I'm new and want to know if anyone has same experience?

[westie]

nuclear?

nuclear?

what is a "stress test with nuclear"?

 

[sheridan07]

Westie, first they inject you with a dye and then they put you in the machine that looks like a MRI machine and you are in there for 15 mins. Then they give you an IV and you go on the treadmill and wait until you reach a certain heart rate and then they inject more dye in your IV. After the treadmill, they have you go back on the machine ( that looks like the MRI ) for another 15 mins. My Doctor called it a nuclear stress test. I had never had one until this year.

 

[Ross]

Westie, first they inject you with a dye and then they put you in the machine that looks like a MRI machine and you are in there for 15 mins. Then they give you an IV and you go on the treadmill and wait until you reach a certain heart rate and then they inject more dye in your IV. After the treadmill, they have you go back on the machine ( that looks like the MRI ) for another 15 mins. My Doctor called it a nuclear stress test. I had never had one until this year.

Partially right.

A nuclear stress test measures blood flow to your heart muscle at rest and during stress. It is performed similar to a routine exercise stress test but provides images in addition to electrocardiograms.

During a nuclear stress test, a radioactive substance is injected into your bloodstream. This substance mixes with your blood and travels to your heart. A special scanner ? which detects the radioactive material in your heart ? creates images of your heart muscle. Inadequate blood flow to any part of your heart will show up as a light spot on the images ? because not as much of the radioactive substance is getting there.

There are several types of nuclear stress tests, including:

Myocardial perfusion scan. During this procedure, you exercise on a treadmill or pedal a stationary bicycle. When you reach your maximum heart rate, you're given the injection. Images are made of your heart shortly after exercise and also a few hours later. This test shows how well blood flows into the heart muscle and can detect narrowing of the coronary arteries (coronary artery disease).
Multiple gated acquisition (MUGA) scan. In this test, you receive the injection before exercising. Images are made of your heart before and after exercise. A MUGA scan shows the motion of the heart and how well it pumps out blood (ejection fraction).
If you're unable to exercise, you may be injected with a medication that increases blood flow to your heart muscle ? simulating exercise ? for the test.

 

[Jkm7]

I had a TEE a few weeks prior to my surgery in February. For me it was a snap....really easy with absolutely no after effects. They used the spray on my throat, I swallowed the camera with no difficulty, I had plenty of the wonderful drug versed and hardly remember much of anything. My cardio is very expert at them and I never had a hint of a sore throat afterwards and was permitted to go home very shortly after the test was finished. I went about all normal activities, including driving, the next day. It gave exact information they needed about my valve and was extremely important to my surgeon.

Don't worry about the TEE. It's an excellent test that gives very good information and most of us have no problem with it at all, particularly if we use a very experienced interventional cardiologist.

 

[westie]

nukes

nukes

thanks for explaining the nuclear situation sheridan and ross.

surely this test, which seems quite extreme, is given in hard to diagnose cases only?

personally i would rather remain nuclear free.

i am reminded of my cardiologists comment "we know whats wrong with you, so why give you the entire battery of tests; it will only make you paranoid."

merry christmas folks

 

[Jkm7]

Nuclear stress tests are rather routine. I had two, both before my valve was an issue but after heart attack and previous heart surgery. No nuclear stress test was required when they were evaluating my valve either pre-surgery or (yet) post surgery. I had the usual echos, TEE and caths. That was all they needed.

 

[AndyChas]

Hello Brian

I'm new here as well, and am awaiting mitral valve repair or replacement surgery. This was scheduled in November and I went through all the pre-op stuff, including the TEE and a cardiac catheter, but got a bad temperature the evening before the OHS, leading to its postponement (I don't have a new date yet due to the Christmas break).

Like most people, I suppose, I was a little apprehensive about the catheter and the TEE (which seems to be referred to as a 'TOE' in Australia). In the event I found the TEE nothing to worry about. The only slight problem I had was that the yukky anaesthetic was sprayed into my throat while I was flat on my back, which led me to splutter and cough uncontrollably for half a minute or so (some of it seemed to go up the back of my nose, but maybe I'm exaggerating!). I'm pretty sure that this wouldn't have happened had I taken/gargled the anaesthetic while sitting. My brother had a similar kind of down- the-throat test recently and didn't have any problem with the anaesthetic.

