hospital stay / nuclear stress test / 4 week heart monitor

Sorry I haven't been around much, too much going on. Here is a (short) summary of what has happened: Thursday night I started having chest pains, different from any I've had in the past, the pain radiated down my left arm and up my neck. So off we went to the ER, they immediately ran an EKG, took blood, x-rays,etc. At that point everything looked ok except a high pulse and sometimes the enzymes in the blood won't show up for hours and since I have Lupus they felt I should be admitted for observation.

Friday afternoon the cardiologist made her way to my room, she ordered an electrocardiogram to check for fluid around my heart (which I think was normal), a nuclear stress test and to wear heart monitor for 4 weeks. She also started me on a new medicine (beta blocker) to try to slow my heart rate down so it's not always racing and pounding. She seemed very interested in finding out what is causing the pain and fast heart rate, more than other doctors have in the past.

Saturday morning I was released, the hospital doctor said that all the tests they ran nothing was pointing to my heart (thank you Lord) and it could all be caused by lupus, I guess right now it's a wait and see.

I was back at the hospital (outpatient) this morning at 6:30 for the nuclear stress test....... boy I hope I don't have to do that again, very uncomfortable with pain! I am hoping to get the results from the cardiologist tomorrow when I go pick up the heart monitor. Today I have felt very puny, not sure if it's because of the "stuff" they injected me with or lupus or whatever?????

Anyone had to wear a heart monitor for 4 weeks, what should I expect?


I pray you are all having pain free days.

(((Stacie))),
Bless your heart! I'm sure the chest pain was very scary. I hope the doctor finds the source of the pain and you feel better soon. I have worn a monitor for 48hrs and it was annoying. I can't imagine wearing one 4 weeks. I hope it goes well for you.

Please take care and rest. Keep us updated. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Love ya, Babs

i wore one for 4 weeks and i did ok with it... the tabs started making me break out so i had to use the cloth ones...sooo much better

Thanks everyone!

Amy, thank you for your prayers, I've felt them. The nuclear test went something like this........... they put an IV in, inject you with radiation and put you in a machine similar to an MRI and it scans your heart. You have to keep your arms above your head during the scan which takes about 20 minutes. Then I went into another room for another injection of something that sped up my heart instead of getting on the treadmill (which I did NOT like at all) and then another scan.

Babs, thank you for your prayers too, I really appreciate them! I've worn the halter monitor for 24 hours and it bugged me too! I am hoping this monitor is smaller and less aggravating.

Syl & Amy, yeah I thought 4 weeks was a long time to wear a monitor too, I am sure it will pass quickly!

Thanks again everyone!

Hi stacie, I'm sorry you have to wear that thing. I'd be a wreck after 1 day. The only time i had to wear one was for 10 days in the hospital. but I wasn't worried being in the hospital. As for the nuclear test been there done that. I was in the hospital and the RT gave me a breathing treatment and forgot to hook my o2 back up. My BP went up to 220/200. so they were concerned I might have had a heart attack and gave me that little pill under the tongue. Then they took me down stairs and did the iv and had my heart pounding. I actually didn't mind it but then with my lungs I would never be able to do a treadmill to get my heart pumping that fast.

Oh I am on a beta blocker too. My heart beat about 120 BPM until she put me on that. Are you on Propanalol? the first pill I took droped it down to 60 BPM. I take 30ml. twice a day. Barb is on it too.

Well I'll check in tomorrow and see how things are going with your new heart throb

Love ya

carol

Stacie,
((((Stacie)))),

I will be praying for you sweetie. I know you are probably scared right now not knowing what the stress revealed. Hang in there and please let us know as soon as you find out what is going on. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Love ya, Babs

Darn it Stacie. I'm so sorry your stress test came back abnormal. I pray that your appointment goes well today and know that I''m thinking about you. Do let us know what your cardio says.

(((hugs)))

Paty

I saw the cardiologist yesterday morning and my head is still spinning trying to process all of this. The top left part of my heart does not have proper blood flow before and after my heart was stressed during the stress test. He wants to do a heart cath, which is scheduled for Thursday at 6:30 am. If he finds a blockage they will transfer me to another hospital, most likely St. Joseph's in Atlanta to have a stint put in. It could be that the artery is inflamed (from lupus) and the cholesterol / plaque could be built up on top of it. I am blessed to have a doctor that is not looking at my age and dismissing me and who is also very aggressive!

I will keep you posted, thank you all for your support and prayers!

Thank you JoAnn, I really appreciate it!