I have to go for a heart test this Friday. I have been waiting over 2 weeks and of course thinking the worse and dealing with fear and anxiety. I hate being a coward, I know what the test involves and in reality should not really be shaking like a leaf, but I am. Have any others been unable to control their anxieties over going for a medical test, or am I just over reacting?
A fast question, more for confidence. - Anxiety Support
A fast question, more for confidence.
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kama24
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kama24, we are all right there with you. It's not the test we are afraid of, but the outcome. It's human nature to fear the unknown, just that it's worse for the anxious person. The "what ifs" start taking over and we are long down the road to what will happen if.... before we have even been diagnosed. Try to look at the test as an answer to the question of what has been causing your symptoms. One step at a time. The forum is your "go to" place for support and understanding. We are right here with you. Good Luck kama...
Thank you so much for your reply. Yes, I have done too much thinking in the "what if" area.....however I also think that something could happen during the test and be the end of me. It really is an illogical way to think, and I'm logical enough to know that, but fear for me is a strong enemy. I truly appreciate your words of support.
kama, think of it this way. A cardiologist must be there when giving the test. You will never be in better hands then you are at that time. My fear goes off the roof contemplating a test but I always try to put the positive thoughts first.
yes, they told me a doctor would be IN the room when the stress test was being done. I'm trying so very hard to think positive.....oh how I'd like to be a normal person 
I really don't like always thinking the worse. Thank you for the response
Ive gotten an echocardiogram before. Idk if thats what youre going in for, but if so its nothing to worry about. They basically just do an ultrasound on your heart. It doesnt take too long and it doesnt hurt. They just put some jelly on a wand and move it across your chest. A lot of doctors use these tests just to rule out the worst case scenario. You shouldn't be worried
Thank you for replying.....I had an echocardiogram done and a stress test. This time I am going for a 4 hr stress/rest test.....they inject dye into you and you basically wait for 3 hrs then go under a doughnut shaped x-ray machine for 20 min. For the stress part of it, you are on the tread mill with more dye in you....then have more x-rays in the machine. My problem is that I think too much! I feel like I cannot breathe, and then the panic strikes and I'm in a real mess. I have to try to find someway to "not think" when I am laying there and when I know the dye is going in.
in reply to kama24
Did they find something regular stress test? I just had one done yesterday and the dr wanted to do the helical stress test too but only bc I had said I had chest pain while on treadmill, but then I explained to him that I always have chest pain due to the anxiety. Other than that he said everything looks fine. I have to go back for an echo and blood work in a month so I'm guessing there's nothing wrong if he's waiting that long to see me again. He prescribed metoprolol for palpitations but I'm afraid to take it since I normally have a normal resting hr. It only goes fast during a panic attack.
in reply to
*chemical
kama24 in reply to
They mentioned doing the chemical stress test where an injection will speed your heart up....I think they saw sheer terror on my face! and said ok we will see if you can reach your peek heart rate without it.
kama24 in reply to
yes at the end of the stress test a "positive" showed up......he did say it could likely be a "false positive" but of course with the way my mind thinks, I'm already worrying about stents and angiograms. With my panic disorder I often feel short of breath when I'm anxious, and of course I'm terrified I will have this sensation during the test and make a fool of myself. I take atenolol since Nov. I have had PVCs and extra beats most of my life. Last Oct. they became stronger thus I went to the cardiologist.....you want to help yourself yet you (I) am afraid.
in reply to kama24
Oh I understand! I have a right bundle branch block but he said it's no big deal, I just have a higher chance of needing a pace maker once I'm like 70. What does the atenolol do for you? I'm afraid of my bp dropping too low!
kama24 in reply to
The atenolol is a beta blocker.....I am on only 25mg per day.....I do find that the episodes of "skipping or flopping around like a fish outta water" are not as "strong" since I started it. Mind you I still feel them at times but less strong.
By the way, I did this exact same test. Nothing to worry about. You get shot up with some nuclear dye. You have a pre-scan done, you run on a treadmill, you geta a post scan done.
Easy breezy.
The technician who happened to be in the office when I called the hospital explained step by step what they would do, but my mind is thinking "what ifs"....thank you for telling me about your experience....
