Question:
DOBUTAMINE STRESS ECHO. What does it consist of?

I am having this stress test performed on Fri. 3/15/02 If anyone has had it or knows what it consists of please answer me asa soon as possible or e-mail me at [email protected]. I like to know what to expect. Thanks    — Leah S. (posted on March 13, 2002)

March 13, 2002
Hi Leah, I'm pretty sure that's the test my husband had. I don't remember so clearly because there were all kinds of complications (not with the test itself - that went fine when he was finally able to have it done). The complications had to do with the fact that the hospital where he was to have the surgery had no time available on their equipment and we tried to get it done where we live and calls and info were going back and forth. He eventually had it done at St. Lukes-Roosevelt where he was having the surgery. The test was difficult for him because of his size and the technician had to work very hard to get the reading. He said he felt quite exhausted afterward and, in fact, sat in the hospital lobby for awhile before he started the drive home. I don't know how large you are but my guess is, if you are not a large as he was (he was at the surgeon today and has lost 127 lbs! - just under 6 months), it will not be so difficult for you. I guess it would be best if you had someone go with you so that if you were tired, you wouldn't have to face traveling home alone. (My husband is not home right now or I would ask him if he had any more specifics). Good, good luck with the test and the very best with the surgery! Bravo for you in doing this for yourself. (By the way I had surgery on 7/30/01). Nancy
   — Nancy Z.

March 14, 2002
The DOBUTAMIN STRESS TEST I had done was where they put this medicine in via IV and they speed your heart rate up pretty fast and read how much stress is on your heart. it's not real bad but i got a real fast BAD headache and then they put this other medicine in IV to bring your heart back down to normal,then i went into this other room onto a kindof rounded ,long bed type thing and was hookede up to sound wave equipment and they did more testing on my heart. hope this has been of help to you and good luck with everything!
   — SHEILA L.