I am VERY scared - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

astrahl · 02-24-2006, 08:02 AM

I've been having a pain in my lower left abdomen and I contacted my physician about it. After an exam, I was told that I should get an ultrasound to see what was causing it as the physical exam revealed nothing obvious.

Ultrasound was yesterday. The tech starts and focuses not on the left abdomen, but on the lower right, by my ovary. She takes a whole bunch of pictures, leaves, comes back, takes more pictures then tells me, "Ok, you're done, you can leave."

I look up at the screen and there is a picture of SOMETHING with red and blue color and when I ask her what is going on, what that THING is, she simply says, "I am not allowed to tell you. You will have to speak with your doctor."

So out I go. My husband was in the waiting room and now I'm thinking that it could be anything from endometriosis to fucking cancer.

I called the clinic this morning and asked if I could speak with somebody about my results and now I'm just waiting for a call back.

I am very scared about what this could be. The pain resolved in the left side which, the docs said, is probably nothing, but now I'm wondering if something else is really wrong with me.

Brian and I (husband) talked through this and we thought that, since this wasn't giving me problems before, that it might be something caught early enough that I'll be fine. Then again, what if, you know?

The waiting is really causing alot of stress. Brian is sitting by his phone also waiting to hear. So many things are going through my head. Cancer? Reproductive viability? Or is it nothing?

I'm also thinking about how scared I would be to tell my mom if it is something serious. My mom has suffered alot. She's lost her husband, my dad, her second child, her father...

And this, sorry I can't tell you, bullshit. I know there is a liability issue and that there are rules for these techs to follow, but to shove me out of the clinic with this fear? That is totally unethical.

I'm only 32.

Poppinjay · 02-24-2006, 08:12 AM

Best of luck. I hope it turns out to be something of minor urgency.

Come back to talk about it if you feel comfortable.

Sultana · 02-24-2006, 08:36 AM

I'm thinking about you, sending out the good vibes. I *totally* understand what you're going through...just try to keep your mind occupied unti you can find out what's really going on. The fear makes it much harder and stressful. *hugs*

maleficent · 02-24-2006, 08:46 AM

it's easy to say - harder to do... but don't worry unless you have something to worry about... and even then... don't worry... that will just make yourself worse...

For now.. .find something that you enjoy doing.. and do that - try to focus on that and not just waiting for the phone ring...

What you saw on the screen might be nothing-- technicians like that drive me crazy with responses like that... at the very least - they should have positioned the screen so you can't see it...

Whatever it might be - -you are getting it taken care of...

Now take care of you...

Pip · 02-24-2006, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by astrahl

And this, sorry I can't tell you, bullshit. I know there is a liability issue and that there are rules for these techs to follow, but to shove me out of the clinic with this fear? That is totally unethical.

Whoever figures out a way to eliminate the angsting time between tests and learning of the results surely deserve the Nobel Prize, knighthood and a medium-sized tropical island.

I hope it's nothing serious and that you'll get an answer soon.

ScottKuma · 02-24-2006, 09:38 AM

My thoughts and prayers go out to you.

That's a very common answer for a technican to give, by the way. Even if it's good news, the tech has to send it to a doctor for diagnosis.

Don't fret too much!

Mister Coaster · 02-24-2006, 09:52 AM

Like others have said, try not to worry.

In the defense of the ultrasound technition, they aren't doctors, they are technitions.

If it's any consolation, we are in the same boat. I go back in a week for another round of unpleasant tests to see if the growth in my eye is cancer or not. Chin up.

Sweetpea · 02-25-2006, 04:00 PM

you are getting it addressed. THAT is the important part.

some tech'.s aren't allowed to say, because they don't KNOW what it is, keep that in mind. they are not doctors and cannot diagnose you.

I'm not going to tell you not to worry... because such things are worrying and quite scary.

We're here for you if you need to talk/vent/get it out

(( big hug ))

sweetpea

Brilliant Idiot · 02-25-2006, 05:09 PM

Hang in there, Astra. Rest assured that the longer they take to get back to you, the less serious they think it is.

