Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Running.

I think its a theme in my days lately. I'm running off today to finish my tests at the clinic. Yesterday I ran at the clinic. I'll update later this morning when I return, although its a sunny and warm day, I may just have to run... away.

Its later now.

I guess "away" wasn't really very far, because here I am back home again :) I wasn't sure I was ready to go back to the clinic after my workout yesterday. I had to fast all day and they took away caffeine. I am not an all day caffeine user, but I do enjoy a strong cup of coffee in the morning. So by yesterday afternoon I was starving and sluggish and cold and heahache-y. It was 59 degrees when I drove over to the clinic. Inside it felt closer to 50.

First I had an echocardiogram that took ultrasound images of my heart. Not a painful test by any means, but a lot of holding my breath and laying really still while shivering and laying in an awkward position. Then it was off to my stress test. I see why it gets that name. I was a little surprised at how very much they are willing to "stress" the very organ that is supposedly not working very well. It starts off like normal walking, but every 3 minutes they raise the incline and increase the speed. The average person lasts 9 minutes. At each interval they ask you if you can last for the next 3 minutes. At nine minutes I knew I was about done. I lasted for 12. I was dizzy by 11 and we quit at 12. I felt like I hadn't done very well, but then they told me I finished at a speed of 4.5 (not very fast) but an incline of 16. That is pretty steep for me.

Next, after being injected with cardiolite dye, I was taken to the heart scanner. 20 minutes later I was done. It felt so good to go home and finally get to eat. I would be the Worst. Survivor. Contestant. Ever.

But this morning, I actually had a lot of down time at the clinic. They injected me with dye and then told me to go and eat. Plus they took away my caffeine restriction. Happy, happy, joy, joy! The hospital boasts not one, but two coffee shops. I settled on a Mounds Bar latte. I savored every bit of it after going without for several days. I then curled up with a book and waited for my turn to have another scan. I was in and out in 15 minutes this time.

I zipped away in my summer car. The sun was shining and it was 72 when I left. And I felt really relieved. I felt like I had done everything, now, to know. To know where my health is at. To know how to best proceed to take care of myself. I'm hopeful nothing much is found. And I'm really thankful, regardless of the outcome.

11 comments:

  1. Don't run too far away. We'd miss you! :)
    Hope the tests go well today. Thinking of you....

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  2. If you run away, we'll come looking for you :)

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  3. Hi Jill :) And here I am! Thanks for thinking of me :)

    Hey Gitz, although if I ran, I may just decide to run to Iowa, then you wouldn't have to look very far. Maybe only as far as that patio that is begging for a visitor!

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  4. I've had all the test except the stress test. My lungs wouldn't allow it.
    Hope all the results are good.

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  5. Hey Vicky..
    Thank you for stopping by an becoming a follower..
    I look forward to getting to know you.
    Good Luck on the Giveaway!
    Hugs,
    Debbie

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  6. Oh Vicky!! I'm SOOO glad for you that all the testing is over and you can finally find out what's going on. That sounds like a long day and a lot and good for you for celebrating in your warm "summer" car! lol Still praying for GOOD results and looking forward to finding out.

    Robynn (((big hugs)))

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  7. Ahh... I kept waiting for a new post in my reader, but finally thought to check in on the old post :) So glad all the tests are done, you can eat and caffinate and do all things that make you happy.

    Will be anxious to hear the outcome...

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  8. Dr. John, your lungs would thank you for not having to endure this one, I assure you!

    Deb, thanks for stopping by! I look forward to getting to know you through your blog as well!

    Robynn, thanks for your constant support and encouragement :) Hugs to you too!

    Gitz, I always forget the reader doesn't re-post and bump updates to the top like you think they will :) Will let you know when I hear something!

    Robin, I am giddy about my morning coffee this morning :) Hope the wedding is wonderful and can't wait till you get back and share with us!! Please go enjoy yourself and DO NOT worry about blogging!!

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  9. Look at you, all ready for summer! Love the cute new design!!! :)

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  10. Hey girlie, Thank-you :) I just have to get Rick to adjust my header size for me and I am in business. I sure love a change of scenery every once in awhile.

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  11. I would not be able to walk any incline I have trouble with my knee
    Even doing the bike thing at home is painful to bend the knee. I take trigosomine and it seems to be helping. I am waiting to see.
    I should try the bike again and see if I can bend it easier now. I love when it tells me how many calories I burnt lol

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