If you're ever offered a recreational, chemically-induced stress test, take a hard pass. That's what I had yesterday. The first IV injection was easy. The second came with warnings of "possible shortness of breath, chest pains, headache, dizziness or fainting, or nausea". I thought to myself, "I'm not going to get any of those. I'm not a hypochondriac." Didn't matter, as I had no control over it. I got every. single. one. Good thing I was lying down.
The tech told me beforehand the antidote for that injection was caffeine. (Guess that's why they said I couldn't have any for at least 24 hours before the test.) He asked me first whether I'd prefer pepsi, coffee or hot chocolate. Guess which one I chose. (Hint: chocolate) As soon as they completed the test, he handed me a steamy cup of delicious hot coco. All my symptoms calmed almost immediately, and by the time I was ready to leave, there was just the faintest hint of a headache. Before Handsome and I turned for home, he stopped at a Kwik Trip and grabbed coffee for each of us. By the time we drove up the driveway, my head was clear again. (Small blessings)
I went inside the house, changed clothes and spent the next half hour napping in the sun. Then I came in for a little needle therapy. I mostly stitched my base colors, and plan to go back at it today with the other shading. Or, I may continue with all the base and go back in later to do the shading at one time. We'll see. If all goes well, I'm hoping to make serious headway on the fencing though.
I didn't find out until late afternoon, but the cardiologist reviewed all yesterday's tests and cleared me for surgery. So, I'm now good to go for my new knee next week. What a relief! I'll be able to relax a bit more over the weekend now that I know.
There are a few things I need to do prior to Monday. I'll bake some more bread for the freezer, and probably do a couple loads of laundry. But mostly, I plan to stitch. I'm not going to stress over finishing the fence. If I don't get it done, I'll have it waiting for me once I'm feeling more myself post-op. We'll see how far I get, and I'll let you have a peek on Monday.
Definitely having my morning cuppa today, though! Hope you have a wonderful weekend. See you later.
I'm sorry you had a rough procedure.
ReplyDeleteBut, glad you are cleared for your surgery.
I'll be thinking of you.
Your stitchery will be waiting for you when you feel up to it.
Marilyn
Hi Marilyn:
DeleteThank you, dear. I'm so glad all that's behind me. Now to look forward. Tuesday will be the big day.
xoxo
Donna
So very glad you were cleared! Sometimes you have to wonder if they are being cautious or just enjoy administering sadistic procedures 😉. I had to chuckle at the thought that chocolate does indeed fix everything. Please take the time to enjoy your stitchery. I don't think there are any real deadlines to get it done... just a bunch of crazy blog friends who greatly enjoy seeing your progress 😁. Have a blessed weekend!
ReplyDeleteHi Lois:
DeleteYou really do have to wonder! The two techs were great, and both apologized. I tried to maintain the "stiff upper lip", but there was no fighting with that second injection. It tossed me around like a rag doll! I let my deadline go in favor of spending more time with Handsome pre-op. He's going to be responsible for quite a bit, so I wanted to be able to give him a little extra TLC before the surgery. I'm so grateful for my "crazy blog friends". You all keep me going more than you know. Thank you, dear.
xoxo
Donna
Yes! So glad you've been cleared for action. My RC had that procedure done and he said it sure instilled a lot of confidence in what could happen when there was a nurse sitting right beside him with a needle in her hand all set to administer the antidote should it be needed. Not exactly what you want to see. Somehow I think chocolate or coffee would be much better! Will certainly be thinking about you on Monday and hoping all goes well and recovery is fast.
ReplyDeleteHi MA:
DeleteRC is definitely right! I'm glad that my antidote was as simple as a hot cocoa. Lupine (Harry Potter reference) was right. Chocolate really does make you feel better. Thank you so much, my friend. I'm deeply grateful.
xoxo
Donna
Glad all went well. I had the same reaction that you had. It really surprised me because I walked 10000 steps a day and do the treadmill at the gym. It didn’t take long for my heart to race and my legs felt very heavy. Not a great feeling!!! I thought I could push through it but I couldn’t and cried “uncle”. They administered an antidote drug. I immediately went from feeling horrible to fine!!! Very scary drug!!
ReplyDeleteLuckily I lasted long enough to get a reading!
Hi Marilyn:
DeleteI wouldn't wish our same reactions on anyone. I almost passed out. The techs got me horizontal quickly, and thankfully, I didn't vomit. (It was touch and go for a bit, though.) I agree about "scary drug". I don't ever want that again! Same here. As soon as they got what they needed, I got my hot cocoa antidote. whew! Just in time. Thanks for your note, dear.
xoxo
Donna
Sherryofcreateology: Donna this is such a relief! I think your followers are all traveling this journey with you as if it were our own. Prayers are answered and we shall continue prayers for you Tuesday. Until then enjoy your needle dancing and Handsome and the girls. I Love You my friend. XOXO
ReplyDeleteDear Sherry:
DeleteThank you so much for your concern. I admit, it had me a bit worried, too. I try not to "look under rocks", but sometimes you can't just put it in a drawer and act like everything is okay. Your prayers are always appreciated, and I'll be glad when the surgery is actually over. I have my pre-op joke all ready to tell to the surgical team before they put me under. lol I spent all weekend with Handsome and the girls, with no appreciable needle dancing. I'll get back to it soon. I love you, too.
xoxo
Donna
Gosh, nothing recreational about those stress tests!! But I'm happy the results were good and that your surgery is actually happening next week!! And how fun to have the perfect excuse to just sit around and do whatever you feel like doing!! You and your surgery team are in my prayers!!
ReplyDeleteHi Kris:
DeleteI agree. If I never have another one, it will be too soon! I try to stay healthy, so all this doctoring and appointments is overwhelming right now. Post op, I'll have three times a week physical therapy. You can only imagine how thrilled I am about that! sigh I will be sitting around otherwise, though. It's going to be weird. I don't just sit around very often! Thank you for your prayers, dear.
xoxo
Donna
I'm happy all went well and you've been cleared for take off.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the rest of your weekend.
Shirley
Thank you, dear Shirley. "Enjoy the weekend" is exactly what I did. Perfect weather. Sunshine. A Little baking. Rest. Just what I needed.
Deletexoxo
Donna
Donna, the above comment is from me - Kris Young.
ReplyDeleteThat test sounds truly awful... I'm so glad you got relief so quickly though. And that you are cleared for your surgery... all very positive, other than the discomfort of course!
ReplyDelete