Kind of scared

[Amy Steppe]

I had a cardio stress test today. First of all, it took 7 minutes to get to my 85% threshold.

I did not think the treadmill test would ever end!

The doctor commented on how fit I was and my EKGs during the entire testing period were normal.

But.....

Before the test my oxygen level was 97. By the time the test ended, my oxygen level was 83 which is hypoxia.

The doctor and his assitants were acting like it "could be my nail polish". I did not have anything on and why would my resting O2 be so normal and then drop so much as I approached the 85% threshold?

The lady who helped me with the imaging at the end of the test said I would definitely need more testing.

I am scared and embarassed - How could this happen to me - Cardio Lover?

I knew my endurance was down, but now I am scared.

 

[janiejoey]

Amy,

I know this is easier said than done. But wait until you hear from your doctor and then see what happens.

Your going to be OK. Be positive and let us know how it goes.

(((hugs)))

Janie

 

[terribleterra]

did they say anything about asthma to you?

 

[momof10]

I had a cardio stress test today. First of all, it took 7 minutes to get to my 85% threshold.

I did not think the treadmill test would ever end!

The doctor commented on how fit I was and my EKGs during the entire testing period were normal.

But.....

Before the test my oxygen level was 97. By the time the test ended, my oxygen level was 83 which is hypoxia.

The doctor and his assitants were acting like it "could be my nail polish". I did not have anything on and why would my resting O2 be so normal and then drop so much as I approached the 85% threshold?

Amy,

At least your EKGs were testing normal. Did you feel as though your oxygen level was low? Did you feel light headed at all?

There may be an underlying cause that is quite simple to fix. I don't think it has anything to do with you not being in shape cardiovascularly.

Please keep us posted on your next test. I will be praying for you.

Cheryl

PS I really enjoy all of your posts!

 

[kryptychyck]

{{{HUGS}}}

I hope everything is ok! Perhaps you are just in super shape and the test is not reflecting that?

Good luck with everything and do let us know how everything goes.

 

[dorothyrd]

Have you been sick this winter? One winter about 5 years ago I got pneumonia and 8 weeks after a course of antibiotics, my peak flows were still incredibily low. They put me on a different antibiotic which cleared things up.

 

[Reese777]

did they say anything about asthma to you?

This is exactly the first thought I had - and it could be exercise induced so you wouldn't notice it until your heart rate gets up there...

 

[Amy Steppe]

This is exactly the first thought I had - and it could be exercise induced so you wouldn't notice it until your heart rate gets up there...

Thank everyone who has responded to me.

No I have not had pneumonia.

Sometimes I lose my voice and have a cough, but not all the time.

When I was in Las Vegas for almost 2 weeks in December, I had no cough whatsoever.

I do have 2 dogs who are indoor/outdof and four birds.

The technicians kept showing the doctor doing the test my blood O2 levels. One tech kept changing my fingers to check my O2 levels.

Every time I go to to the doctor, my O2 is checked and is around 97%. It has never been even as low as 95%.

I do know my cardio endurance has decreased. I can get in appx. 30 min of hard cardio before having to stop because I am exhausted.

At times I cough during and after a hard workout.

I called this am and my results are not at my doctor's office yet.

I went ahead and made an appointment with him for tomorrow because I am upset about all this.

I have been taking Singular, but with no results.

The tech who put me in the machine for my final readings said I would definitely need more tests.

I will keep everybody posted and thank you for your concern.

That is why I love this Forum - everybody is so helpful!

 

[Amy Steppe]

Well, here is an update on my cardiac stress test.

I went to my doctor today because I was really scared with having an 83% blood oxygen level.

The doctor who did the stress test noted the drop in my blood oxygen and said he thought it was an artifact of the equipment since I had that pulse clothespin on my finger and I was running like HELL on an incline to get my darned heart rate to its 85% exertion rate.

I was not cyanoic and got off the treadmill and could talk easily and did not break a sweat (the room was pretty cold though).

If I had 83% O2 in my blood, I doubt I would spend 7 minutes of hard cardio on a treadmill. I would turn blue and be breathless, I would think.

I do not know how the results of the actual imaging. So I have no idea as to why the tech told me I would need additional testing.

My doctor said if the testing came back OK, then he would probably order another chest X-ray or CT scan and perhaps an arterial blood gas test (I have heard they are REALLY painful).

He prescribed ProAir (albuterol) and told me to resume taking the Singular.

He told me to take the inhaler before I worked out.

I know I have sports induced asthma, but I honestly have not been good about taking my meds.

Anyway, that is it for now.

I truly appreciate the concern some of you have shown.

 

[JennieR]

My doctor said if the testing came back OK, then he would probably order another chest X-ray or CT scan and perhaps an arterial blood gas test (I have heard they are REALLY painful).

I hate to tell you this, but yes, that test is really painful. Please keep us updated as to what else you find out.

 

[jonahnah]

Hi Amy,

How stressful for you! I hope you're able to find some more conclusive answers soon and I'm sorry you may have to undergo more testing. ((((((hugs)))))

IIRC Kathy Smith developed exercise induced asthma and has written about how she had to change her workout routines to accommodate it. She still looks incredible so whatever she did is obviously working!

Take care and please, keep us posted.

 

[dorothyrd]

I have friends with exercise enduced astham(common among swimmers), and if they are good about their meds, they get good hard work-outs in. So make a concious effort to use it and you will feel much better.