Stress Test Done

Above, last night at Laguna Burger in Route 66 Hotel Casino.

The lexiscan stress test is over and done with.

I got up early this morning and checked out of the Route 66 RV Resort and headed to the hospital where the test would be given.

To say that it was a weird experience would be an understatement. Initially, I had to have monitoring patches attached to my chest and the IV needle installed in my right arm.

First, I was rolled into the imagine machine while flat on my back on a gurney. The picture-taking took around 20 minutes. After that was done, I was wheeled back.

I was then given the radioactive "joy juice" through the IV. When the effect of it hit, I felt as if I were running up a steep hill. After about 15 minutes of that, I was then given the counteractive "joy juice" and it removed all of the effects of the first. It caused me to have something close to a headache as it was administered. 

After that, I was wheeled back into the imaging machine for about 15 minutes. When that was done, I was done with the whole procedure. 

During all this, my blood pressure was checked twice and it was lower than it had been previously. Obviously, the blood pressure meds are doing their job.

I was able to leave the hospital with no ill effects. By then (it was around 9:40), I was starving. I found a McDonalds next to a gas station whose price for unleaded regular was $2.63/gallon. After filling the gas tank, I went to McDonalds for a egg/sausage McMuffin meal that included hash browns and coffee.

After breakfast, I then headed home and arrived home at around 12:40. 

Now that that's over, I can concentrate on getting the Jeep running again (likely due to an ignition switch problem) and more enjoyable pursuits. 

Stress Test Today

Above, relaxing at the Route 66 RV Resort.

Today's the day I'll finally get the lexiscan cardiac stress test done. The first try didn't go as the dates were mixed up.

What's a lexiscan? Here's what it is in a nutshell:

A Lexiscan stress test, also known as a Sit Down Stress Test, is a procedure used to evaluate the condition of your heart's coronary arteries. It involves injecting a small amount of a radioactive tracer and taking pictures of your heart muscle before and after the injection. The test helps determine if there's adequate blood flow to the heart and can be used to assess coronary artery blockages or evaluate the effectiveness of cardiac procedures. 

I am fasting for 12 hours (started last evening) after having a Laguna Burger at the Route 66 Hotel Casino. It was big enough to fill me. At this moment, I am not at all hungry. The only issue is I am not to have caffeine during this period. 

Above, yesterday's Laguna Burger. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I am currently staying at the Route 66 RV Resort and will be heading out to the medical facility in a couple of hours. 

Hopefully, I will feel good enough to drive home afterwards. 

Above, at the Route 66 RV Resort. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I have two friends who had or are having stress tests. One found that he needs heart surgery and the other will be taking his today at about the same time as I am. We are all in the same age range. As my late dad used to say, "Growing old ain't for sissies!" Now I know what he meant. 

Route 66 Casino Hotel and RV Resort

Yesterday, I went to Albuquerque for a cardiac stress test.

Since the appointment was set for 8:00 this morning, I stayed at the Route 66 RV Resort in the motorhome.

I had to fast 12 hours before the test, so I had a Laguna Burger at the hotel before the fasting period started.

After having the burger, I wandered around the hotel and took a few photos.

Above and below, Dracula (Bela Lugosi) lives again as a slot machine.

Above, where I had dinner last night.

Above, at the Route 66 RV Resort.

Above, having a brew before heading into the casino for dinner.

Above, a great place for steaks and prime rib.

4 Amazing Burger Places In New Mexico

Above, the Laguna Burger at Exit 140 of Interstate 40. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since my heart episode of July 2018, I have curtailed the consumption of red meats for the most part.

However, I have enjoyed a burger or two since then.

NewsBreak Original posted an article on 4 amazing burger places in New Mexico. Of the four, I have tried burgers from Albuquerque's Laguna Burger. I highly recommend it! They have opened a restaurant at the Route 66 Casino Hotel during the past year or so.

The article begins with:

If you live in New Mexico and you want to try new restaurants, here is a list of four amazing burger places in New Mexico that are well-known for serving absolutely delicious food made with fresh and high-quality ingredients only.

4 Amazing Burger Places in New Mexico

• Burger Boy, Cedar Crest
• Sparkys, Hatch
• Laguna Burger, Albuquerque
• Rustic on the Green, Albuquerque

Each place gets a write-up. 

To read more, go here.

Finally Tried A Laguna Burger

Above, last night's Laguna Burger with a 1/3 pound Angus beef patty. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last night, I went to bed early. Instead of getting extra sleep, I ended up getting up early. Oh, well.

I did try out the famous Laguna Burger for dinner (the burger originated in the Pueblo of Laguna) and it is quite good, but not on a par with a Tommy chili burger or an In-N-Out burger, but very close. I got it at the Rio Puerco 66 Pit Stop that is across Interstate 40 from the Route 66 Casino Hotel. The hotel's shuttle goes to the 66 Pit Stop.

Above, the Rio Puerco 66 Pit Stop that is across Interstate 40 (Exit 140). Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Their regular cheeseburger has a half pound of Angus beef, but since my heart attack and resulting stents two years ago, I have drastically curtailed red meats. I only have red meat on occasion and this was just an occasion.

So, instead of the half pound patty, I opted for the 1/3 pound patty cheeseburger. Even that was more than sufficient for me. It took me a while to finish it.

Along with the Angus beef, it had lettuce, tomato, cheese, pickles, onions and green chile pepper slices. Chile peppers in a burger? Well, New Mexico is the "chile capital of the world". It was quite good and I tasted the chile peppers for about an hour after finishing. It is definitely was worth a try.

For information on the Laguna Burger, go here.

Chillin' In Albuquerque

Above, The Beast at the Route 66 RV Resort. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This morning, I made it to the Route 66 Casino Hotel RV Resort in Albuquerque for an overnighter.

I need to get a haircut and unlike a few months ago, where the only barbers open could be found in Arizona, Michelle, my regular hair-cutter in Albuquerque, is available.

So I headed to Albuquerque. It would be the third overnighter in the RV this year. The first was in Santa Fe, New Mexico in January. The second was at Ashurst Lake in Arizona last month. It is nice to get out of the house for a while, even to just get a haircut. That's my usual routine.

Above, 66 Pit Stop across Interstate 40 where Laguna Burgers are sold. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

People have been recommending the Laguna Burger almost since I moved to New Mexico, so I may try one. It is a half pound hamburger with green chiles. 66 Pit Stop is across Interstate 40 from the Route 66 Casino Hotel and their shuttle, I found, takes visitors there. Now that I don't have to unhook the RV and drive over, I will likely give the Laguna Burger a try.

Above, the view from my site. The hotel and casino is at right. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In the meantime, I am just relaxing in the RV with the air conditioning on. I might use the pool later. It is presently 93° in Albuquerque, according to the National Weather Service.

After the haircut tomorrow, I'll be heading back home.