I wasn't given any other sedation but felt no discomfort whatsoever during the procedure, which seemed to last no more than 10 minutes. Some kind of guide for the transducer was placed over my lips and there was no gagging feeling at any time. The oral anaesthetic did leave a numb and slightly sore throat, which lasted 24 hours or so. Apart from the spluttering episode (which was a bit embarrassing more than anything, and no doubt easily avoided) I found it less invasive and certainly much quicker than the cardiac catheter procedure.

Hope all goes well,
Andy.

 

[Gail in Ca]

TEE no problem

TEE no problem

I recently had my 1st TEE and I don't remember it at all. I asked to be put out for it, and whatever they gave me did just that. I woke up and it was over. Thank God. Oh, and I was sitting UP when the doc sprayed that stuff in my throat!
Gail

 

[sheridan07]

The numbness in my legs started two years ago while I was exercising and got worse now. I don't even have to exercise to get numbness. The utrasound showed nothing in the way of my arteries. My blood pressure was as high as 200 over 160 3 months ago. I am on metoprolol tartrate 50 mg 2 times daily and lisinopril 10 mg 2 times daily. I have numbness in my toes, fingers and tongue all the time

 

[sheridan07]

Hello Brian

I'm new here as well, and am awaiting mitral valve repair or replacement surgery. This was scheduled in November and I went through all the pre-op stuff, including the TEE and a cardiac catheter, but got a bad temperature the evening before the OHS, leading to its postponement (I don't have a new date yet due to the Christmas break).

Like most people, I suppose, I was a little apprehensive about the catheter and the TEE (which seems to be referred to as a 'TOE' in Australia). In the event I found the TEE nothing to worry about. The only slight problem I had was that the yukky anaesthetic was sprayed into my throat while I was flat on my back, which led me to splutter and cough uncontrollably for half a minute or so (some of it seemed to go up the back of my nose, but maybe I'm exaggerating!). I'm pretty sure that this wouldn't have happened had I taken/gargled the anaesthetic while sitting. My brother had a similar kind of down- the-throat test recently and didn't have any problem with the anaesthetic.

I wasn't given any other sedation but felt no discomfort whatsoever during the procedure, which seemed to last no more than 10 minutes. Some kind of guide for the transducer was placed over my lips and there was no gagging feeling at any time. The oral anaesthetic did leave a numb and slightly sore throat, which lasted 24 hours or so. Apart from the spluttering episode (which was a bit embarrassing more than anything, and no doubt easily avoided) I found it less invasive and certainly much quicker than the cardiac catheter procedure.

Hope all goes well,
Andy.

Good luck Andy

 

[c terra]

Welcome, Sheridan07

I'm also fairly new. I had BAV replaced Nov. 5, 2008.
I had the same experience you had with the echo showing more serve stenosis & stiffing
than the Heart carth.,& TEE.
I was very symptomatic (the last month &1/2 before surgery was very difficult !!)
My card. & surgeron decided to go ahead with the surgery and when the surgeron got
into replace the valve (cow valve) he told my husband that the opening of the valve was much smaller than any of the test had shown and that it was a good thing they
decided to go ahead and do the surgery because it was very, very tight.
I'm still in the recovery stages of the OHS (BAV) but being symptomatic to the point
that daily tasks are so difficult will make the road of recovery worth it for sure !

Hopes this helps a little !

c terra
BAV replaced Nov 5, 2008
Metronic pacemaker...total heart block Nov. 12, 2008
recovery 2008.........

 

[sheridan07]

Welcome, Sheridan07

I'm also fairly new. I had BAV replaced Nov. 5, 2008.
I had the same experience you had with the echo showing more serve stenosis & stiffing
than the Heart carth.,& TEE.
I was very symptomatic (the last month &1/2 before surgery was very difficult !!)
My card. & surgeron decided to go ahead with the surgery and when the surgeron got
into replace the valve (cow valve) he told my husband that the opening of the valve was much smaller than any of the test had shown and that it was a good thing they
decided to go ahead and do the surgery because it was very, very tight.
I'm still in the recovery stages of the OHS (BAV) but being symptomatic to the point
that daily tasks are so difficult will make the road of recovery worth it for sure !

