Cardiologist Appointment Yesterday

Above, at El Cafecito Mexican Restaurant at Grants. 

Yesterday, I went to Grants (about 45 miles east) for my annual check-up with my cardiologist.

The drive wasn't bad. It did rain (a downpour) near Thoreau, but that only lasted a couple of minutes. 

At the doctors, I was weighed (149 lbs.) and had a cardiogram done. I also had my blood pressure checked (111/71). So far, so good. The doctor told me that he reviewed all the tests (lexiscan, stress test, etc.) I took last year and I came out better than expected and for my age. 

We decided that rather than coming in once every year, I would come in six months. This is nothing bad, but since I am getting older, it is best that I get examined so that if anything develops, we catch it earlier rather than later. He asked if this is a problem, I told him that since I am retired, it is fine with me. So, my next appointment will be in December. 

He noted that since I gave up cigarette smoking ten years ago, I am still alive and kicking. He said if I still smoked cigarettes, I would likely not be here. He wasn't concerned about the cigars. I told him I came down with bronchitis back then and used that as an opportunity to quit. 

Above, the chile relleno plate at El Cafecito Mexican Restaurant in Grants. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We discussed my activities and showed him photos of the Jeep. I told him we have OHV roads in nearby Six Mile Canyon and I enjoy driving them. This is a lot better than sitting in a rocking chair.

After the exam and everything was done, I headed out to the El Cafecito Mexican Restaurant in town. It was a bit of an effort getting there as there was roadwork being done and I had to take numerous detours. 

One I got there, I had the chile relleno plate. Following dinner, I headed back to Jamestown. 

After getting home, we had a good downpour, which gave my trees a good soaking. We needed this. Monsoon season is definitely here. 

New Injection Could Help Reverse Damage

Above, yours truly in a Twin Falls, Idaho hospital after two stents were installed.

Eight years ago, when I had my heart attack (or something very close to it) in Wells, Nevada. It was due to fast action by a friend that got paramedics to me that prevented any heart muscle damage. All I needed were two stents to remedy a coronary artery blockage in Twin Falls, Idaho.

I recovered so well that I was able to go on a cruise to Cuba and do some river rafting in Jackson, Wyoming the following year. I also shed some weight as well.

Above, river rafting the Snake River near Jackson, Wyoming in 2019. Photo by Floatographs

My Lexiscan (and other exams) last summer showed no new blockages. Whew!

Meantime, Fox News posted a story on a new therapy that may repair cardiac muscle damage following a heart attack. I was sent the article by my "honorary sister" Diane.

The article starts with:

Scientists have developed a new therapy designed to repair cardiac damage after a heart attack.

The study, led by researchers at Columbia University and published in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering, explored a two-step strategy that uses skeletal muscle to produce a healing molecule that activates when it reaches an injured heart.

Unlike many organs, the adult human heart has a limited ability to repair itself after a heart attack, the researchers noted.

 To read more, go here.

Test Results Received

I finally got me results from the Lexiscan that I took last week. It looks like everyone will be stuck with me for the next few years.

FINAL IMPRESSION:  Negative study for ischemia by EKG and nuclear imaging. 

They also said there were no wall abnormalities. Meaning, no developing blockages.

A friend, who missed his appointment for his Lexiscan last week, did his yesterday. He will likely get his results next week. 

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. 

Stress Testing

A friend is heading to the hospital for a cardiac stress test. This is all new to him and he's a bit uneasy.

I told him not to worry about it as it is only a test. I am doing a stress test in Albuquerque next week (a lexiscan) so I know what he's facing. 

It is better to find out what one's heart and artery condition is in during a test than to find out during a heart attack or any other cardiac episode. 

I have to go to Albuquerque for mine. So I'll be camping in the motorhome the night before. I may also stay the night after the test, depending upon how I am feeling. 

The worst part is no food, especially anything with caffeine, for 12 hours before the test. I will probably pig out 15 hours before so I won't be as hungry during the 12 hours before and during. Being a little underweight does have its advantages.

I'll have to take my regular meds with water only.