Yea, the reason I got the test done in the first place is because I was at the gym once and I hadn't worked out in a while. I was only doing a moderately hard workout, nothing too bad. Then all of a sudden I started to feel lightheaded, I got off the elliptical and then I felt like I was going to pass out so I grabbed my friend and I ran to the front of the door, I couldn't breathe and my vision was going. I thought I was going to pass out. When I came to like 10 minutes later she was like omg your lips turned blue. So obviously it scared me to the point where I called my doctor and she ordered the test. I was so nervous because heart disease runs on my dads side and his brother died of a heart attack at 40. But honestly it's so hard to know the difference between anxiety and heart disease when they share so many of the same symptoms like heart palpitations, dizziness, tightness in the chest, shortness of breathe. It actually stopped me from working out for a while and I still get a little spooked when I work out too hard at the gym I kind of have to stop myself because I'm afraid it will happen again. When my tests came back negative my doctor just said it was probably a result of me not going to the gym for a while and then jumping into it again. I just think I work myself up as soon as I feel the slightest symptom like I might pass out and then create a full blown panic attack by worrying that I'm going to pass out. Because its happened quite a few times before while I was working out really hard at the gym. It's crazy how the mind can make you feel!
How terrifying! Thank you for sharing....I do think that as soon as we feel the very lst symptom of anxiety or feeling faint it escalates very fast. I woke at 5:30 am today feeling like I couldn't take a deep breath and shaking like a leaf. I am trying hard to think positive and after the test is all over I will laugh at myself...and I truly hope there is nothing serious found. I have worked myself into a state of panic for 3 weeks now.......trying so hard to calm my thoughts but it's really difficult, even my legs shake! Thanks for taking the time to respond.
I was almost in tears when I took my spirometry test. Of course you're having some anxiety over the test, it could possibly confirm what you have been terrified of all along! You'll find the strength to carry through and do the tests because you have to, you need to know what's going on!
Now, here's something I didn't think to prepare for. What happens if the test doesn't confirm my worst fears. What if the test comes back clean and you're told that all looks good and it could be either stress or anxiety, or they just don't know?
When I passed my Spiro test I was almost dumbfounded. I just knew I had lung problems. But the tests said otherwise. I should have felt great, but I didn't. In fact, it just turned me onto looking for other things which must be wrong with me.
So be careful with your expectations. Take it one step at a time. Take the test, and prepare for good or bad news. Not really much else you can do!
Best of luck, you've got this!
in reply to Mrworrymaster
I did this after I had a never test done to see if maybe I had carpal tunnel since my left arm and hand go numb. The test came back negative so I should be relived, but now I'm left with no answer as to why my arm goes numb and of course all I can think of is my heart.
kama24 in reply to
I understand your concern. Did your dr. ever mention possible MS, or nerve damage? I'm glad it is not your heart. It is sad to think so many are like us, yet there are those who just accept, take it one step at a time and don't get ahead of themselves with worry and what ifs. I wish I could be like that!
in reply to kama24
I'm thinking it's a pinched never in my neck.
kama24 in reply to
.....could be ...have you thought of a chiropractor ?
in reply to kama24
Yes but I'm scared! Lol this damn anxiety
kama24 in reply to
I have gone to a chiropractor for MANY yrs. their assessment is not frightening at all, though if you don't have insurance it can be costly. Also a RMT might help, after giving an assessment, Registered Massage Therapist, but trust me they are expensive......nothing to fear though. I hear you about anxiety! I've talked to myself all day about being so ridiculous about it and to just STOP thinking....do you think it's helped lol lol NOPE. but I will continue.
in reply to kama24
I'm a massage therapist so I know all the benefits! You'd think I'd be getting massages all the time! But nope
Thank you for responding. My husband tells me I am making mountains out of mole hills. He is likely right. I am over thinking. If I could just turn my thinker off! Yes, what if all is normal??? The cardiologist did say it could very well be a false positive that showed up on the regular stress test. I'm thinking way ahead. I just don't want to have a panic attack during the test....I guess that is what terrifies me most. Thanks for your input.
in reply to kama24
I was a bit panicky just being on the treadmill! I wasn't even on it for that long lol
kama24 in reply to
I can relate....it was ok at lst...then as I started to tire, I started to "think" sometimes a BAD thing to do!!! Then I felt faint, then I worried....but I came around and made it, now I just need to make it a 2nd time with the big 2 parter.
It is completely normal to be shaky and nervous about the test or tests. However take deep breaths and think this is just a test. Don't let the anxiety get the best of you.. breath in and breath out. During the testing, think about a beautiful day at the beach or a movie you want to see. All good things. This should help you not to let the anxiety completely win. Let me know if this works. You will be fine!
