ECHO ADVICE NEEDED

[goldey]

Hi everybody -- I had a problem when I tried to get an echo done at the cardiologist's. I hope somebody can help me get a better one next time! I can barely walk, I have no cartilage in my knees and so my leg muscles have atrophied and I need a wheelchair when I go out. Because my legs hurt so much, I cannot lay on my back for more than a minute without great pain. So the technician had me sit up to take take the echo. I kept asking her if it was ok, and she said it was fine, she was getting it, etc. But it was all screwed up and the Dr got upset and threw it in the garbage... like it was MY fault, you know? Have any of you gotten successful echos in positions other than on your back? Any advice appreciated. thanks!

[Padayn01]

texasheart.org/heart-health...

Hi Goldey,

Its not ideal to be sitting up but can possible work, more accurate readings are lying down on your side

[meadfoot]

Sorry to hear you had a bad experience. I had an echo last month which was mainly taken with me from lying on my left side. Surely it's not uncommon for people not to be able to lie flat, can you see another medic and a further opinion. Just throwing your last one in the bin wouldnt give me confidence in that particular medic especially if they didn't offer further input or support. Best wishes and hope you get a resolution.

[pottypete1 in reply to meadfoot]

Yes now I think about it all the echo cardiograms that I have had were carried out with me on my side not on my back.

Pete

[goldey in reply to pottypete1]

does it matter which side?

[Sean_C in reply to goldey]

All mine were with me lying on my left side. That gives the best access, angle and accordingly the best results. I asked.

[pottypete1 in reply to goldey]

I am pretty sure I was laying on my left side

[Jalia]

I had my echoes partially propped up...certsinly not lying flat

[cassie46]

I have had 4 echoes and none were lying flat. 3 were partially upright and the last one at Papworth I was almost in a sitting position. Hope you get it sorted soon.

Cassie

[Hidden]

Yes, I have mine done in the wheelchair.

[Sean_C]

Yep. Same as the others. Was on my left side for all three of mine too.

[DevonHubby1]

Hi. My wife had one done in January and it was taken with her sitting. She was not offered option of lying down. This was a private echo done to jump the 5 month waiting queue at our local NHS hospital.

[Hidden]

My echo was done with me lying on my left side which I think is usual. If the doctor felt that it had not been taken properly he should have discussed that with the operator. I would ring his secretary and ask why the echo was not carried out correctly. If he has not reorganised a second one I would insist that that is done quickly.

[radagast58]

This sounds like technician error to me. Very childish behaviour by the medic

[goldey]

that was not the first problem I had with that cardiologist -- I'm switching to some one else now. THANK YOU SO MUCH TO EVERYBODY WHO HAS OFFERED ME ADVICE, I AM VERY GRATEFUL! Have a good weekend

[Ladypaula]

Both my echos were done with me propped up and laying on my left side then just on your back to check the abdominal aorta .

[Harrycat]

I have AF, I have had a few echo’s, if yourAF is over 100, the machine does not pick up the reading accurately. I had open heart open surgery three years ago, I have been on Verapamil ever since,with good results!