I’ve got a copy of my consultants letter and a few things have been suggested....
Firstly they want me to have MRI scan with an injection to speed up my heart rate to see if there’s a change in function, says it’s a bit uncomfortable, has anyone had that done and what’s it like ?
Also a stress MRI, is that the same as the first one I mentioned??
And pressure wire testing to 100% confirm aSAH challenge for vasospasm. He said that’s invasive so putting that on hold for a bit.
A lot to take in but at least I have a plan !!!
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Fluffybee
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I just asked for some music and and they played Afro Jazz with very heavy drumming. I kept on asking in vain for them to stop it. You should be able to take a CD of your own.
I had a cardiac MRI perfusion scan last year. You sort of lie still and let it happen around you.
There is a series of odd noises through the headphones, accompanied by instructions to breathe in, out or hold your breath. I think I chose "Jazz" as my musical option but honestly cannot recall what was actually played!
You'll be wearing a cannula so when the chemical to stress the heart is applied you don't feel it - just a sensation of having taken exercise and you're being monitored the whole time. (You have a "panic button" in case you really do feel poorly - I didn't need it)
At the end I was asked to sit quietly for 20 minutes "just in case" - Then I drove home.
Yes, I've had these tests. It's not too bad. The one to speed up your heart feels a little strange but its not painful or particularly uncomfortable. The main discomfort for me was having to lie still for so long. They will give your Cardiologist the best possible information to establish what's going on and to arrive at a treatment plan.
Hello Fluffybee, I had the MRI you’re talking about last year. Had quite a few over the years for various injuries so maybe a little lucky to be quite used to the noises etc involved. The radiographers gave clear instructions to take a deep breath or hold my breath at various points which is a welcomed distraction to the boredom I found. I think these things can be quite different for different people - I know it’s easy to say but try not to over analyse everything. When the substance to speed my heart up was injected I barely noticed, leaving me a little confused as to if it worked but they later assured me that it did. Ever have the thought after a check up / procedure that it was nowhere near as bad as you thought it would be? Me too.... I can honestly say that this test was exactly that, in fact the radiographer giving the instructions over the headphones was quite a character & made it quite an entertaining test. All tests are worth having, will help get you the right treatment.
Perfectly understand where you are coming from. Would feel exactly the same. I hope you also feel this is a really positive step into finding treatment and improving quality of life. I'm still battling through to get an appointment with Prof Parera. I just also wanted to thank Milkfairy for that link she shared last week. It did make me cry because I think you feel that you are waffling on to the Drs about the same thing going through repeated procedures and they really don't know what to do with you! I went to A&E 2 weeks ago with angina and the registrar just looked at me blankly when I mentioned microvascular angina. I felt the clips gave real recognition to these conditions.
I'm sure you are in very safe hands Fluffybee. Take care and keep in touch
I have had a few and they can vary from not really noticing them to feeling quite uncomfortable. I don't think the Adenosine actually speeds up your Heart it just makes it look like it is working very hard ( kidding it along ). We all have Adenosine in our body and when exercising hard it converts in to Latic Acid that's what makes you ache if you Swim or Run fast etc. I do believe that is what happens but more than willing to be corrected.
You are monitored for every second your in the scanner so your never alone even though it seems like it The Radiologists are only a very very short distance away.
Oh! Good Luck! It’s great that you are having further tests to help diagnose the cause of your ongoing chest pain. I think having answers rather than questions is always better. Having said that I can understand you having concerns about it.
I also have had ongoing chest pain since my HA and stents (none before). I have been asking for any tests that will help diagnose the cause for 10 months and m now having something called a Transiesophageal Echocardiagram in one letter and a Dobutamine Stress Echo in the confirmation letter on the 10th! I can only assume they are the same thing!?
I hope it all goes well for you and you get a diagnosis and treatment plan that helps you to move forward - that’s what I am hoping for. Let us know how you get on won’t you x
Sorry Fluffy, been offline as we moved internet provider. But like the other guys I had the same MRI 3 years ago and just did as I was told through the headset I also had the local radio on. Not Good 😂
Pleased you've got your plan now and I know it's easy for me to say don't stress, but don't stress. Your in the best hands. Good Luck !
Thank you for replying, it’s making me feel more assured, it’s the bit where they make your heart go faster even though there’s experts to make sure I’m ok but there’s always a what if?
I’m usually very positive but this has sort of got me 😢
I really want some answers etc confirmation, it’s just the tests to go through.
I really really shouldn’t whinge, there’s people on here with so much more gong on and coping and trying to cope with heart conditions.
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Feeling a bit frightened
An update : now 10 weeks since my AVR
I need to learn to relax and stop panicking at every twinge
Getting a bit concerned
