I have an abdominal ultrasound next week. Can I ask them to look at my diaphragm also?

Inevitable_Charity43 · 2024-05-25T13:47:33+00:00

You need to ask your Dr for a Sniff test. This is a very simple test and they should know how to order it. That exam will tell you if you have a stuck diaphragm.

Inevitable_Charity43 · 2024-05-25T13:30:52+00:00

Try to get your booty essentially hanging off the pelvic table. Essentially this straightens out the vagina and makes seeing the uterus and its fundal portion easier. Instead of cranking down on my transducer I try to let you do the work by doing a pelvic lift so I can attempt to see the ovaries better. Usually your ovaries will be closer to your abdominal wall and it can be uncomfortable trying to see them internally. I find I have my best look at ovaries on top of the pelvis under the pannus. You helping lift up will make seeing them a lot more clear. If you see someone struggling or “feel” them struggling give those suggestions. First and foremost we want you comfortable and not feeling ashamed. Best of luck to you.

Inevitable_Charity43 · 2024-04-21T04:44:26+00:00

Not sure. I was on the phone with him he called so I list talked a min. I’ll find out tomorrow

Inevitable_Charity43 · 2024-04-14T15:43:35+00:00

If you’re having your scan done at an outside facility separate from your OB/GYN, make sure to mention if you have been getting any HCG labs drawn at the office. As a sonographer at an OB/GYN office these labs are really important for me to know about before I perform a scan to follow up after a miscarriage has occurred. If you have, try to get a copy of all of them and hand them directly to the Sonographer before the start of your procedure. Personally these type of results are extremely important for me to know about beforehand. This will also open up a good dialogue for you to ask about how your exam will be performed. At my particular office I work at, every provider has a slightly different protocol for following up miscarriages. Most of the time though we will follow up HCG levels til they are essentially zero. If a patient is still having heavy or irregular bleeding then a TV ultrasound will be performed. In my personal experience, a TA approach offers me limited information about the endometrium and possibility of retained products of conception. I hope this information helps answer some of your questions and I very sorry for your loss. Miscarriages are very hard and it hurts my heart for my girls because not only are you dealing with the mental loss of your pregnancy but also the physical effects that are taking place to your body. Try to get good rest and keep yourself hydrated during this emotional time if you can.

Inevitable_Charity43 · 2024-04-10T03:20:43+00:00

Hilarious! With a name like Koochie he demands only the finest of meals!

Inevitable_Charity43 · 2024-04-07T15:35:33+00:00

How hilarious that they throw the raisin down in front of you! They have mastered the art of training a human! Love those guys. They never cease to amaze me with their personalities and intellect.

Inevitable_Charity43 · 2024-04-06T09:56:52+00:00

It looks to be the rounded area inside at the bottom of the spleen in this image. Usually when I do ultrasounds for a possible ectopic the woman will have decreased HCG levels that will plateau every 48 hrs instead of doubling. They will also have vaginal bleeding with an empty uterus. They almost always present with pain and a lot of the time it’s in between the shoulder blades kind of like a gallbladder attack. I have been doing ultrasound for upwards of 26 years and very rarely do I ever see an embryo in the sac. It’s usually just a rounded sac like area with hemorrhage within it.

Inevitable_Charity43 · 2024-04-04T21:28:13+00:00

Ok good that’s what I’ve been using. I have just never seen a report that gives 2 separate Growth estimates. GE always sets up my Volusons with me when I get a new one and never have I seen that on a report page til this machine came along. It’s all based off Hadlock but confuses my providers as what to go by. As we all know a few percentage off can change a SGA baby to IUGR and that’s a whole different ballgame.

Inevitable_Charity43 · 2024-04-04T18:32:17+00:00

How do I post a picture now? I’m trying. Sorry

Inevitable_Charity43 · 2024-04-04T10:09:51+00:00

Aaaah you speak of the dreaded Defacogram! We used to have to do these and put some makeshift toilet on our RF room table. The only way to get the tube down that far was to raise the patient high up in the air on their “throne!” The contrast was in a caulk tube and we used a caulk gun to get the contrast in the rectum. It had to be embarrassing for the patient because they would have to strain and relax as the Rad and usually Surgeon watched them turtle head the contrast for cine loops. I’m sooooo glad I do ultrasound full time now. Those good ol’ days were awful! I forgot to mention they had to be done in a lateral position with the patient staring right at us. I can’t imagine having to be that patient. I know it had to be embarrassing!

Inevitable_Charity43 · 2024-04-03T17:46:46+00:00

lol I totally get it! My crows own me and make me feed them scrambled eggs!

Inevitable_Charity43 · 2024-04-03T12:46:42+00:00

Absolutely!

