stress tests

O.K., I'm in my 80s and just wonder how necessary it is to have a stress test every couple of years. I just want to say no because every time I have one it seems to take a lot of energy out of me, and I no longer "bounce back". Really reaching the point of just wanting to live my life and enjoy it....no more surgeries:) aldeer

6 Comments

SAY NO IF YOU WANT

by pete - 2009-10-18 01:10:27

I cant believe its necessary to give a 80+ year old a stress test every so often. I certainly would not want it and you do have the right to say no. Its your body not the doctors and you can tell them to find somebody a bit younger. By the time you are 80 you have had enough stress to last a lifetime. Cheers Peter

aldeer

by jessie - 2009-10-18 02:10:03

of course you can say no. it is our right to say enough. it seems like a waste to me as no matter what if you feel that way it is your decision. if it takes so much out of you then sure don't do it hon. you have raised a big family like the kennedy's and they all look like wonderful people. just enjoy your time now. i intend to do that. hugs to you jessie

why not

by Tracey_E - 2009-10-18 07:10:41

As long as you don't have any specific symptoms to warrant it, I'd ask to skip it. Even if you do have symptoms, it's your choice if you want to diagnose it. Our bodies, our choice.

My grandmother was 90 when she had to switch doctors. She was starting to get confused and my parents traveled with work so I oversaw her medical care at that time. The new doc was looking over her chart and wanted to know when her last pap and mammogram was. Hullo, not worried about it!!! He got a bit annoyed with me but we passed on half the stuff on his list of things she "needed". I made the choice on grandma's behalf to only test for things that were bothering her and that could be treated if diagnosed. If it can't be fixed or it's not affecting her quality of life, why do we need to know all the details about what it is? Oh yeah! To run up the medical bills. Er, no thanks.

Stress Test

by SMITTY - 2009-10-18 11:10:08

Hey Aldeer,

I'll pass on something to you that my doctor put in my chart. I had objected a medication he wanted me to take and at first he was not pleased, but after I told him I wasn't interested in taking medicines that were for the purpose of helping me way out into the future. Since he had to justify (I suppose his not insisting stronger that I take the medicine) he put in my records that he would not be pushing medicines on me in the future because he felt that quality of life rather than quantity of life was more important for me. It took a while, but I think he and I now have an understanding about a few things.

As for your stress test, unless that doctor can give a good reason to have it, and you don't want it, I say tell him so. Anyway if you are talking about walking on a treadmill for some minutes, and if he insists on your having one, ask him about a chemical stress rather than the old fashioned one. With the chemical stress test there is no treadmill and while it is uncomfortable for a little while after it is finished, I have never found any long lasting discomfort.

Good luck,

Smitty

Carolyn65

by Carolyn65 - 2009-10-19 02:10:28

I have very arthritic knees ~ this is all new to me ~ does all PM implant patients have a "stress" test they take ~ some days, I can barely walk, much less take a treadmill test!

Thank you so very much

by aldeer - 2009-10-19 10:10:29

I appreciate your responses because they help me reinforce what I have decided....enjoy life :) The quality of life rather than the quantity is the reason I had my knees replaced ten years ago. Smitty, I have had the chemical stress test and it wasn't right for me. I just walk in the doctors office and "up and away" goes my bp. I'm convinced that stress is the reason for my heart problems...part of my nature :G Thanks to all you dear friends.....aldeer

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