Friday, November 19

Friday, November 19, 2010

I got a call this morning from the gastro doctor's office; my follow up appointment was changed from November 23rd, to December 2nd. So I will have to wait a little bit before I find out about what my tests mean, but I won't have to go out of town for the office visit now, it's one of the days when he will be here in town. I am glad of that. I don't like being in traffic in large cities, even if I'm not the one that is driving, it still makes me nervous. Now my only out of town appointment is for the gastric emptying study that will be on Monday.

I am glad to have a couple of days to just stay home and not have to go anywhere. It's been a busy week with all the appointments and tests.

I tried one of the Flector patches that my pain specialist gave me a sample of; it does seem to help a little with the hip pain, but I still am feeling some weakness in that leg. I still have to be careful with the patches though, even if they are not an oral medication they can still cause stomach irritation; they are not something I would use every day because of that. I will only use them on the worst days. And they don't make me sleepy like the oral pain pills, so if I need to drive somewhere and I am having pain, at least I can use a patch.

Right now I am trying to get rid of a sinus headache; having some cold and windy weather today which aggravates that.

I colored my hair this morning, using my usual stuff, the Clairol Natural Instincts. Because of my hair thinning from the chemo, I have been wearing hats, scarves, and sometimes a wig. Before today, the last time I colored my hair was in June. But the color looked so "blah", that I had to do something with it; even if 90% of it is covered up when I am wearing a scarf. I have a lot of short hairs blended in with the longer hair; I can't tell if some of it is hair I lost that is growing back, or if what is growing out now is just more fragile and is breaking off, but maybe one of these days when I am not feeling so tired, I'll try styling it again and see what it looks like. I know it is still thinning though, because I see the evidence when I wash my hair. But having the color freshened up again makes me feel a little better, even if I'm the only one who will know it.

I need to get my shelter for Neighbor Cat finished soon too; she was over visiting me again today. I had not seen her for a few weeks, but she surprised me and showed up as I was stepping outside to get the mail today.

My best friend's husband and her daughter came over today and picked up my leaves; my yard got all full again after that 3 day windstorm we had a few weeks ago. The city I live in picks up yard waste on Tuesdays, from April to November, and there are only 2 more pick up days left for the season, so I was glad to have it done today. We also have the possibility of snow this weekend. I have them in those tall paper yard waste bags, and they are on my porch now to protect them from the rain, so all I have to do on Monday is haul them out the edge of the yard so they can be picked up next Tuesday morning. They brought over their mulching mower that has a bag on it, so with my small yard, it only took 3 of the paper bags to hold them. I am so lucky to have good friends to help with the things I am not able to do for myself at this time.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

OPALMOON 11/20/2010 7:48AM

Hi Shari, Glad to hear you won't have to go out of town for your next appointment, and that your friends have been so helpful and supportive. That was a great idea to colour your hair, I think it always gives one a boost - good for you. I hope the sinus headache clears, take care of yourself and I have a relaxing weekend. Best wishes, Nattacia Report Inappropriate Comment

1COUNTRY_GAL 11/20/2010 2:55AM

You have everything so organized Shari,you are a wonderful person and it is nice to have some days where you don't have to go anywhere,you had such a busy week.Take care and have a pleasant weekend! God Bless You, Diana Comment edited on: 11/20/2010 3:01:28 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

BKWHITE3 11/19/2010 10:31PM

Glad you got help with the leaves. I remember when I lived in Michigan having to rake the leaves and haul them to the curb in those paper yard bags. Also glad that you on see the doctor in your town and not have to travel. Report Inappropriate Comment

CMRAND54 11/19/2010 9:09PM

I'm glad you got help with the leaves. I raked last weekend, but had to do it all over again today. I felt going doing it, though because the sun was shining. Report Inappropriate Comment

AMYBINTN 11/19/2010 8:50PM

I agree that hair color can boost your spirits--it does that for me. I also like natural instincts color--I think the box says that it is not permanent, but it seems to last a long time and you don't have a "line" like you can with permanent color. I like doing it myself so I can leave it on a shorter amount of time and it leaves my hair in better condition. I've had hairstylists compliment my color so I figure I will keep saving the $$ and do it myself. amy Report Inappropriate Comment

LOVES_ANIMALS 11/19/2010 8:33PM

I am always happy to hear about the help that you get from your family and friends. Hugs, Sally Report Inappropriate Comment

