Echocardiogram

[maggiebee]

Going for an echocardiogram in a couple of weeks. Anyone had one and what can I expect?

[hc4361]

I've had both an ECG at my GP surgery and a perambulatory ECG where I have been hooked up to the machine for 48 hours.

It is not a problem, not uncomfortable in any way. Simply rest on the couch with your shirt off, the nurse attaches leads to your chest, wrists and feet by sticky pads and switches the machine on for only a few minutes. You get no sensation from this - the only bad part is taking the sticky pads off a hairy chest.

That's it. Nothing to worry about

[bookbinder]

I had one a couple of years ago. You have to strip off down to the waist, then you have some kind of gel applied to various parts. Then electrodes are stuck on here and there, you lie down on a kind of bed, and the technician switches on the machine, which has a screen. The technician can read all about what's going on inside your upper half. It's not unpleasant or painful. When it's finished, you are given a roll of tissue paper to wipe all the gel off, and that's it.

[Prudie]

Do woman have to strip to the waist? A female relative had one only a week ago in her surgery and she said she just had to lift her jumper up.

[hc4361]

My wife kept her bra on but had to take her jumper off.

[Prudie]

Thanks for the clarification hc

[maggiebee]

Thanks folks, that's very reassuring. Had an ECG about three weeks ago which picked up a "whoosh" which is why I have to have this procedure before going for my knee op.

[Sqad]

Folks/hc4361

maggiebee asked a question re. ECHOCARDIOGRAM and you are all describing an ELECTROCARDOGRAM......quire different investigations.

You will strip to the waist.....two or three electrodes only will be applied and a little lubricant will be applied to the chest and a small box-like piece of equipment attached to a screen will be moved over your chest wall. Like a pregnancy scan.
Completely painless and will take about 30 mins maximum....they may even run the scanner up the side of the neck.
ECG /echocardiogram.....completely different.

[maggiebee]

Thanks Sqad

[retrocop]

I have one on Tuesday.About my seventh now after several major ops. No sweat. Snuggle down on the couch,lying on the left side in my case, and gel is squirted on a roller ball type contraption wired to the monitor. The Tech just rolls the ball around your chest area and makes adjustments. They usually turn the speaker on and you hear your heart beat and the squish sound of blood being circulated. No pain.

[Sqad]

retrocop....exactly ^^^^

[Rosie29]

I had one too Maggie - nothing painful. Hope all goes well.