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Persantine Cardiac Stress Test
I've not been able to use or keep my arms above my shoulders for any length of time since a whiplash back in the mid-90s.
I was scheduled for a Persantine Cardiac Stress Test as I have COPD. After 15 minutes w/my arms above my shoulders for the first scan I told them I could NOT do the second scan. They encouraged me to continue the test and they would tie my hands above my head for the second 15 minute scan. I was reluctant but agreed. My shoulders ached so bad long before the scan was finished that I asked them to undo my wrists and let my arms down and they just told me it wouldn't be that much longer. Well - it WAS TOO LONG and I was in tears and still they insisted on finishing the scan. I REFUSE TO GO BACK to that facility.
I've developed mild paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. One episode a month for 6 months, all reverting to normal sinus rhythm on its own w/in a 1/2 hour or so. Then one episode accompanied by chest pain and extreme SOB that ended up lasting about 4 hours w/a trip to ER by ambulance. Again it reverted to normal sinus rhythm on its own.
I very much like the cardiologist I was referred to after this occasion. I wore an e-Cardio event monitor for 3 weeks during which time I encountered 2 episodes that the doctor called and suggested I go to ER but both times the A fib was resolving on its own and I declined to do so.
I was started on coumadin and diltaizem, developed edema from the diltiazem and was switched to metoprolol. I was also started on propafanone 2 x daily. To my knowledge I have NOT had an event since the third day of propfanone. This new cardiologist has suggested that I need a new nuclear stress test in January. I can NOT do this UNLESS there is a way the scans can be done w/o my arms above my shoulders.
Is there a way to do the nuclear stress test w/o my arms above my shoulders during the scans?
I was scheduled for a Persantine Cardiac Stress Test as I have COPD. After 15 minutes w/my arms above my shoulders for the first scan I told them I could NOT do the second scan. They encouraged me to continue the test and they would tie my hands above my head for the second 15 minute scan. I was reluctant but agreed. My shoulders ached so bad long before the scan was finished that I asked them to undo my wrists and let my arms down and they just told me it wouldn't be that much longer. Well - it WAS TOO LONG and I was in tears and still they insisted on finishing the scan. I REFUSE TO GO BACK to that facility.
I've developed mild paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. One episode a month for 6 months, all reverting to normal sinus rhythm on its own w/in a 1/2 hour or so. Then one episode accompanied by chest pain and extreme SOB that ended up lasting about 4 hours w/a trip to ER by ambulance. Again it reverted to normal sinus rhythm on its own.
I very much like the cardiologist I was referred to after this occasion. I wore an e-Cardio event monitor for 3 weeks during which time I encountered 2 episodes that the doctor called and suggested I go to ER but both times the A fib was resolving on its own and I declined to do so.
I was started on coumadin and diltaizem, developed edema from the diltiazem and was switched to metoprolol. I was also started on propafanone 2 x daily. To my knowledge I have NOT had an event since the third day of propfanone. This new cardiologist has suggested that I need a new nuclear stress test in January. I can NOT do this UNLESS there is a way the scans can be done w/o my arms above my shoulders.
Is there a way to do the nuclear stress test w/o my arms above my shoulders during the scans?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I'm sorry to hear you had trouble at your previous facility.
If your physician wants a stress test, there are ways to do a stress test without putting your arms above your head. A stress echocardiogram or stress ECG may be a good place to start. If your physician wants a nuclear stress, you may be able to pre-medicate with some pain and anxiety medication to help get you through the test. Hope this helps.
If your physician wants a stress test, there are ways to do a stress test without putting your arms above your head. A stress echocardiogram or stress ECG may be a good place to start. If your physician wants a nuclear stress, you may be able to pre-medicate with some pain and anxiety medication to help get you through the test. Hope this helps.
The first cadiologist was fully aware I have COPD and in fact I am on 2L of 02 and was using my portable 02 during our office visit AND during the Persantine stress test. I was more than a bit angry to discover that Persantine can cause acute exacerbation of COPD and something like dobutamine should have been used instead.
Thank you. I really hated the thought of telling this new cardiologist "no" and not being cooperative. I like his office staff as well. His nurse who monitors my coumadin/INR testing is especially nice. But I refuse to be mortified like that again by or for anyone!!! It is reassurring to know there are other options that we can discuss and come to an agreement on.
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