Coronary Artery CT Scan

[rebeccalynn319 6]

Hello. I am in the pre-op phase and am scheduled to have a CT scan of my coronary arteries tomorrow. I've had a couple of questionable stress tests in the past, but my cardiologist said they were just due to my large size and breast tissue. However, my primary thinks it would be good just to have the ct scan to be 100% sure prior to my surgery. Here is my problem. I have extremely bad anxiety and I am so worried about having this test done. Just wondering if anyone here has ever had it. I have to take Lopressor tonight and then again before my test so that my heart rate is slow enough. Of course, I'm worried that I will become hypotensive or develop a really slow heart rate because of it. Also scared about getting contrast injected, as I've never had that before. Finally, I think, if I'm this anxious about a simple procedure, how will I ever suck it up enough to get the surgery? Any info will be greatly appreciated, especially from people who have had a CT of the coronary arteries. Thank you.

[FluffyChix 17,415]

Do you take metformin?

[rebeccalynn319 6]

Just now, FluffyChix said:

Do you take metformin?

No. Thankfully, I am only on anxiety medications. My blood pressure is good and I do not have diabetes. I have a high BMI and high cholesterol.

[FluffyChix 17,415]

You should be fine. Reactions to the contrast are very low. It makes you feel warm in your who-ha area and maybe in your tummy but it isn't alarming. It literally takes only a couple of minutes. They'll start an iv. That's the worst part, but it's not a big deal.

Good luck! It will be awesome to have that baseline scan!

[FLHappyGirl 171]

I second what @FluffyChix said above, the contrast just makes you feel a little warm down south but honestly it isn't a big deal and there is literally no pain associated with the scan. Also, keep in mind a CT scan is not like an MRI where you are in a tube, it is very open and usually pretty quick.

Take a deep breath and remember the test is to confirm you are ok to have the surgery. I think a bit of anxiety is normal when facing the unknown.

Oh, and I was put on meds to reduce my heart rate and lower my blood pressure before WLS because my BP was on the cusp of being high and my heart rate was always fast. I was on them for a week prior and then never needed them again. My primary explained it was in my best interest and that anesthesiologists want a nice steady heartbeat during surgery.

You got this!

[Cheeseburgh 3,080]

The worse part is feeling like you peed your pants. I’m surprised they just didn’t give you a Xanax when you checked in, but I’m not a medical professional! Breathe, and maybe listen to a calm meditation app with earphones on in route and in waiting room.