Heart Monitor For Me

@Beth Gallagher You'll be like..........

 

Tomorrow's my echo-cardiogram. I'm actually kind of looking forward to it; I imagine it will be interesting.

As an aside to the heart monitor story, I removed it and placed in the pre-paid mailer as instructed. It was dropped off at the post office last Thursday and I got a receipt for tracking purposes. The box only had to travel to the other side of town but is now showing an "ALERT" on the delivery. Whaa???? (It was supposed to have been delivered on Saturday.) I'm glad I took the time to get that receipt from the post office, because the PA at the cardiologist said that monitor costs $900 if I didn't return it. I might have to prove that I DID return it. Ugh.

 

@Beth Gallagher, Wishing you the best, hoping all this is merely a precaution.

 

Thanks very much, Bill. I hope so, too.

 

OK, the echo-cardiogram is history. Results were good; no sign of any problem with my heart or aorta, so yay. Also no "PVC" noted during the test. Next is the stress test on the 27th and that should wrap things up.

 

Did you get to listen to your own heartbeat? That's a weird feeling.

 

Yes, for a couple of minutes. I was fascinated by the images on the screen, and I had a really nice young woman administering the test. I told her it amazes me that that little muscle has been chugging away for over 60 years.

In conversation, we discussed the PVC (which did not show up). She said that she has them, and that they cause a really significant "bump" in her chest. She actually loses her breath for a moment. I can understand how that could be disconcerting.

 

I'm really happy to hear you at least got a good report regarding this particular test!! I thought of you today and wondered how it was going.

 

Thanks, girl. I appreciate everyone's support and kindness.

 

@Beth Gallagher - so pleased to read the good news, what's a 'stress test' ?
Have you been stressed lately ……….

 

Hey Patsy. The stress test is to measure heart function under "a load." In a regular stress test they put all the little heart monitor electrodes on you and put you on a treadmill. They gradually increase your walking speed and the angle of the treadmill to put a bigger load on the heart.

If a person is unable to walk on a treadmill for whatever reason, there is a "nuclear" stress test done by administering drugs instead. I will be having the treadmill test.

Thanks for your good wishes!! I appreciate it.

 

Thanks, my foster Mother had that test - I guess its termed differently here

 

Haha, most things are!!

I had a stress test in 2009, so undoubtedly it will be a little more difficult this time. I've been "practicing" on my home treadmill so I don't embarrass myself.

 

Ha ha - good thinking !