Hopes this helps a little !

c terra
BAV replaced Nov 5, 2008
Metronic pacemaker...total heart block Nov. 12, 2008
recovery 2008.........

thank you and it does help. Good luck to you and your recovery. I will know more on the 7th of Jan, with the TEE. I am to the point I can't do much at one time. Why the pacemaker? Was that the main reason for the Doctors to go in on OHS?

 

[sheridan07]

The numbness of the legs during exercise signals a classic symptom of Peripheral Arterial Disease, however the ultrasound was negative. I'm sure your doctor already checked for a femoral pulse in the legs. Did they do an ABI test? This would be where they measure the pressures in the legs and arms, then compare them to check for vascular issues. This sometimes can detect things that the ultrasound can not.

Numbness of the toes, fingers, and tongue could be anything from diabetes to a pinched nerve. The best thing would be to talk to your doctor about this and potentially get an MRI.

Is your blood pressure more controlled now with the medications?

Don't let these issues slide, speak to your doctor about what he/she thinks is the cause or what to do to find out.

No ABI test was taken. My Doctor did say my pulse in my legs was very faint. I still don't know what that means. My blood pressure is more controlled now but still alittle high. My cardio Doctor recommends me seeing a Surgeon. She is worried about all my symptoms and my aortic valve.She would have me with a surgeon now, but she knows he would ask for a TEE to be performed before I see him. Thank you for your advice

 

[Jay]

Tee

Tee

I'm just a few weeks into using this site. My BAV was detected about 4 years ago. I get winded running or climbing stairs but other than that not a lot of problems.A year or so after that a TEE was recommended. I didn't really think much about it. The doctors , nurses and other staff were all quite matter-of-fact, low key about it.
I didn't have any trouble. The spray they used in my throat wasn't bad at all. Those magic meds that put me out andsuppress memory of the procedure worked 100%. I never was aware of itat all. ANd I do gag easily. Can't even swallow big vitamin pills without gagging.
As others havewritten- it's a scope that goes in andby doing the TEE, the scope can get even a better view of the heart/ blood flow, etc. It has been a couple of years since the TEE and apparently I was not close to surgery at the time. Will go for surg consult this month. I can tell you the TEEwas not a bother. I do know the worries of possible surgery and all connected with it can be quite anxiety provocing. This web site is a great anti anxiety treatment. Keep reading and hang in there. Fatigue is tough.

-Jay

 

[sheridan07]

I'm just a few weeks into using this site. My BAV was detected about 4 years ago. I get winded running or climbing stairs but other than that not a lot of problems.A year or so after that a TEE was recommended. I didn't really think much about it. The doctors , nurses and other staff were all quite matter-of-fact, low key about it.
I didn't have any trouble. The spray they used in my throat wasn't bad at all. Those magic meds that put me out andsuppress memory of the procedure worked 100%. I never was aware of itat all. ANd I do gag easily. Can't even swallow big vitamin pills without gagging.
As others havewritten- it's a scope that goes in andby doing the TEE, the scope can get even a better view of the heart/ blood flow, etc. It has been a couple of years since the TEE and apparently I was not close to surgery at the time. Will go for surg consult this month. I can tell you the TEEwas not a bother. I do know the worries of possible surgery and all connected with it can be quite anxiety provocing. This web site is a great anti anxiety treatment. Keep reading and hang in there. Fatigue is tough.

-Jay

Thanks Jay, I go in Wed Jan 7th for the TEE

 

[pamela]

Hi Sheridan,

As long as your surgeon knows about the numbness he can instruct the team to be cautious with placement on the table. You can also be sure to mention it as you sign consent. First get your heart well, then you can assess any other problems with your care team.

There are some congenital defects and syndromes that include problems with the spinal tissues amongst other things. You don't mention if you've been diagnosed with a genetic disease such as Marfan's, Ehler-Stanlos or BAV. If not, you could talk about a referral to a geneticist for investigation with your cardiologist. Hopefully, you can trust your cardio not to send you on a goose chase or more importantly, if you trust your doctor not to dismiss your concerns without discussion.

