Myocardial Infusion

[Maidenhead1]

although I haven’t been on for quite some time, I read the posts most days. My history is HA 16 months ago& 5 stents. I’ve had on& off pain in chest, into throat& back since, so I got apt with cardiologist 30th June, who said, he would send me for this test. I came home yesterday to a letter from Royal Victoria Hospital Belfast, to say apt is booked for mon11th& Wed 13th Sept for a Myocardial Infusion, which I’m very grateful.

Could someone on the forum advise me what to expect, as I’m a bit nervous, but at the same time glad somethings being done. Thank you

[Tos92]

Do you mean a myocardial perfusion scan? If so, it usually consists of two parts unless your appointment letter says otherwise. The first part is known as the stress test, where I was required to fast. I was administered a stress agent which was done to mimic the effects of exercise and stress on my heart. You may feel chest pain, discomfort, sweating, palpitations, shortness of breath and abdominal pain. I had most of these symptoms and it will be explained to you that this is normal. There are trained medical professionals around you the whole time monitoring, so try to stay as relaxed as possible. I was then asked to go away for an hour and eat a fatty meal. After that, I came back for the next bit of the scan where they administered some tracing/contrast agent through an IV so that they could see my heart clearly under the scanner. Pictures were taken and then I was released.

The rest part of the scan is easier. Again I was asked to fast. I believe I was also told for both parts not to have any caffeine at least 12 hours before. I remember being told to eat a fatty meal and the same contrast/tracing agent was administered. I was then placed under the scanner in order to see if there was any blood flow restriction whilst resting. The rest part of the stress is much more relaxed.

Hopefully I haven’t missed out any crucial details but if I have, I’m sure someone else will come along and share their experience too. Remember, it is an important scan to have, especially to check for ischaemia so as much as it is daunting, as I was also anxious for mine, it’s definitely worthwhile.

All the best.

Tos

[Maidenhead1 in reply to Tos92]

Thank you so much Toss, that’s exactly what I’m having.

The rest one is first on Mon, the stress on Wed, will try and relax as you say! Thanks again.

[DD13]

Hi, I was very fortunate to have both mine on the same day. Had to fast. Had the stress test done first. And because I have a problem with my throat and my head. I felt the agent go to my throat, then my head. Which they said it does happen. That went ok. Then I had to go and have lunch and a drink, then come back for the scan. And I would be saying I was lying if I didn't say I was nervous, which I was, but all went ok. You are looked after really well. You have a change of toilets to use as well. One before the stress and one after the stress. You have to stay away from family members for a few hours, once home. Hope you get on alright. Regards Dee.

[Maidenhead1 in reply to DD13]

Seems a lot in the one day, but very informative Dee, thank you!

[DD13 in reply to Maidenhead1]

Your welcome, and after seeing the other comments also meant to say my husband took me, don't go alone.

[scentedgardener]

Had my stress one on 23 Aug, and the rest one on 30 Aug.No caffeine for 12 hours, fast for 4 hours. The stress agent can seem a bit scary but it only lasts 2 minutes, though some of the effects can be felt mikdly for a while. After the stress agent then it's the isotope, off for food and a little exercise, then back for the scan.

The only part I found not nice was the scanner bed has no mattressy thing on it and I have a very damaged spine so was really uncomfortable. The second time I took a flattish pillow to go under my lumbar spine so it was okay.

There's lots of hanging around and waiting so if you have someone who can accompany you it makes it easier.

[roughquest]

I would add to other replies that the perfusion scan is simple and easy (I had another 2 weeks ago) flip side is my body really didn’t gel with the stress test and I was on the scanner for well over an hour and came out absolutely shattered. My wife took me home and I have no idea how I got back, I was completely wiped out, so maybe take company or a taxi. Good luck 👍

[fishonabike]

just to add to what roghquest said: arrange for transport to get you home, you should not be driving immediately after these tests, you have no idea how tired you might be