GOANNA2 11/19/2010 6:02PM

I am so glad that you have such wonderful help from great friends. I hope you have an enjoyable and painfree weekend. Report Inappropriate Comment

PMCFARM 11/19/2010 5:44PM

Shari, you are indeed blessed to have such wonderful friends, and we here on SCForum are blessed by the friendship & support you give us everyday You are so ! MarilynC. Report Inappropriate Comment

ELLFIN3 11/19/2010 5:14PM

You are very lucky to such good friends!!! I am glad the neighbor kittie came to see you! Our neighbor kittie here at the office came over today! She only comes when she know Moxie is not here! I never thought about those patches effecting your stomach! Now I know! I hope you rest well tonight and have a relaxing weekend!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

Endoscopy today

Thursday, November 18, 2010

I actually slept pretty good last night, and did not have any trouble getting up this morning, except for not wanting to get out of my bed because it was so nice and warm, and the morning was cold.

I was so hungry, but could not eat before the endoscopy; I had been told not to eat or drink after midnight last night. This morning, all I could think about was that I couldn't wait to get back home so that I could eat. And I turned the tv on to the local morning news show, and they were doing a feature on cheesecake, lol! After I had switched the channel to The Today Show, they were soon showing how to make cookies; I had to turn the tv off then.

Once I got to the surgical center, I did not have long to wait. I had a nice heated blanket waiting for me, and they even warm up the gowns!
I don't remember anything of the procedure itself; they put that plastic mouth guard in and told me to bite down on it, and then they gave me the sedatives. The next thing I remember is waking up in the recovery area.

I was still out of it when the doctor spoke to my mom. He said there are no signs of an ulcer, but I have inflammation in the small intestine caused by acid, and possibly an infection. I have to take my Protonix twice per day instead of once per day like I have been, and stick to my bland diet for now. I still don't know what is causing the pain, but I'm sure more will be found out when I have my gastric emptying study done on Monday.

They gave me a glass of apple juice to drink when I woke up, then I got dressed and my mom drove me home. I was not even hungry, I was still so groggy from the sedatives, that I went right to bed and slept until 4:30pm. I ate a little bit when I got up, but still feel tired, and have a little bit of a headache. The headache is probably from not eating for so long; the last time I ate before the endoscopy was around 8:30pm last night when I had some yogurt.

***************************
Just had to edit, I realized I wrote that I woke up in the "utility area" when I meant the "recovery area" LOL! I guess the sedatives are still in my system.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

OPALMOON 11/19/2010 8:25AM

Hi Shari, I'm glad the endoscopy went well. I hope the intestinal inflammation and infection clears soon, and that you can soon be free of pain. Take it easy and look after yourself, and I hope you are feeling brighter tomorrow. Best wishes, Nattacia Report Inappropriate Comment

MAINLADY 11/19/2010 7:58AM

Glad you made it through okay and that basically all is well. That's good news. Don't you love those warm blankets. I snuggle right under them. Have a good day today. Hugs, Sharon Report Inappropriate Comment

MARTHA-ANN 11/19/2010 7:41AM

Glad things went well for you, sleep well! Report Inappropriate Comment

1COUNTRY_GAL 11/19/2010 1:59AM

Glad it's over for you and they get some answers to your discomfort.I hope you feel better this Friday and weekend.Those warm blankets are so nice.I used to do that for our kids when they were younger and they really like this and got dressed fast because the cloths would cool off. Diana Comment edited on: 11/19/2010 2:00:01 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

BKWHITE3 11/18/2010 10:23PM

Glad your endoscopy went well. Hope and pray that the doctors can find out what is causing your pain. Rest and take care. Bonnie Report Inappropriate Comment

GEODAWG 11/18/2010 10:14PM

I loved the warm blankies and the socks I got. In fact if it were not for being in the hospital for one thing or another, I could live there with the sweet nurses and the warm blankets! Report Inappropriate Comment

AMYBINTN 11/18/2010 9:42PM

I'm glad the endoscopy went well today and that you got some rest! Hopefully you'll find out soon what the problem is. amy Report Inappropriate Comment

CMRAND54 11/18/2010 9:20PM

I've had endoscopy done several times in connection with my gluten intolerance. The drugs are wonderful. You really don't remember a thing. Sleep well. Report Inappropriate Comment

ELLFIN3 11/18/2010 8:51PM

The utility room? TeeHee!!! I hope all the tests will get to the bottom of the pain! I am glad you rested well last night! I hope you rest as well tonight!! You are so brave and have such a great attitude! Your are so inspiring!!! Thanks for being you!!!! Spark Buddy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! Report Inappropriate Comment