Take Heart, your peripheral numbness and tingling could be purely stenosis related and disappear after valve replacement. I hope all continues to go well.
Pamela.

 

[sheridan07]

Hi Sheridan,

As long as your surgeon knows about the numbness he can instruct the team to be cautious with placement on the table. You can also be sure to mention it as you sign consent. First get your heart well, then you can assess any other problems with your care team.

There are some congenital defects and syndromes that include problems with the spinal tissues amongst other things. You don't mention if you've been diagnosed with a genetic disease such as Marfan's, Ehler-Stanlos or BAV. If not, you could talk about a referral to a geneticist for investigation with your cardiologist. Hopefully, you can trust your cardio not to send you on a goose chase or more importantly, if you trust your doctor not to dismiss your concerns without discussion.

Take Heart, your peripheral numbness and tingling could be purely stenosis related and disappear after valve replacement. I hope all continues to go well.
Pamela.

Thanks Pamela, What was some of your symptoms before you went in for surgery? I have (AS) Aortic valve stenosis, hypertension

 

[pamela]

Thanks Pamela, What was some of your symptoms before you went in for surgery? I have (AS) Aortic valve stenosis, hypertension

At my worse moments I could count nearly all the classic symptoms: peripheral numbness, vision halos, tachycardia and arrythmia, SOB, cyanosis, very high RBC, tiredness and lack of focus, I could even hear my murmur in my ears. There were many invisible symptoms that were noted on my echo, hypertension, Left Ventricle Hypertrophy, abnormal septal wall width and all of the associated measurements taken during a transthoracic echo and TEE. My heart cath was somewhat of an abyssymal failure since the cardiologist couldn't thread the sensor through my veins into the right side of my heart. They went with what they could and confirmed that I had clear arteries though.

Once diagnosed many of the signs that something wasn't right had actually been around for a long time. I couldn't hold my arms over my head while using my hands (which as an aviation technician was part of my job) without experiencing fatigue really quickly, my inability to sustain a run for the length of a race even though I was very fit (I just considered myself a cheetah fast off the mark and quick to burn out) and short episodes of tachy arrythmias. My hands and feet had always been cold and it wasn't until after surgery that I discovered how HOT they could feel. One other change that I discounted over time was my lack of overheating during and after exertion, my blood just didn't flush my skin the same way it had when I was younger.

Long answer, I know, but you did ask .

Take Heart,
Pamela.

 

[sheridan07]

At my worse moments I could count nearly all the classic symptoms: peripheral numbness, vision halos, tachycardia and arrythmia, SOB, cyanosis, very high RBC, tiredness and lack of focus, I could even hear my murmur in my ears. There were many invisible symptoms that were noted on my echo, hypertension, Left Ventricle Hypertrophy, abnormal septal wall width and all of the associated measurements taken during a transthoracic echo and TEE. My heart cath was somewhat of an abyssymal failure since the cardiologist couldn't thread the sensor through my veins into the right side of my heart. They went with what they could and confirmed that I had clear arteries though.

Once diagnosed many of the signs that something wasn't right had actually been around for a long time. I couldn't hold my arms over my head while using my hands (which as an aviation technician was part of my job) without experiencing fatigue really quickly, my inability to sustain a run for the length of a race even though I was very fit (I just considered myself a cheetah fast off the mark and quick to burn out) and short episodes of tachy arrythmias. My hands and feet had always been cold and it wasn't until after surgery that I discovered how HOT they could feel. One other change that I discounted over time was my lack of overheating during and after exertion, my blood just didn't flush my skin the same way it had when I was younger.

Long answer, I know, but you did ask .

Take Heart,
Pamela.

Thank you, that helped me understand alittle better. I go for my TEE tomorrow. I am still confused how all my other tests showed "severe" stenosis and my cath showed that it was mild to moderate stenosis. I told my wife that my symptoms are unbearable.(shortness of breath,chest pains, the heart racing all the time, I feel faint a lot) I have the same thing you had too. I can't put a light bulb in without my arms burning and turning numb. It sounds dumb to say, but I want surgery to help me feel better. Thanks for your time Pamela