that the needle for my IV hurt. When the nurse took it out, she said it was "hanging on for dear life." You have to hold your arms up over your head during the scan -- lying down, of course. I hope that won't be a problem for you with your shoulder.

Good luck! And try not to "stress out."

Karen