Thank you so much for the kind words. ..... I woke at 5:30 am today feeling like I couldn't take a deep breath and shaking like a leaf. I am trying hard to think positive and after the test is all over I will laugh at myself...and I truly hope there is nothing serious found. I have worked myself into a state of panic for 3 weeks now.......trying so hard to calm my thoughts but it's really difficult, even my legs shake! I will try to keep my mind active all during the test.
There is the anxiety. Don't let it win. Remember, say to yourself, even if they find something in which I don't believe they will, it can be treated...immediately think of something positive. You will be fine. In time soon this will pass.
My husband says I get the horse before the cart thinking there IS something wrong. I will try to mentally list all the things in life that have made me smile.....I hope once it's over the overwhelming fear will leave me alone. Most people do not fret, worry, and what if, prior to a medical test, they just go! I wish I was like that Serious health issues cause me great fear. I have to be calm(er) on Friday as they won't do it if your BP is up.
Test cause me great fear as well. Anxiety is fear. Once it unleashes, we have a terrible time trying to Control it. We have to say whatever to it.
I'd like to tell it to go away and stay away......I hope to remain calm when I get there, 2 people spoke to me on the phone and explained how it works, very kind of them, but do you think that put my thoughts to rest??? NO As my dr. said....the mind is the strongest organ in the body. I just don't know how long I can continue to live ea day like this.
Question. When you get nervous, do you get lightheaded and dizzy?
I feel "weak" visably shake like a leaf, and legs feel weak.
Like there is no strength in your arms and legs? Does your heart beat faster? Do you feel panic setting in?
Mostly it is like I'm short of breath, feel I could faint, at times my heart pounds and is irregular in rhythm, I feel a terrible feeling of anxiousness come over me like something I going to happen. Panic often alerts me as prickling at the back of my neck....if I can't calm it down by then I may have to lay down as I feel so weak and faint...I pop an Ativan immediately
Ok check this out. Went to Cardiologist today for the first time in my life. He does an EKG and finds an abnormal unspecified rythum. I ask him what does that mean and do I need to worry. He tells me let's get a nuclear heart stress test in 2 weeks. He tells me not to worry but just prescribed me an additional Blood pressure beta blocker. Kama24, am I worried? Not really because I know it can be treated whatever the abnormality is. Try to relax. Did your primary doc prescribe you an anti depressant or xanax?
you are so brave.....first I'd worry about side effects of the test....(its the one Im having Friday) but it's been explained to me step by step. I have Ativan I am going to take prior to going but I think I need dynamite to calm me down. I am my own worse enemy. My husband says not to get ahead of ourselves too. I'm terrified I'll have a heart attack during the test or a panic attack. I do want to just get it over with......my mind only goes to the dark places......I don't think there is any hope for me. Yes I am on Luvox and serequel, for the anxiety...they sure are doing nothing.
Funny how you say. My wife tells me the same thing. She doesn't understand because she does not have anxiety like we do. Trust me take your Ativan before the test and breath slowly. I promise you you will be fine. I'm not worried about a stress test nuclear or otherwise.
you are very kind, I almost think it "takes one to know one" those who have never dealt with severe anxiety and panic at times find it difficult to get through to others. It IS such a far out issue I guess I can see why others can't understand why we can't just "stop it" I will take my Ativan before I go, and my half of serequel too!
And you won't have a heart attack. Try not to panic.
they tell me a doctor is in the room when you do the stress test part, but that doesn't make me feel any braver....I fear death! I do however need to work on trying to calm down tomorrow Thurs. and get a grip Fri. morning.
My doc told me he will be there with me also. We will get through this. Don't worry you will see.
yes, and my cardiologist who saw me in full blown panic attack, told me they will not and cannot make you keep walking/running past your duration....I picture myself collapsing and being ejected right off the tread mill On the paper they gave me it says the injection serum is very expensive so BE THERE or give 48 hrs notice. I console myself by saying if I messed it up and they got angry I'd pay for the serum. When I'm anxious I concentrate toooo much on my breathing and get short of breath.....I have to be under control on Friday.