JStrider · 02-25-2006, 07:14 PM

well i knew i had heard what the red and blue is... but i wanted to find confirmation... so i did a little googling...

http://www.medterms.com/script/main/...ticlekey=18180

Quote:

The direction of blood flow is assigned the color red or blue, indicating flow toward or away from the ultrasound transducer.

so... all the red and blue means is that there was an area with blood flowing that you saw on the screen. I dont see why the ultrasound operator couldnt tell you that red and blue is blood flowing... but i guess rules are rules...

pig · 02-25-2006, 08:57 PM

astrahl,

All I can tell you, in addition to the above post, is that one of the biggest complaints I hear from my friends in the medical profession is that their colleagues often give answers like your tech did - when there is no reason to freak someone out. Its simple bedside manner. Some people are good dealing with other people, some aren't. There are ways for the tech. to tell you that they aren't allowed to give out certain information, without making it sound like you're in trouble. I would guess your reaction is as much to how the refusal-for-diagnosis was given, as it is to what he/she said.

Bottom line is that it could be anything, which is the same situation you were in before you went for the test. As sweetpea said, you're in the process of getting the answers you need. That's the best you can do now, and I hope you can find comfort in knowing that you are addressing the situation. We're thinking about you.

spectre · 02-25-2006, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpea

some tech'.s aren't allowed to say, because they don't KNOW what it is, keep that in mind. they are not doctors and cannot diagnose you.

This is exactly right. And I can tell you from experience, if it was something really serious, they would have hospitalized you then and there. It may still be something, but from the sounds of it, you shouldn't fret about it.

Sweetpea · 02-26-2006, 01:32 PM

astrahl, i was just thinking about you,

if you feel comfortable speaking about this...

How are things? Do you have an update from the doctors?

Sweetpea

astrahl · 02-27-2006, 12:27 PM

PHEW!

All is well in Audra's ovaries! The ultrasound is normal.

The abdominal pain is gone and was probably just transient intestinal stuff.

OMG, what a relief.

You are all so great. I can't thank you enough. I think I'm going to donate just because of the wonderful support I felt from this crowd.

Ug, lets talk about fun stuff again.

Love,
Audra

JustJess · 02-27-2006, 12:56 PM

Yay for gas!

I'm glad it turned out to be nothing.

Poppinjay · 02-27-2006, 01:01 PM

^^^ First rule of fart club, nobody talks about fart club.

Sage · 02-28-2006, 11:25 AM

ha ha ha! I have a friend who was in a similar situation- woke up one night around two am with HORRID stomach pains, her BF rushed her to the ER where she sat in a room for four hours (while BF was in waiting room wringing his hands in worry). She finally stormed out in disgust, only to let loose a fart when they got home that her BF describes as "Armageddon!"

so glad it was nothing serious at all

VitaminH · 03-01-2006, 01:08 PM

Granted this is after the fact, but AFAIK no radio tech like that is allowed to say ANYTHING to a patient about what the image is. They're not trained in what it is, only in taking the pictures. It's up to the radiologist to look at the pictures and determine what the crap is going on.

Keep that in mind for future refrence. I once had my liver scanned for some pain and got a tad bit nervous as the tech asked me 1/2 way thru some funny questions about why I was there, I only later found out it was because my liver looked totally normal.

Glad to hear you're ok

Sweetpea · 03-01-2006, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by astrahl

PHEW!
All is well in Audra's ovaries! The ultrasound is normal.
The abdominal pain is gone and was probably just transient intestinal stuff.
OMG, what a relief.
You are all so great. I can't thank you enough. I think I'm going to donate just because of the wonderful support I felt from this crowd.
Ug, lets talk about fun stuff again.

