Stress Test

Today I went to the cardiologist’s office to have a stress test. The period leading up to the test was stressful itself. Ian says it’s silly for it to be called a stress test when people are probably already stressed out about their health. I was in the office and a guy came out, just having had a stress test, apparently.

The receptionist said, “So you survived!” and he said, “Yes.” I had to laugh because I was next and I was just wondering how a stress test goes, but naturally didn’t ask. The test itself was not bad. I always feel a bit stressed out seeing a doctor, so my heart rate was up to 122. I only had to get up to 148 or something, based on my age, but managed to get up to the 170′s.

After they stopped the test, they had me lay down to do an ultrasound and then to cool down and let my blood pressure and heart rate return to normal. My heart felt like it was going to pound right out of my chest, but it calmed down within a few minutes.

My doctor’s office called to say everything was normal. I’m glad for that. I think I need to find a better way to manage stress, really.