Stress mri

[Themcgeevers]

Hi all I’ve just received date for my mri stress test . Just trying to plan how long I need to arrange care for , for my husband will I feel ok to drive home after straight away . I rang hospital they were very non comital It’s hour to hospital so I thought I’d ask for 4 hr cover .

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

I have had both MRI and CT scans. The standard advice is to wait at least an hour after the scan before driving. This was fine with the MRI but with the CT one I developed a headache and had a slight cannula issue so it was more like two hours. I would allow at least two hours and an extra one in case they are running slightly late (not uncommon). Also if you take Metformin for your diabetes you will have to stop it for a day or two to prevent stress on the kidneys when combined with the dye they use - ring the imaging department for advice. Hope it all goes well but do allow for contingencies.

[Sina-6491]

The stress scan was a bicycle for me, but I think they sometimes use the tred mil. Anyway that was fine, however I found I was a bit shaky after the MRI. So I think you would be ok for driving, just give it a little while before you do 😊

[Themcgeevers]

Thanks for your replies . I don’t think my test involves anything physical apparently while I am in mri scanner they are injecting a dye and a drug that puts stress on heart to mimic exercise ? Luckily I don’t take drugs for my diabetics and am only on aspirin now so hopefully all will go well . Be good to get a clear understanding if it is cardio or something else ( as cardiologists thinks ) that is causing chest pressure and tightness that I have been getting since h/a .

[Calliope153 in reply to Themcgeevers]

I had an MRI stress test in February this year. It lasted nearly an hour; dye in one arm whatever drug they use as heart stimulant in the other. I needed to rest for a bit (over an hour) afterwards and if you can get someone to drive you it would be a good idea. Also if they run late it will really stress you - not a good way to start - if you think your husband will end up on his own. Good luck.

[mandm65]

I had my Stress MRI done last year, must admit I am claustrophobic but surprisingly I managed well, it was little scary at first but got better as the test went along. The most uncomfortable part was when they injected the dye to stress test my heart, didn’t like that at all, although it lasted a few minutes but I wanted that feeling to go away quick. Once inside the scanner, you have two-way communication with the staff so should you feel uncomfortable you have the option to talk to the staff and they can take necessary action immediately.

I found hospital staff very helpful as they explained the procedure well and they made sure I was at ease before, during and after the test.

Wish you all the best, like many said here, take it easy and be relax about it, it does sounds daunting but its not that challenging.

As for the cover, i would have thought 4 hours should be fine assuming the test was performed uninterrupted and desired results were achieved.

[Themcgeevers]

Thank you all I’ve now booked care for most of day so I’m going to stop and treat my self to a light lunch at hispital before I drive home . Fingers crossed it will be a breeze and it will mean ill soon Get some answers and a treatment plan which would be great .