Cardiac Tests

Above, a jackalope on display at the Bluewater Outpost. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday, I had to drive to Grants to have an echocardiogram done.

What's an echocardiogram? 

Basically:

 An echocardiogram, commonly referred to as an echo, is a non-invasive imaging test that uses ultrasound technology to create detailed pictures of the heart. It provides valuable information about the heart's structure, function, and blood flow. 

It didn't take long and since I got there early and another patient cancelled, I was out by my appointment time. 

It was just as well, with a storm approaching, I figured I would head back home before it hit. I intended to have dinner at Rosie's Cafe, but it was closed (they close at 2:00 PM). So I got on the road and stopped at Bowlin's Bluewater Outpost to get a burger at the Dairy Queen there. 

That didn't take too long and I was back on the road and home by 3:30. 

Two weeks from now, I have to go into Albuquerque and have a lexiscan done. 

What's a lexiscan?

This is it in a nutshell:

Lexiscan is a medication used in cardiac nuclear stress tests to simulate the effects of exercise on the heart. It is administered intravenously to dilate the coronary arteries and increase blood flow to the heart. This allows doctors to assess the heart's function and detect any potential blockages or abnormalities. 

Since it is a morning appointment, I will go into Albuquerque the day before and stay at an RV park and stay there for a night after the procedure.. I can't have anything with caffeine 12 hours before and can't eat during that time. Lovely.