Cardiologist follow up.

[Rienij70]

Got an appointment in the post this morning with the cardiologist, for the full works. The only test that worries me is the stress test. Worried about my hip replacement. Never had that test before. Are their rails you hang onto? Can’t see me using it with a stick.

[BobD Volunteer]

If you have trouble walking they can do this chemically so maybe best to talk to them first. There are rails but they don't want you holding on as it affects the readings.

[Rienij70 in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob. Puts my mind at rest. 😊

[stevie11]

The stress test is tough especially if your not fit i had trouble catching my breath afterwards and the cardiologist told me to get off very promptly..

They expect u to quickly lie down and take slow breaths afterwards but i just couldn't catch my breath..

[Rienij70 in reply to stevie11]

Goodness me. I better have a word then, before they start. Thanks Stevie11

[lell1]

Hi rienij70! U sound in the wars at the moment! Whatever they ask you to do, they will tell you to stop if/when you feel uncomfortable. I would imagine if you're also having a hip replacement they would need to know this as u will be using a treadmill? I had one, followed by an angiogram a couple of weeks later. It is uncomfortable and u may think that you're going to explode...not an attractive thought huh? They need to do this to see how the heart performs under pressure. You won't explode, and you will breath again!!

[Rienij70]

Hi Lell1 that is one of the reasons I try to avoid doctors. All that prodding and poking. It frightens me. But realistically it is not before time, I have been neglecting myself to long. Having been in A&E brought it all to a head. And being a carer to my husband I need to be in good health. Even the surgery rang me this morning to tell me that they needed a blood pressure reading. I think I suffer from white coat syndrome 😀Rienij

[lell1 in reply to Rienij70]

Hi rienij! Just seeing if u got things sorted?

[Rienij70 in reply to lell1]

Hi Lell , got the appointment for the 27th of March. Starting with an Echocardiogram at 1. Been told to allow 3 hours . Hopefully get things sorted. Thanks for asking. How are you coping? Big hugs Rienij x

[lell1 in reply to Rienij70]

Got my bits crossed for you gal! You just take it as easy as you can. How's OH? Things here slowly becoming more difficult for my dad so need to do more to help. Went out overnight just before xmas to a concert...really appreciated the space and time!! First time in 2 years! Hugs bak to u!

[Rienij70 in reply to lell1]

Things are reasonable steady at the moment. I actually had his GP ring me the other day, asking how things were and if I needed any help, to contact her. I couldn’t understand how come she rang. As she has never met him. Then the penny dropped. The hospital had addressed my discharge letter to her for some reason. So she obviously twigged that we are struggling in silence. I do the best I can, and try to look after myself too. Must admit I am looking forward to warmer days. I can go and hide in the garden😉 Glad you had a good time out, you need it wish I could. 💁

[lell1 in reply to Rienij70]

They have to send a copy to GP for their records Rienij. But even so, they must have an identification code that you are a carer on your record. If they offer help take it!! Good to hear that you're trying to take care of yourself too, but know that some days there just is no point? I have been shed slaying over the last week, and preparing for a new one! Slightly larger...may be room for a hidey hole?? Should I be looking at curtains and stuff do you think?? If you lived nearby we could have swap sessions huh?

[Rienij70 in reply to lell1]

Go the whole hock, large shed curtains little sofa, infect make a it a girly shed.😉💕💕

[Hidden]

Despite 2 replaced knees,,,I did try the treadmill version once only to discover my knees were fine BUT the IV placed in my wrist was so painful I could not make a fist to grab the rails IF I did need to prevent a fall,,,,so I was unable to complete the test and get an accurate evaluation,,,,if any reservations,,,just ask to have the chemical version and you get to lie in place for the duration,,,I did that the other 3 times I have had this over the past 20 years,,,,,works just fine!

[Rienij70 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your reply, just wonder any side effects from that injection and can you drive home afterwards?

[Hidden in reply to Rienij70]

i was an in

Patient at the time so not sure if a driver needed,,no after effects as I recall

[Mazza23]

My husband just did this they just gave him an injection he was fine

[Mike11]

If you have walking problems they have alternative tests using your arms. The key thing is they have to get the heart pumping at full blast to see if the ECG registers any abnormalities, but this can be done by lifting weights or anything else that you are able to do.

[Rienij70]

Thank you this is a whole new world to me.

[paulh1]

Over here in the former colonies,according to the technicians who administered my chemical stress test is that if you have AFib they do the chemical test over the treadmill.They don't want to drive you into Afib.

[Rienij70 in reply to paulh1]

Thanks paulh1 that is worth knowing.

[valg59]

Hi when I had stress test it was on a bicycle , so you would just hold the handlebars. Might be easier on you hip. Good luck .

[Rienij70 in reply to valg59]

Wow didn’t know any of that. All sounds good to me as long as I can hang unto something.