Okay....

Just had my physical and doc basically gave me a clean bill of health, but wants me to have a Thallium Stress Test because I'm diabetic. He said that the new line of thinking is that being a diabetic isn't just a risk factor for CAD, it automatically means that you have it. Not sure that I agree with that, especially since I've been so well controlled and on low carb for 18 months, but we'll see what the test results show.
I've never had one of these tests before and have to admit to being a bit nervous about it. Has anyone else had this test that would be willing to tell me what to expect?

I haven't had one, but I've watched several.

You'll be put on a treadmill or other exercise device and when your heart rate is up you'll be given a very small amount of radioactive material (Thallium) by vein. Then you lie on your back while a detector rotates around your chest for approximately 1/2 hour.

You then come back a few hours later for a repeat (delayed) scan.

Other than the needle stick in your vein and the exercise, it's painless.

HTH

Larry

Thanks for the information, Larry! I'm still not convinced I really need this, but I guess it would be good to know either way. If there's a problem, they can take are of it and if there isn't then everyone's mind can be put at ease.
I guess I'm still remembering when this same doc talked me into having a flexible sigmoid exam. That's a test I'm not looking forward to having repeated anytime soon!

Hi Lisa,

You're welcome.

I guess a question I'd be asking myself at this point is what I'd do with the information I got from this test. If there were questionable results, would I allow a heart cath? And if that showed something would I go for angioplasty or bypass surgery? Will it improve the quality of your life? Are you having any symptoms?

You make a valid point about having your diabetes under very good control. I wonder what Dr. Bernstein would have to say about this?

Please don't construe any of this to be medical advice. I don't have any titles after my name that qualify me. I got into this WOL because of 2 parents and one brother being type 2 diabetics and seeing the resultant health problems they've had.

Good Luck,

Larry

PS Your Doc is a lot better talker than mine! Ain't no way I'm having a flex sig! I'm still looking for a Doctor with smaller fingers.

Larry...

What to do with the information? Now that's a very good question. I'm only 40, so if they find a problem (blockage or otherwise), it's likely that an angioplasty or some similar procedure would be recommended. I'd have to think about that one. I have two young daughters and angioplasties are not without risks of their own.
I'm currently not having any symptoms, but then again the doc pointed out that diabetics, especially women diabetics, are much more prone to "silent" heart disease which means that you don't have any symptoms, but suddenly have a major infarct without warning.
All in all...I guess I'd rather know if there was a problem and have the ability to make a decision than be taken by surprise and not have a chance to choose.
I understand that you're not a medical professional.
BTW...finger size doesn't have much to do with a flex sig...it's all the size of the scope that matters.

Yeah, I know. No way on the flex sig, but for the annual prostate exam...