PATRICIA441 11/18/2010 7:31PM

Thanks so much for stopping by and giving good thoughts for our Max. He is having trouble with fur balls even though I am constantly brushing him! With the temperatures staying warmer than normal he is shedding. He is such a sweetie! Hope you sleep well dear one. Hugs. Pat Report Inappropriate Comment

KATHYJO56 11/18/2010 7:06PM

I love the warm blankets and gowns. They can never give me too many of those blankets. Try to relax tonight and I hope you are feeling better soon. Report Inappropriate Comment

CELLOPLAYER1 11/18/2010 6:31PM

Have nice restful evening! Report Inappropriate Comment

LOVES_ANIMALS 11/18/2010 6:26PM

It is scary to have procedures, but much better when they help you to sleep with meds! Report Inappropriate Comment

KAT7457 11/18/2010 6:15PM

my granddaughter who is 8 is having the same issues you are and the dr. may think its her instestines and inflammation. so whenshe eats its very litle so they dont want to do the down the throat thing yet hoping she will outgrow it but she may have to sooner or later. glad that found out what it was. hope the meds work for you. I will say a prayer for you.hugs Report Inappropriate Comment

AVALONAPPLE 11/18/2010 6:13PM

Those warmed blankets are the best!! I had a D&C about 3 weeks ago and also found it hard to refrain from eating. Hope you rest up and feel better. Jennifer Report Inappropriate Comment

My pain specialist appointment yesterday

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

An update on my friend before I start: She saw the surgeon Monday, and the surgeon is pretty sure she can do a sterotactic (not sure if I am spelling it right) biopsy; if that doesn't work, she will have to another kind of biopsy. She said 80% of the time the kind of lump my friend has is benign, but they still have to worry about the other 20%, because my friend's mother had breast cancer also, and died from it.
(She was like a second mom to me too). Even if the biopsy is ok, she will need to get a mammogram every 6 months. The biopsy isn't until December 9th, so she has awhile to wait yet. I feel so bad for her having to wait; I know for me, that was the hardest part when my whole ordeal with breast cancer started. Thank you to everyone who has been praying for her.

I had my chemo yesterday morning; right on time too; I guess they had 3 patients not show up for their appointments so they had rooms open. I checked in as usual and they told to me to come on in, didn't even have to sit in the waiting room.

In the afternoon, I had an appointment with my pain specialist. He thinks the pain in my shoulder is coming from my neck, and he wants to check and make sure there are no bone mets in that part of my spine; (when I had my radiation on the spine in January and February, that part of my spine was not radiated on.) So I need to get an x-ray and an MRI done of the cervical spine.

He also gave me a steroid injection in my back near my shoulder. It really numbed my arm, including my hand, so I could not type with that hand, so that is why I did not write my blog yesterday; I had been planning to do it after I got home from that appointment.

I had to have my mom help me feed Timmy and Kallie, I couldn't open up the can of cat food with one hand, and I also had to have her put my blinds down for me; it was 5pm by then and getting dark.

He also gave me samples of Flector patches to try; they contain NSAIDS, which I can't take orally because of my stomach, but he said these are not as likely to cause stomach irritation, and I can still use my other pain pills with the patches.

I had my x-rays done today. Taking it easy the rest of the day; my left arm still feels a bit weak from the injection, and is quite painful today. But with those injections, it's normal for the pain to get worse before it gets better. It will probably be a week before it actually starts to feel better.

Having hard time taking my sweater and jacket off and on today; I never realized before that I always stick my right arm in first; then when I try to put my left arm in, it really hurts, so I need to try to remember to stick that arm in first instead. (I have hot flashes so I am always taking a sweater or jacket off and on all day). It didn't help either having to undressed to put a gown on my for my x-rays, and dressed again after. It's funny how we don't notice how often we use certain body parts until it hurts to move them or we can't move them.

