NSBR - Sonogram?

[worthyfox]

I'm looking for some advice/calming words from the interwebz!

I have to go in for a sonogram next week because my OB/GYN thinks I may have an ovarian cyst (or multiple ones). I've never had to do anything of this nature (other than an MRI), so I'm nervous about what to expect. Has anyone else gone through this? Advice? Tips? I'm super nervous

[pixy0stix]

If it's outside the tummy, they don't hurt at all. The jelly they use is just a little cold.

If it's the dildo cam (a wand they insert up inside you), then that's more awkward. Just try to relax and think good thoughts. It doesn't hurt like a pelvic exam, but there might be some pressure.

Good luck!

[mrssavy42112]

No, I haven’t had it yet. Apparently my uterus is shaped weird & my gyn said I’d have to get a sonogram the next time I go in to see why b/c it could by a fibroid. Years ago my mom had a sonogram for the same reason & everything was just fine. Although it’s a lot easier for me to tell you how to feel than to be you, you really need to try not to think about it. The more stressed & tense you are, the more uncomfortable it all will be. Plus, nothing you can change about the outcome. I’d try to do some fun, indulgent things before to help keep your mind off of it. And take someone with you that you trust & that can help to keep you calm & relaxed.

Also, don’t tell too many people IRL. Some people don’t know how to talk to others & they may end up stressing you out more than is necessary by constantly asking you how you feel & what’s going on. You don’t need that.

[worthyfox]

Thanks so much for the great advice. I definitely need to stop freaking myself out over it.

Unfortunately, I was diagnosed a couple of years ago with a benign brain tumor on my pituitary gland (throws off some hormone levels), so cysts/tumor talk REALLY freaks me out.

[photon]

i wouldn't stress about it until you know what you are dealing with. lots of women have cysts that are totally benign and rarely have symptoms (especially young women). usually, they would do this type of ultrasound intravaginally, so yes, as PP said, they will put a dildo type wand in your vagina. you will also need to have a full bladder (usually), so it it could be uncomfortable but not painful. good luck!

[karebear304]

Ditto pp. Try not to stress!

My mom has been monitored for cysts that turned out to be nothing. I was also monitored earlier in my pregnancy for a large cyst (also turned out to be fine). I have many friends that have had to go in for checks too.

My doc has the gel in a warming thing, so even that part isn't so bad. The dildo cam is definitely more annoying than an over the tummy one, but nothing major. If you've had sex, you'll be totally fine. It's longer than a pap smear, but it hurts way less.

Oh, and from my experience they'll tell you if they want full or empty bladder so I always try to show up with a full one and then go to the bathroom if they want empty.

[kimsy]

I had a series of large cysts (about 2.5 inches in diameter) on my left ovary, as well as a bunch of little ones on my right, after my first pregnancy. I went in for several sonograms to monitor them throughout my treatment (which was birth control, although they thought I might need surgery for the larger ones).

I got the dildo cam each time. It's a little awkward, but really not too bad. The tech had me cover up with a blanket and insert the tip of the wand, and she did the rest but couldn't see anything. It was only mildly uncomfortable when the tech was pressing up against the cysts.

Good luck!

[sterl724]

I had one done a few months ago to check on some symptoms I was having. I was really freaked out too....it's nbd. You'll do fine!

[mrsacornblue]

I had one last June. It's not too bad. They will probably tell you to "fill"...drink about 24-30 ounces of water/juice/some type of liquid and hold it before the scan so that the ultrasound waves can bounce off your full bladder to get a clearer picture. They then press the wand on your lower abdomen and get the pictures. If you need the internal one, you then go pee and they do that. It's not the most comfortable experience but it's over pretty quick. Just try to relax. My tech gave me the option to put the wand in myself which helped as I went a little slower. Good luck!