Love,
Audra

Okay girl!!

this has been the best news i've read all day

Wonderful to hear everything is okay!!! i was worried about you

sweetpea

02-24-2006, 08:02 AM	#1 (permalink)
astrahl Insane Location: You don't want to live here	I am VERY scared I've been having a pain in my lower left abdomen and I contacted my physician about it. After an exam, I was told that I should get an ultrasound to see what was causing it as the physical exam revealed nothing obvious. Ultrasound was yesterday. The tech starts and focuses not on the left abdomen, but on the lower right, by my ovary. She takes a whole bunch of pictures, leaves, comes back, takes more pictures then tells me, "Ok, you're done, you can leave." I look up at the screen and there is a picture of SOMETHING with red and blue color and when I ask her what is going on, what that THING is, she simply says, "I am not allowed to tell you. You will have to speak with your doctor." So out I go. My husband was in the waiting room and now I'm thinking that it could be anything from endometriosis to fucking cancer. I called the clinic this morning and asked if I could speak with somebody about my results and now I'm just waiting for a call back. I am very scared about what this could be. The pain resolved in the left side which, the docs said, is probably nothing, but now I'm wondering if something else is really wrong with me. Brian and I (husband) talked through this and we thought that, since this wasn't giving me problems before, that it might be something caught early enough that I'll be fine. Then again, what if, you know? The waiting is really causing alot of stress. Brian is sitting by his phone also waiting to hear. So many things are going through my head. Cancer? Reproductive viability? Or is it nothing? I'm also thinking about how scared I would be to tell my mom if it is something serious. My mom has suffered alot. She's lost her husband, my dad, her second child, her father... And this, sorry I can't tell you, bullshit. I know there is a liability issue and that there are rules for these techs to follow, but to shove me out of the clinic with this fear? That is totally unethical. I'm only 32. __________________ Maybe it was over when she chucked me out the Rover at full speed. Maybe Maybe... ~a-Ha

02-24-2006, 08:12 AM	#2 (permalink)
Poppinjay You had me at hello Location: DC/Coastal VA	Best of luck. I hope it turns out to be something of minor urgency. Come back to talk about it if you feel comfortable. __________________ I think the Apocalypse is happening all around us. We go on eating desserts and watching TV. I know I do. I wish we were more capable of sustained passion and sustained resistance. We should be screaming and what we do is gossip. -Lydia Millet

02-24-2006, 08:36 AM	#3 (permalink)
Sultana Falling Angel Location: L.A. L.A. land	I'm thinking about you, sending out the good vibes. I totally understand what you're going through...just try to keep your mind occupied unti you can find out what's really going on. The fear makes it much harder and stressful. hugs __________________ "Love is a snowmobile racing across the tundra and then suddenly it flips over, pinning you underneath. At night, the ice weasels come." - Matt Groening My goal? To fulfill my potential.

02-24-2006, 08:46 AM	#4 (permalink)
maleficent Junkie Moderator Emeritus Location: Chicago	it's easy to say - harder to do... but don't worry unless you have something to worry about... and even then... don't worry... that will just make yourself worse... For now.. .find something that you enjoy doing.. and do that - try to focus on that and not just waiting for the phone ring... What you saw on the screen might be nothing-- technicians like that drive me crazy with responses like that... at the very least - they should have positioned the screen so you can't see it... Whatever it might be - -you are getting it taken care of... Now take care of you... __________________ Free your heart from hatred. Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less.

02-24-2006, 09:38 AM	#6 (permalink)
ScottKuma Insane Location: Maineville, OH	My thoughts and prayers go out to you. That's a very common answer for a technican to give, by the way. Even if it's good news, the tech has to send it to a doctor for diagnosis. Don't fret too much! __________________ A government big enough to give you everything you want is big enough to take from you everything you have. -Gerald R. Ford GoogleMap Me

02-24-2006, 09:52 AM	#7 (permalink)
Mister Coaster Big & Brassy Location: The "Canyon"	Like others have said, try not to worry. In the defense of the ultrasound technition, they aren't doctors, they are technitions. If it's any consolation, we are in the same boat. I go back in a week for another round of unpleasant tests to see if the growth in my eye is cancer or not. Chin up. __________________ If you have any poo... fling it NOW!

02-25-2006, 04:00 PM	#8 (permalink)
Sweetpea Fade out Location: in love	you are getting it addressed. THAT is the important part. some tech'.s aren't allowed to say, because they don't KNOW what it is, keep that in mind. they are not doctors and cannot diagnose you. I'm not going to tell you not to worry... because such things are worrying and quite scary. We're here for you if you need to talk/vent/get it out (( big hug )) sweetpea __________________ Having a Pet Will Change Your Life! Looking for a great pet?! Click Here! "I am the Type of Person Who Can Get Away With A lot, Simply Because I Don't Ask Permission for the Privilege of Being Myself"

02-25-2006, 05:09 PM	#9 (permalink)
Brilliant Idiot Tilted	Hang in there, Astra. Rest assured that the longer they take to get back to you, the less serious they think it is.