Tomorrow is my endoscopy; I can't eat or drink anything after midnight tonight; that is going to be hard, as my procedure isn't until 11am. I am hoping I can at least sleep til 9am, less time that way to feel hungry or thirsty.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

OPALMOON 11/18/2010 9:19AM

Shari, I hope all goes well for you tomorrow. You are very brave and an inspiration, and you and your friend are in my thoughts and prayers. Report Inappropriate Comment

BKWHITE3 11/17/2010 9:56PM

Shari, praying for you and your friend. Report Inappropriate Comment

CMRAND54 11/17/2010 8:50PM

You and your friend will be in my thoughts. Hope the arm and shoulder are feeling better soon. Report Inappropriate Comment

OUTDOORGIRL68 11/17/2010 8:36PM

Shari.... Praying for you & your friend. Ida Report Inappropriate Comment

GEODAWG 11/17/2010 8:35PM

Your friend's lump must not be cancerous at all or they would perform the biopsy sooner! Lordy don't you hate hot flashes! I do not even wear long sleeved shirts! Hang in there hon. I sent blessings and prayers to you today in yoga. Beat this thing!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

LOVES_ANIMALS 11/17/2010 7:35PM

Hope things move ahead positively for both of you and your friend. Report Inappropriate Comment

CHALKLIT1 11/17/2010 7:19PM

I'm praying for the best for your friend. It's ashame that she has to wait so long to find out. But hopefully everything will turn out fine. I am also keeping you in my prayers that all will turn out well for you. You must be going through so much right now-my heart goes out to you. God bless. Report Inappropriate Comment

GOANNA2 11/17/2010 4:41PM

Praying for you Shari. You are in so much pain and I wish I could help but just want to wish you and your friend positive good results. You re so courageous and will have you in my prayers. Report Inappropriate Comment

BAILEYSMOM7 11/17/2010 4:05PM

You are in my thoughts. I am so glad your mom is there to help. Report Inappropriate Comment

ELLFIN3 11/17/2010 2:40PM

I always keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers!! I know how it is to have so many procedures done! Stay strong and safe!! I will also keep your friend in my thoughts and prayers! You know it might have been fun (if it had not been painful) for you to type your blog yesterday who knows what you might have typed! I have trouble when there is nothing wrong with me! Thank heaven for spell check!! And I would have thought those beautiful Kitties could open their own food!! ! I hope you rest well until at least 9:00 tomorrow my Spark Friend!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

KATHYJO56 11/17/2010 2:01PM

Shari, You are going through so many things right now. You are right at the top of my prayer list. I admire your courage and endurance; you are an awesome woman. for you and your friend. Report Inappropriate Comment

1COUNTRY_GAL 11/17/2010 1:54PM

Prayers first off for you and your friend The waiting would be so difficult,I would just want it to be done asap or sooner. She's so lucky to have you as her friend,you must be a comfort for her.I wish I give you both ,pretend is all I can do.That must have felt weird to have your arm numb and that is so true,we don't realize how much we use certain body parts until it hurts to use them.I am sorry you have to hurt to not hurt at some point.Best wishes on your endoscopy and getting some sleep as late as you can,since you cannot eat.Oh I would be so grumpy if I could not eat that long. Diana Report Inappropriate Comment

Made it through the stress echo cardiogram today

Monday, November 15, 2010

My plan last night was to take my sleeping pill at 8:30pm, and be asleep by 9pm, or 9:30pm at the latest; but I was still awake at 11pm.
I had the alarm set for 4:30am, so that I could have something to eat, as I could have nothing to eat 4 hours before the test which was scheduled for 8:50am. It was so hard to get up, especially having to crawl out of a nice warm bed, but I made myself a small snack and went back to bed. Then I reset the alarm for 7am, and once again, it was hard to get up, and I hit the snooze alarm a few times before getting up at 7:30am. I am thinking now it would have been better to go without eating so early and just had that extra time to sleep instead.

I had to wait a little while when I got to the office; they still had the patient before me back in the stress test area, and they were still waiting for the doctor, she was a little late today. It was probably less than a half hour wait, but it seemed longer than that. Especially since I had not brought a book with me and there were not really any interesting magazines to look at.

The first thing done was that I had to have all those electrode things stuck to my chest, then a resting heart echo was done. That felt a little uncomfortable at times, but I think it's because my ribs are a little sensitive because of the bone mets. Then they had me get started on the treadmill while we waited for the doctor to come in. She took longer to get there than they were expecting (she was with another patient) and they had me stop for a few minutes and sit and rest. Then when she came in, the treadmill part of the test got started. This time it was faster. I didn't get out of breath, but I got a little light headed, probably due to not being able to eat before the test, and my legs felt kind of shaky. I didn't have any pain except in my left shoulder and arm where I have been having the pain for a couple of months now. I was gripping the treadmill a little tightly, so if my shoulder pain problem is because of a nerve, I probably aggravated it by doing that. It was still a lot better than having the drug induced stress test.

