Stress Test

I was called into the room for my stress test.

I must digress. I don't think I have mentioned my EKG stickers. Upon my arrival at the ER, I was immediately given an EKG. To do that, first they must attach 7-10 stickers with metal knobs to the area surrounding your left breast and near your hips on both sides (?). When I had reached my room, a few more were added for my portable monitor. When I had my Echo Cardiogram, she added a few more.

So, back to the stress test. The first thing the tech. did was rip off every one of the stickers. I believe that I have previously mentioned the fact that I am a bit on the hairy side. (Welcome to the Dossett family.) There was a great deal of pain involved in removing these. The tech was getting me ready to apply new stickers but she added a twist. After the usual swab w/ alcohol, she sandpapered every spot where she intended to attach a lead. She then applied the stickers. She explained the procedure to me and then the person who would perform the test came in. It turns out that she is the same person who administered the chemical stress test I had taken 1 1/2 years ago. She's kind of different. I wish I could figure out who she reminds me of. She's got teased short dark hair. Lot's of make-up. She's slightly pudgy especially in the face. She is very gregarious and seems nice, but I think it was mostly put on.

For the stress test I got on a treadmill, the nice man who administered my CT scan gave me a shot of the nuclear goo that he gave me earlier. (Once again in my handy IV portal. Love that man!). I started walking at a slight incline and a good pace. I did that for 3 minutes. Just before the 3 minutes were up, they warned me that the incline would increase and the treadmill would speed up. It did. At the end of another 3 minutes, it did it again. I was now walking so fast that the tech. had her hand behind me to catch me if I fell and the incline was almost mountain climbing. I did this for 2 minutes. It would have been 1 1/2 but they cheered me on the last 30 seconds. I have NEVER been so tired and out of breath! I collapsed on a chair and was gasping for breath for a while. Believe me, the Stress Test is aptly named.

Once I had recovered, I had another CT scan to see what things looked like under stress. I was finally wheeled away to my room. Oddly, through all of the tests that day, the only time my chest hurt was after the CAT scan. Not a twinge after the stress test.

I went back to my room in hope of food, rest and the confirmation that I had inflammation in my heart wall......