Are you ok? How was your test
Thank you for asking....I took Ativan before going. . The lst part of the test was not bad. I was very tired last night.... it was a long day from 10am until we got home at 4pm from the hospital. The lst injection of dye and the 25 minute. rest period was fine, then the 30 min. of x-rays.(not bad at all The 2nd half was more of a challenge with my BP hitting 195/100 The doctor and technicians were all so nice and very comforting. The tread mill test was a big challenge and I didn't make it as far as the hoped. I did my best....I felt faint at the end, then more dye, then a 15 min rest then 30min. of x-rays again. Thank you to all of you who were "with me" I felt you there. I have to call my dr. in a week to see if all is good....they had wanted to inject me with a drug that would speed my heart up....I'd have to sign acceptance.....I was scared and said no, I'd try it under my own "speed". Towards the end I will admit I fet panic that I was going to faint, so short of breath. The stopped it shortly. Now I wait....and try very hard NOT to think of the worse case scenario! I don't think I'm alone in worrying about tests.....I do know many out there never give it a 2nd thought , just do it...and I admire them! Wish I could. I really slept well last night, so tired
I do my own treadmill at home at 3.8 mph and incline getting towards a mile. My wife said and GP if you can do that with no problems, that I don't have a heart problem. How fast and how long was the treadmill?
I get out of breath easily, they did tell me how to make it easier on myself by taking longer steps, not short ones. I have no idea as to speeds or length of time ea bout was, I think they sped it up from walking 3 or 4 times, and inclined it 2x from the start. The last one was really a work out.
Well Kama, see you made it! As hell as it was for you, you did it! Now, don't let the anxiety wreak havoc on you while you wait for the results. It will all be ok.
You are so right, I am still here!!!! ...and right again, I cannot dwell on what might be....there is a entire week + that I have to wait till I hear from the cardiologist and I need to attempt to control thoughts and panic. When do you go for your stress test? or do I have you mixed up with another person? I plan to call a # I was given to see if there are any support groups for people with GAD and panic. I shudder at the thought I may live what is left of my life like this.
You did it kama24...good for you. You certainly had a cheering section from the forum behind you. And now waiting for the results. Please don't let anxiety rob you of another week of worry and stress. Believe me when I say the doctor would not have let you go if he had seen anything dire while monitoring you.
It's a matter of formality now to review the results and have it printed for your file. You will be okay, you are okay. Think positive. x
I did it, not sure how lol My BP sure showed how up tight I was. I was "sick" worrying for 2 weeks about it...I truly hope to try to keep my mind occupied and busy for a week. Oh, my friend? anxiety will rear up daily as is the norm for me anymore but I will try to get through it. A neighbour said to me that if they'd seen anything life threatening they would have admitted me. I believe that because it happened to a close friend of mine when she went for a test, she was admitted then and there. I do believe I have a "health anxiety" I also know that as I've aged my worry is more constant and stronger........why, I don't know because I can't control what will be!!! I believe it is the how, why, when, where for me. Thank you for your encouragement.
No you got the right person. I may not go for the stress test according to my GP. It's expensive even with insurance. I don't think I need it.
you must be in the USA? We in Canada do not pay for medical treatment directly, it is covered in our taxes. We have very good health coverage with the gov. then most have additional coverage through their employer, even retired people. Seniors also get their prescriptions free. If you are feeling good, and have no symptoms bothering you then I don't think I'd go for it either.
kama24, make sure it's okay to take an anti-anxiety med before the test. I know you can't have caffeine. Good Luck Let us know how you do.
yes, the technician talked to me for half an hour on Mon I told her about my panic disorder and she was wonderful. NO heart meds for 48 hrs but all others are ok, even my Ativan, and you are right, NO caffeine until it is over. OMG my mind needs a shake !!
I'm glad you checked kama. I wish I could hold your hand. Our thoughts will be with you. Try slow deep breathing if you can. It will help a little along with the Ativan. x
I often think that, like children, if relatives or friends could accompany a person into the test room it would help. Many yrs ago I had a thallium stress test and they let my husband stand in the room...I was braver then....fear overwhelms me now and it hurts that I don't know what to do about it. I will try to keep my mind thinking of pleasant memories with our grandkids, and often if I can get the technician talking it helps. NEVER in my life did I ever expect the panic to consume me 24/7....thank you for your understanding. I have no friends In town thus no one to really talk to and it does burden my husband. I often think people say I'm feeling sorry for myself...gosh I do NOT want to be like this!! who would???
We will be right here if you need a listening ear...
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