I was told my doctor would get the results by next Monday, and if anything is abnormal, they will call me.

With the lack of sleep, I am really feeling the fatigue today. Also not having a good day with the hip and knee pain. But I am not surprised that the pain is bad today, because of the treadmill. I'm almost done doing my laundry, and after that I will take a pain pill. I was afraid of it making me too light headed so that is why I didn't take one earlier.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

ISLANDRITER 11/17/2010 11:29AM

Glad you made it through...waiting with you for good results! Report Inappropriate Comment

GEORGANNE39 11/17/2010 10:06AM

I have been through that test, as well, and understand what you are going through. Hang in there - Monday is not far away. Best of luck to you. Report Inappropriate Comment

LIFE_IS_SO_GOOD 11/17/2010 9:58AM

Glad to hear the test is done. I hope the results are good (though I suspect they are cause if the aren't they don't let you out the door). Report Inappropriate Comment

PMCFARM 11/16/2010 10:03PM

Don't forget...lots of Report Inappropriate Comment

GEODAWG 11/16/2010 5:04PM

I like it when they tell you they will deliver the results in a few days. It is when they put you in a room, right after the tests!, with nice furniture and two people come in and smile sadly at you. Then you know you are in deep s***! Good luck with the results and sleep tight! Report Inappropriate Comment

GOANNA2 11/16/2010 8:55AM

I am glad the test was ok for you. Now we will pray for good results for you. Just get lots of rest and hope you are feeling better. Report Inappropriate Comment

CMRAND54 11/15/2010 8:22PM

Sounds like things went pretty well, but I'll bet you're glad it's over. Have a good rest tonight and that should help you feel better tomorrow. Report Inappropriate Comment

LOVES_ANIMALS 11/15/2010 7:37PM

Praying for happy results for you from the test Report Inappropriate Comment

BKWHITE3 11/15/2010 6:52PM

Glad the test is over.Shari, you are in my prayers. Report Inappropriate Comment

CELLOPLAYER1 11/15/2010 6:49PM

Shari, Glad to hear your test went well. Report Inappropriate Comment

1COUNTRY_GAL 11/15/2010 4:03PM

You did it,honestly was it as bad as you worried? I am proud of you for being able to do the exercise way,you can put this down on your fitness tracker, Now waiting for the results,not my favorite part.I am not a very patient person when it comes to my health after a test,I want to know the results asap.or sooner.You go get cozy and rest with your fur babies and take it easy.Glad it's done. Diana Report Inappropriate Comment

MAINLADY 11/15/2010 3:51PM

Glad to hear you got through the test fine. Relax now for the rest of the day. Hugs, Sharon Report Inappropriate Comment

ELLFIN3 11/15/2010 3:43PM

I am glad that is over for you!! I am glad you were abe to complete the test without to much trouble! And of course instead of coming in and resting you have been doing laundry!!! !! I hope you rest well tonight my Spark Buddy!!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

TERI99 11/15/2010 3:30PM

All that, and you're doing laundry! I think I'd be in bed trying to catch up on some rest. I do hope you start feeling some relief soon. Try not to worry too much about the results (I know, easy to say but hard to do.) Many prayers for you, dear Shari! Report Inappropriate Comment

HOPE2BE 11/15/2010 3:30PM

Shari I'm glad the test went well for you today. I pray it's a positive result that you get. Report Inappropriate Comment

Trying not to stress about my stress test

Sunday, November 14, 2010

It's been windy and raining off and on since last night, gloomy day outside today. Also a day where my aches and pains are aggravated from the weather. It feels gloomy in the house too; one of those days that even if you have the lights on, it still feels dark. Feeling the fatigue a lot more today than I did yesterday.

Tomorrow I have to be at my internist's office for my stress echo cardiogram. I hope I will have the stamina to do the treadmill part of the test. I also cannot eat 4 hours before the test. That will be hard; I can't decide if I should set the alarm for 4:30am so I can eat a small snack, or if it's better to just get more sleep; by the time I have my last snack of the day, waiting til after my test is done, ( and I was told to expect to be there 2 hours) that is a long time to go on an empty stomach. Either way, I will have to take a sleeping pill tonight so that I can go to sleep earlier.

I had a stress test once before, about 3 1/2 years ago. It was before my bone mets were discovered, and I had a lot of pain in my hip. My doctor didn't think I'd be able to handle the treadmill, so I had the drug induced stress test; that was really a scary test; whatever drug they injected to simulate the effects of the treadmill really made my chest hurt, I remember thinking at the time if that is what it felt like to have a heart attack. I had a kind nurse that held my hand all the through it. But I honestly felt for a few minutes like I wouldn't be able to get off the table. Fortunately, those results were normal.