02-25-2006, 08:57 PM	#11 (permalink)
pig pigglet pigglet Location: Locash	astrahl, All I can tell you, in addition to the above post, is that one of the biggest complaints I hear from my friends in the medical profession is that their colleagues often give answers like your tech did - when there is no reason to freak someone out. Its simple bedside manner. Some people are good dealing with other people, some aren't. There are ways for the tech. to tell you that they aren't allowed to give out certain information, without making it sound like you're in trouble. I would guess your reaction is as much to how the refusal-for-diagnosis was given, as it is to what he/she said. Bottom line is that it could be anything, which is the same situation you were in before you went for the test. As sweetpea said, you're in the process of getting the answers you need. That's the best you can do now, and I hope you can find comfort in knowing that you are addressing the situation. We're thinking about you. __________________ You don't love me, you just love my piggy style

02-26-2006, 01:32 PM	#13 (permalink)
Sweetpea Fade out Location: in love	astrahl, i was just thinking about you, if you feel comfortable speaking about this... How are things? Do you have an update from the doctors? Sweetpea __________________ Having a Pet Will Change Your Life! Looking for a great pet?! Click Here! "I am the Type of Person Who Can Get Away With A lot, Simply Because I Don't Ask Permission for the Privilege of Being Myself"

02-27-2006, 12:27 PM	#14 (permalink)
astrahl Insane Location: You don't want to live here	PHEW! All is well in Audra's ovaries! The ultrasound is normal. The abdominal pain is gone and was probably just transient intestinal stuff. OMG, what a relief. You are all so great. I can't thank you enough. I think I'm going to donate just because of the wonderful support I felt from this crowd. Ug, lets talk about fun stuff again. Love, Audra __________________ Maybe it was over when she chucked me out the Rover at full speed. Maybe Maybe... ~a-Ha

02-27-2006, 12:56 PM	#15 (permalink)
JustJess Unencapsulated Location: Kittyville	Yay for gas! I'm glad it turned out to be nothing. __________________ My heart knows me better than I know myself, so I'm gonna let it do all the talkin'.

02-27-2006, 01:01 PM	#16 (permalink)
Poppinjay You had me at hello Location: DC/Coastal VA	^^^ First rule of fart club, nobody talks about fart club. __________________ I think the Apocalypse is happening all around us. We go on eating desserts and watching TV. I know I do. I wish we were more capable of sustained passion and sustained resistance. We should be screaming and what we do is gossip. -Lydia Millet

02-28-2006, 11:25 AM	#17 (permalink)
Sage hoarding all the big girl panties since 2005 Location: North side	ha ha ha! I have a friend who was in a similar situation- woke up one night around two am with HORRID stomach pains, her BF rushed her to the ER where she sat in a room for four hours (while BF was in waiting room wringing his hands in worry). She finally stormed out in disgust, only to let loose a fart when they got home that her BF describes as "Armageddon!" so glad it was nothing serious at all __________________ Sage knows our mythic history, King Arthur's and Sir Caradoc's She answers hard acrostics, has a pretty taste for paradox She quotes in elegiacs all the crimes of Heliogabalus In conics she can floor peculiarities parabolous -C'hi

03-01-2006, 01:08 PM	#18 (permalink)
VitaminH An embarrassment to myself and those around me... Location: Pants	Granted this is after the fact, but AFAIK no radio tech like that is allowed to say ANYTHING to a patient about what the image is. They're not trained in what it is, only in taking the pictures. It's up to the radiologist to look at the pictures and determine what the crap is going on. Keep that in mind for future refrence. I once had my liver scanned for some pain and got a tad bit nervous as the tech asked me 1/2 way thru some funny questions about why I was there, I only later found out it was because my liver looked totally normal. Glad to hear you're ok __________________ "Glory is fleeting, but obscurity is forever." - Napoleon Bonaparte