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Member since 3/11/07
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Posted on: 10/1/12 1:01 PM ET
So I need an ultrasound, both abdominal and pelvic. As those of you that have had one of these know, they usually expect you to have a full bladder.

I can't do this. Flat out can't do it. I have a permanent condition where my bladder has lost a lot of it's lining and is kind of like a semi-ulcered surface. A full bladder is agony. Therefore, I rarely if ever have one. And if I do, I'm prone to incontinence. "Sniddling" my roomie and I call it. The ultrasonic wand they use to go inside is like sandpaper! It's agony with a full bladder!

And in the week after? The sniddling is far, far worse and so is the bladder pain. Also, everytime they do the 'wand' style examine, I get an infection.

I know I'm 28, this sounds weird, but I just explained to a snappy tech that I won't have a full bladder and they just have to work around it. What do I need to say to get them to understand? I just don't understand why they don't understand how to be remotely compassionate!!
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Needle Needle Straight and Slim, Dust and Sweep the House for Him! --Grimm Fairy Tales
  
Member since 1/18/09
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Posted on: 10/1/12 1:17 PM ET
I've had that done twice... the second time, they requested full bladder, but the first time, empty. Maybe find another opinion? I don't know why the difference, and yes they should try to b compassionate...
  
Member since 4/4/08
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Posted on: 10/1/12 1:21 PM ET
I'm sorry to hear what you have to go through, bad enough having medical problems that make life difficult. Plus I certainly understand you don't want to do things that make it worse!

Does you doctor understand the problems you explained? The only thing I can think of is if he/she does, then how about a note or doctor's orders that it has to be done in a certain way or there certain limitations? Perhaps that would carry more weight?

All the best.
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Martha
  
Member since 3/11/07
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Posted on: 10/1/12 1:26 PM ET
In reply to MarthaA24
I didn't think it would be an issue at the time. In the future this is an idea.
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Needle Needle Straight and Slim, Dust and Sweep the House for Him! --Grimm Fairy Tales
  
Member since 12/15/02
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Posted on: 10/1/12 2:50 PM ET
In reply to Lady_Mame
I would think you could have a MRI instead. I won't go into a long explanation of a situation I had. But an MRI would see even more. And completely painless and not invasive.
-- Edited on 10/1/12 2:52 PM --
  
Member since 8/24/02
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Posted on: 10/1/12 4:17 PM ET
In reply to Lady_Mame
The full bladder is not just a preference. It's pretty much a necessity for high-quality images. Here's the explanation by a nurse/midwife with a lot of experience:

Quote:
"The reason for this is that the fluid in the bladder creates a "window" for the beam to pass through. (This provides a good medium for sound conduction.) It also serves as a "landmark" for the technician to get their bearings, so to speak. In addition, a full bladder can change the position of the uterus, taking the flexion out of it and pushing it up so it is easier to scan. A full bladder also moves loops of bowel up and out of the way to make the pelvic organs easier to view.
http://www.ivillage.com/ultrasound-do-you-need-full-bladder-ultrasound/6-n-138632#ixzz28501CAcG


As you might guess from this, compassion is not the issue here; there is just no way for a technician to do a workaround AND get worthwhile anatomical information. The ultrasound was ordered by the doctor, and ultrasound techs are required to perform to standards of quality. They get fired for poor images.

Since the techs cannot change the doctor's order, my strong suggestion to you would be to contact your doctor, explain your situation, and firmly request another form of imaging. This is his responsibility.


-- Edited on 10/1/12 6:39 PM --
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Elona
  
Member since 8/28/08
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Posted on: 10/1/12 6:28 PM ET
In reply to Lady_Mame
Boy, do I sympathize. Years ago I had an ultrasound. I knew that I couldn't drink all the water they wanted me too--would never make it to the hospital, so drank a bit less.

I was in agony the entire time. The technician finally said that I could go and get rid of some of it and showed me how much by showing a line on the cup.

I understand what people here are saying, but if you can't, you can't. (I really thought my body was going to burst.) Mention your problems to your doctor and he/she should be able to offer some sort of alternative or workaround.
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Oops, forgot what I was going to put here.
  
Member since 8/24/02
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Posted on: 10/1/12 6:58 PM ET
In reply to Lady_Mame
I do agree that you should talk to your dr. And have him/her come up with another way to see what needs to be seen.

However, the techs can be very helpful. I had to have an ultrasound recently and when they got to the part about "drink 32 oz an hour before" I laughed and told her that just could not happen - literally, physically could not happen without my having am embarrassing episode. So she changed the directions to the least amount of water 1/2 hr before. Then the day of the test they were waiting for me after my MRI (yes, it was a truly special day but, hey, I'm well so that's good!) So it wasnt even a 1/2 hour. They took me back, saw what they needed to see, and then had me use the restroom.

My advice is to talk with your dr. because he may not realize you'll have acute discomfort for a week after the test. If the dr says that you really need this test, try to get the tech on your side. They really do know all the tricks.

Best of luck to you.

Susan
  
Member since 7/16/07
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Posted on: 10/1/12 7:59 PM ET
In reply to Susan C
Quote:
I do agree that you should talk to your dr. And have him/her come up with another way to see what needs to be seen. However, the techs can be very helpful. I had to have an ultrasound recently and when they got to the part about "drink 32 oz an hour before" I laughed and told her that just could not happen - literally, physically could not happen without my having am embarrassing episode. So she changed the directions to the least amount of water 1/2 hr before. Then the day of the test they were waiting for me after my MRI (yes, it was a truly special day but, hey, I'm well so that's good!) So it wasnt even a 1/2 hour. They took me back, saw what they needed to see, and then had me use the restroom. My advice is to talk with your dr. because he may not realize you'll have acute discomfort for a week after the test. If the dr says that you really need this test, try to get the tech on your side. They really do know all the tricks. Best of luck to you. Susan

Thanks for posting this, Susan -- it's very helpful and positive.

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my shield and my very great reward ~ Gen. 15:1

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If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid. ~ Albert Einstein

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Member since 8/6/04
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Posted on: 10/1/12 10:41 PM ET
And really, what they direct you to drink is a full bladder for some, not much of a bladder for others, and an overfull bladder for still others! When I was pregnant the first time, they told me to pee an hour before the ultrasound appointment, then drink 2-4 8 oz glasses of water, and not go to the bathroom. The tech started the u/s, then sent me to the bathroom and said "Next time, only drink 2-4 glasses of water first!" Ummm....that was me on 3 glasses of water....yeah, I have a gerbil bladder. After that, I just didn't worry about it.

But I agree with everyone who has said to call your doctor and explain about the problem. Just keep in mind that depending on your insurance, any other tests (like an MRI) may not be covered nearly as well.
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