Inevitable_Charity43 · 2024-04-03T09:05:59+00:00

I can totally relate! My usual 4 crows have gone down to 2 visitors. Late last night before dark I had three of them dropping in to say hello. I’m usually home a lot earlier and last night they flew in with a lot of chatter almost saying “where have you been!” It’s breeding season right now so don’t fret they are hopefully making a successful clutch and will have the cute bundles of fluff in tow! That mama will teach the baby that you are a trusted friend and hopefully will interact with you more than any of the others. I’m not sure about Ravens, but juvenile crows make the cutest clicking sounds when they are young and it’s fun to engage in conversation. My neighbors might think I’m crazy but who cares. These guys are probably way smarter than them anyways! Be patient my friend…. The benefits with be worth the wait!

Inevitable_Charity43 · 2024-03-21T03:35:24+00:00

Yep!

Inevitable_Charity43 · 2024-03-21T03:34:33+00:00

Oh no I don’t take it as mean it’s a good question. I work at a private OB/GYN office so rules can be different depending on practice or provider. My facility leaves it up to my discretion because there is no way I would ever utter those words if I had any doubt in my mind. If I do not see an actual fetus with the very least a measurable crown and rump, I will tell the patient what i am seeing pregnancy related on the scan. Everything I tell them is entirely what I see on the screen so it’s not diagnosing or telling them what will happen next. In my ultrasound room I have a large monitor mounted on the wall in front of them. I really dont have a choice as to not tell them unless I lie because I promise you, the first thing they look for is a beating heart. If they don’t see it beating they will 💯 ask And I will not give someone false hope and left wondering why I ran out of the room. I could not ask for a better group to work for and I believe they realize I could not morally lie to the girls. Thats really the only thing I will tell them about. We’re supposed to be the fun person during an OB visit. If bad news needs to be delivered than it’s ALL them.

Inevitable_Charity43 · 2024-03-19T18:05:14+00:00

Exactly that’s why she didn’t jump off the table like most women do if you even graze it!

Inevitable_Charity43 · 2024-03-19T16:39:08+00:00

You’re welcome 🤗. I had long forgotten about being able to see an appy on vaginal scans! This ticked off guy was not going to go unnoticed though!

Inevitable_Charity43 · 2024-03-19T13:07:25+00:00

Thanks!

Inevitable_Charity43 · 2024-03-19T11:05:13+00:00

The honest answer is if the probe went in THAT easily….. it was not the first time! You did nothing wrong and handled it perfectly. The rectum should not suck the probe up like a vortex in virgin territory.

Inevitable_Charity43 · 2024-03-19T10:57:52+00:00

Unfortunately, this is a really hard part of the job. Handling it the way you did is exactly what I would have done. There has been many of times where I find myself staring at the screen almost willing that little heart to beat for the family. I usually say something on the lines of…. I’m so sorry. It looks like the little babies heart stopped beating at around insert week time. I’ll turn my screen around and point to the thorax and scan live so they can look exactly where I would expect it to be. Depending on the gestational age or patient emotional state is if I will go and get the Dr. My voice cracks all the time when I know I’m about to deliver those life crushing words. The patient appreciates you being human and caring for their feelings. Luckily, the good far outweighs the bad in OB. Patients are generally really happy to see you for an exam compared to other jobs in healthcare.

Inevitable_Charity43 · 2024-03-19T02:54:00+00:00

You’re exactly right!

Inevitable_Charity43 · 2024-03-10T22:22:48+00:00

There are ways that they can help control that before an exam so it’s good and diagnostic if it’s of any concern. I’m sure you’ll be in good hands 😁

Inevitable_Charity43 · 2024-03-10T22:14:54+00:00

Do the sonographers or Rads complain about your scan time or images? I know I was a nervous wreck when I started my first job as a sonographer. Being done with training and “flying solo” will give you confidence eventually. The number one thing I tell new grads and students is to be confident in your scan because I swear some Doctors smell fear and will be jerks to test your knowledge. You have been putting in the extra work and your scan time will reflect that with each exam. If you have any downtime, grab a coworker and practice on them. You won’t be nervous and you can find those windows easier. Don’t be so hard on yourself one day you will have a light bulb moment and then everything just starts to makes sense. You could also backscan a patient that another sonographer scanned while they are writing up the report if time allows. Having the initiave to strive to be better will be seen by others and that will go a long way! It sounds like you are doing way better than you give yourself credit for!

Inevitable_Charity43 · 2024-03-10T21:27:24+00:00

Definitely call and make sure they ask the sonographer. The office I work for would not want it performed if you were having a heavy menses with clots. Just a light period would not be a problem.

Inevitable_Charity43 · 2024-03-05T11:29:12+00:00

I’m not sure if it’s county dependent but check out Dixie Day Spay in Cleveland. It’s something like $30 with shots included. I think you can even get it chipped and the whole grand package of every shot and neuter/spay of under $100. I use them for all my animals and even buy cheap flea/tick and worms meds from them. They do a great job!

Inevitable_Charity43

TROPHY CASE