Ultrasounds are easy, painless, and gooey, but there is often a lot of down-time involved. Between waiting for the tech nurse to call your name and waiting for the radiology doctor to examine the pictures, I’ve wasted upwards of an hour and a half. Bring a good book or filch one of the better magazines from the waiting room.
You will be lying down, so wear comfortable pants.
Sometimes after the ultrasound is done they can give you immediate feedback, but usually they’ll just tell you to meet with your specialist. Follow their instructions.
After talking with the specialist, I’ve received the following results:
- It’s nothing to worry about. Keep an eye on it, and check back in after 6 months for another ultrasound and / or mammogram.
- It’s mostly liquid, so set up an appointment to have the lump aspirated.
- It’s solid and needs to be biopsied via surgery.
If it’s either of the latter, ask questions about the procedure. If you’re not sure you understand, ask again. Collect handouts and reading material. Set up any appointments (aspiration or surgery) at the office BEFORE you leave. Make sure you are aware of your financial responsibilities. All of them. (For example, if your surgery requires an anesthesiologist, they are a separate cost from the surgeon.)
Concentrate on immediate next steps, i.e. what you need to take care of. Talk to your significant other, a friend, or family member about your concerns and worries; let them “in” on what’s going on inside your chest. Remember to breathe.
And start eating more tomatoes.
--
Next Post 8/19: “What knockers!” “Oh, thank you, doctor.”
--
Question: Have you ever had an ultrasound? What was your experience like?
No comments:
Post a Comment