Ultrasound

[Winston]

I have my ultrasound in one weeks time. I was just wondering if anyone can tell me what to expect for the procedure etc? I am in the UK but is it the same practice everywhere? My doctor told me he didn't think there was anything to worry about but sent me for the scan just to be sure. Kind of getting nervous now that the scan is only a week away!

[huckchef]

the ultrasound is pretty simple. you will just lie on exam table and the doc or nurse will use a small paddle device will a lubrication on it. they will rub this over the testicals and it will project an image on the computer screen. they will be able to see any abnormalities, check blood flow and also hear the blood flow. its not anything to be worried about. it will probably take just a few minutes. have you had any blood work done? what made you think you needed an ultrasound done?

[Winston]

I've had no blood work done. I went to see my doctor for an examination about 3 weeks ago as I have had some swelling and discomfort in my right testicle. I posted here a few times about my situation.

The doctor gave me a thorough exam and said he was confident there was nothing serious there, probable cyst, possible varicocele. He made a non-urgent appointment for an ultrasound just to be on the safe side. The scan is next Friday.

[dadmo]

Winston:
I bet the doctor is right and your fine, the ultrasound is always a good idea. He's a good doctor wanting to cover all bases.

[huckchef]

no doubt!!! i wish i had been ordered an ultrasound when i first went in but no one did. even after i had the ct scan and it showed lymph node involvement it was still a month later before i had an ultrasound done. i guess that they just don't think about tc being there. i don't know? but i did inform my physician(at the local clinic) about it so he would maybe next time do otherwise!!! good luck friday!!

[IowaBrian]

The scan is easy they give you a nice gown to put on the tech comes back in the lights are turned down they put a towel over the area and then they scan both to be sure. The tech left the room and had the doctor look at the scan to make sure they didn't want to scan live.
Then they give you a towel to wipe off the gel and you get dressed and that is it. It might take 10 minutes total. Results were phoned to my doctor.
As a side note if you are able to look at the screen ask the tech what they are looking at they will point out things since it looks like a odd fuzzy black and white image for the most part, but they will not tell you the results My scan was printed out and the full scan was burned on a DVD for the Uro to view in his office since my scan was not normal.

[Winston]

The scan is tomorrow afternoon. Well nervous now! Even though the doc was very reassuring after my exam, it is still on my mind 'what if?' Only when I get the scan results will I finally be able to know one way or the other.

Question: Do they make you completely strip off or just lift up your gown or what? Even after 2 docs exams I am still a bit embarrassed about dropping my pants!

[IowaBrian]

They just move the gown up a little put a towel over the area and scan it the tech is looking at the screen most of the time so don't worry...
After this is over you won't even think twice about dropping your pants for the doc
My girl friend always tells me men are lucky since we don't have to do the yearly exam like the women .
The bottom line is it will be fine takes about 5 minutes and you are done.
Brian

[Winston]

Just got back from my scan. And its good news!

The whole thing took about 5 minutes and I didn't even have to put on a gown or anything. Just drop my trousers and lie on the bed.

The sonagrapher talked me through it and pointed out what everything was on the screen. Amazing technology it really is. First he checked my Kidneys and he said they were fine. He then checked the affeted ball and immediately on the screen I saw a solid black circle. He said it was a cyst as suspected by my doctor.

He then checked my other testicle which it turns out had an even bigger cyst. This was weird because this testicle has caused me no problems whatsoever and I wasn't able to feel anything there at all! He said the blood flow was fine and that my left testicle is smaller than the other one, which I knew anyway.He said it looked a bit 'patchy' probably due to the mumps I had last year and it is still recovering from that.

I was very surprised that he explained everything and said that all appeared to be OK. I'll be going to the doc again in 2 weeks to confirm the results.

I'm so happy. This is a massive weight off my mind. Even after the doc said there was probably nothing to worry about I was still very anxious to get this scan out of the way. Now I'm 99.9% certain that I don't have TC and can start to get on with my life again!

Thanks to all for your advice. It was very much appreciated. Good luck to all those suffering with TC

[dadmo]

Winston:
I know you'll enjoy this weekend.

[Winston]

Winston:
I know you'll enjoy this weekend.

Too right! I've started celebrating already

[IowaBrian]

Good news Party On