Today was...an experience. I think I'll sleep well tonight. So I've been having pains in my chest and after months of waiting I finally went to hospital for an ECG exercise test today. My GP had a given me some idea of what to expect and advised me not to wear anything I wouldn't exercise in, or an underwire bra because that messes with the electrodes.
I walk into the ECG room where the cardiologist greets me, let's call her Dr A. She's trying to put me at ease but she has one of those botoxed faces that doesn't move, which makes her smile look weird. Next to her is a younger woman, a medical student who'll be observing. Because I totally need an audience...
I pull off my shirt and Dr A tells me to take my sports bra off so she can put the electrodes where they need to go. I use my hands to try and keep some cover but it's difficult when I'm on the larger side and have to pull my left tata up so she can stick some electrodes under it. The electrodes feel weird and itchy.
I pick up my sports bra only for Dr A to tell me that it could interfere with the electrodes. As she says this she starts attaching the wires to the little sticky pads on my chest and wraps one of those blood pressure things around my arm.
"Step on the treadmill, please. We'll start slow."
"Can I get a gown or something?" I ask hopefully.
That forced-looking smile again. "We don't have any. It might affect the pad and wire placement. Don't worry, it's nothing I've not seen before."
Then the treadmill starts rolling. I'm not in the best shape I've been and it's not long before I'm sweating like a pig. I hate to think how I must look, all sweaty with my belly spilling over the top of my leggings and my wobbly bits flying all over the shop.
After about fifteen minutes that feel like forever the machine suddenly stops. Dr A says the test is complete. I'm feeling embarrassed and a bit nauseous, and as soon as the wires are taken off I rush to the bin in the corner of the room expecting the worst. But after retching a few times nothing comes out - small mercies eh? Dr A peels the electrodes off me and her student hands me my bra and shirt back.
"Your doctor should get the results from us by next week."
Even though I'd just been running I practically dash out of there, relieved it was all over but embarrassed by the ordeal and a little nervous about the results.
When I got back to my car after the test I burst into tears. I think I was just a bit overwhelmed. I can see why they call it a stress test! I'm starting to see the funny side of it all now though, hence this rambling post. Fingers crossed for my results...