Doing it on the treadmill is definitely the lesser of two evils for me. If my hip is hurting when I am done, well, I have nothing planned for the rest of that day so I can take a pain pill when I get home if I need too.

Most likely the chest pain is from whatever is going on with my stomach, but since I am also having symptoms like fatigue and a rapid heartbeat, my doctor wants to rule out a heart problem. I know I will be glad to have the test done and over with. I don't know when I will find out the results. I have to ask about that tomorrow.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

TERI99 11/15/2010 6:14AM

Shari, I'm praying that your tests goes smoothly today and that they can rule out any heart issues. I don't blame you for preferring the treadmill! I hope you will have a caring nurse there today as well to give you some encouragement and comfort. Hugs, Teri Report Inappropriate Comment

MARTHA-ANN 11/15/2010 2:49AM

Hope everything goes well for you Shari, thinking of you Report Inappropriate Comment

LOVES_ANIMALS 11/14/2010 10:18PM

I have had both types of tests, too. I also used to work giving the tests in a cardiac department. Just do your best. They usually can give you a snack after the test, and should be able to adjust when you feel that you are starting to feel too much pain. Good Luck, sweetie. Report Inappropriate Comment

1COUNTRY_GAL 11/14/2010 7:58PM

Hi Shari! I wish I could go with you to hold your hand and support you.I have had this done before many times and yeah the chemical way is scary.I just felt out of breath for a very short time and than had a headache after it was done,I drank some coffee or something with caffeine helped.The other times I did it via treadmill style.If anything happens you will have specialists there and for me that was comforting.Are you doing a two day where one day is rest or the stress only? I have done both every time.I will be thinking of you and praying for a positive healthy outcome,try not to worry,you will be just fine.If you can do the treadmill,great,but don't be upset and hurt yourself by trying to do the treadmill,either way will give them the information they need.Take care and will look to see how you did tomorrow. Report Inappropriate Comment

GEODAWG 11/14/2010 7:22PM

I sure do wish I could wave a wand and make you all better and through with medical tests. Bless your heart. Think of funny things while on the treadmill. Smiling will make it go faster! Report Inappropriate Comment

NEVERGETNAKED 11/14/2010 5:41PM

Good luck on the treadmill tomorrow! I'm praying that you have a good outcome and minimal pain! Didi Report Inappropriate Comment

GOANNA2 11/14/2010 5:23PM

God bless Shari and I hope it is not too painful for you. Report Inappropriate Comment

ELLFIN3 11/14/2010 4:30PM

I will say a prayer that the stress is OK! I know when I was having chest discomfort the last few weeks it was kind of upsetting! I was glad when Leanna was able to relieve it!! I hope you rest well tonight my friend! Report Inappropriate Comment

CMRAND54 11/14/2010 2:44PM

I've done the treadmill stress test several times. It's not too bad, although I get nervous about it every time. The first time I took it, there were "changes" on my EKG, so I had to have it repeated by a cardiologist. He saw changes, too, so he did an arteriogram to check my arteries. And my heart arteries were just fine! He said sometimes the stress test gives a false positive. I've had several since and they've been perfect. I worry about it because my Mom died of a heart attack at 67, and I'm not much younger than that. So even if the stress test shows a possible problem, keep in mind there can be false positives and don't panic. Report Inappropriate Comment

MAINLADY 11/14/2010 1:50PM

Hi Shari...I know how anxious you are about the test since I just went through it on Thursday. I had the chemical one though since I couldn't do the treadmill because of my knee. I didn't experience what you did, as the new chemical they are using doesn't give you the feeling of a heart attack. It does make your heart race and give you shortness of breath, but just for a few seconds. I had heard all kinds of horror stories and was scared to death to get it done. I hope that you'll be able to do the treadmill without much pain and can get through it. Try to relax today, watch something good on TV, and take a few naps. That's exactly what I plan on doing. Keeping you in my prayers and will check in with you tomorrow to see how you did. Hugs, Sharon Report Inappropriate Comment

OUTDOORGIRL68 11/14/2010 1:46PM

I agree the treadmill is much better. I have had the drug one done and i thought I was going to die. I had the treadmill the next time, much better. I will be praying for you tomorrow. God Bless Ida my Report Inappropriate Comment