First test is over - now on to the second one

The worst part of this experience has been the not knowing. No matter how I asked the question, no one really told me what would happen during the test - at least not in a way that I felt confident I understood. I finally found some good information online and that helped. When this is all over, I intend to suggest to my cardiologist that she either point her clients to somewhere online that explains everything or give them a written handout.

I have a dear friend going through chemotherapy right now who posted her process on Facebook for others who might be facing the same fate. So, in case you know someone who might have to have a chemical stress test rather than one on a treadmill, here is what happened on day one.

The technician named Julie, had me sit in a treatment chair in a room with three other chairs. Only one of them was being used. She let Rhonda come in the room so Julie could explain the procedure. Then Julie injected some sort of chemical in my vein - like a reverse blood draw. It felt a little funny but didn't hurt. She waited a few minutes to see if I was going to have an adverse reaction and when I didn't, she said I could move to the waiting area until she came to get me.

Along the way, she showed me the room where she would be taking pictures of my heart. By this time, she realized I needed a better description than simple words would convey. I sat in the hospital waiting room and read for about an hour. She came and got me and took me to the room with the camera.

There was a long slim, grooved plastic  trough I was to lay in, on my back. First, though, she had me drink a glass of ice water - not sure why and I plan to ask her today. Julie helped me get into position on my back with a strange contraption above me that was the camera. I held my arms and hands over my head and she told me not to move for the next 20 minutes. She moved the whole bed I was on under the camera gear and the test started.

The camera-contraption moved very slowly, stopping regularly, from my right to my left. It made a little noise  but not much. During the 20 minutes, I mentally went through the major arcana of the tarot putting Yogananda's face on each card and letting him talk a bit about each one. It was fun! Of course, at one point I needed to cough, but made myself hold it so as not to ruin the process and have it start over again.

We were done and Julie showed me the room being used day two and explained it better. She said this is when "the rubber meets the road." Basically, they will inject me with chemicals that will make my heart race and think I am running. A doctor will be on hand in case they "need to give you the antidote." Then I rest awhile and they take more pictures.

Sounds doable! If I have a near-death experience, I'll let you know what sort of light I see and who comes to greet me! I'll let you know how it goes on day two!