Conference turris::womannotes-v2

    If this ultrasound is the same as what I had then all they do is
    put a jell form on your stomach and then rub a metal round object
    on your stomach.  And you can see this on a t.v. screen and that
    will show them where your IUD is in your body.  (it shows them the
    inside of your body).
    
    hope this helps you ease your mind. Its not painful at all.

    I have not had a pelvic ultrasound, but did have one done of my
    gall bladder area.  They are not like x-rays, they are completely
    painless, they are nothing to worry about.   They use a small, sort
    of flat metal bulb attached to the ultrasound.  Generally they put
    baby oil on the area they are testing to facilitate easy movement
    and cut down on friction.  They rub the bulb lightly across the
    area.  It feels warm (not hot) and you can feel a little vibration
    from it.  Gave me a funny feeling in my tummy--sort of tickley.
    Ultrasound is just sound waves that bounce off your "inards", sort
    of like sonar.  If you are lying in the right position with regard
    to the TV type monitor you can watch.  I don't know what kind of
    a "picture" it makes or how they are read, but they are really very
    accurate at locating landmarks, etc. and finding things such as
    your lost IUD.  
    
    Good luck and don't worry.  It was one of the easiest tests I ever
    had done anywhere, ever!
    
    Pat
    

    Ruth,
    
    Basically an ultra-sound is a sonic chart of your internal
    organs.  I've had two done, one for pregnancy and one to 
    check for gallstones.  They put this warm, sticky goop
    (lubricant) on your abdomen and then rub the ultra sound
    device on the area.  They will probably take freeze frame
    pictures (telling you to hold your breath, etc.) in order
    to locate your IUD and any abnormalities.  In my second one
    they not only found gallstones but a 1 inch cyst on one of
    my ovaries.  Nothing to worry about but something to be aware
    of.
    
    Hope this helps.
    
    Nanci
    

    Ruth,
    
    I had a Pelvic Ultrasound done 2 weeks ago, just like everyone else
    says "It is painless and easy".  In fact it is interesting, the
    Radiologist lets you look at this TV and you can see the inside
    of your body.  
    
    Good luck,
    Bethany
    
                                   

    I had an ultrasound a few years ago to help determine the size of
    an ovarian cyst.  It's basically as the other replies have stated.
    The only discomfort I had was having to maintain a full bladder
    so they could get a good picture. I could see the monitor while
    it was being done.  I must admit, it was fascinating.
    
    Good luck.
    
    P.
    


                                                     

    Thank you for your responses. I expect that I will sleep much better
    tonight than I did last night.  I am not looking forward to the
    part where I have to maintain a full bladder, but that will be a
    small degree of discomfort compared to the stuff I dreamed of last
    night.
    
    I feel much, much less anxiety now. 
    Thanks.
    Ruth                

    A few years ago I had one done when a military doctor thought he
    heard a heart valve problem and sent me to a specialist.  I had
    some discomfort just because they made me contort all over the table
    to get good pictures, because the sound waves don't penetrate certain
    upper chest areas easily.  Given that a pelvic/lower abdominal area
    doesn't have a breastbone or shoulder blades to sound through, you
    shouldn't have any trouble.  I got the impression it works like
    sonar, bouncing sound waves through you.
    
    Absolutely fascinating to watch your own heart beating, valves opening
    and closing!                            
    
    DougO

    I've had two pelvic ultrasounds done.  No problem or pain involved.
    Only discomfort is you have to have a full bladder. You have to
    drink about 8 glasses of water before you go in.  But it's really
    neat to see what you're made up of inside.  Don't worry, have it
    done.  You'll feel better.  It is exactly how .1 described it.
    
    Take care.

    I'd like to thank you for your responses. I had the test and it
    was just as you all described, painless except for the discomfort
    associated with the ever-so-full bladder. Looks like I'm good for
    another 100,000 miles. 
    
    I'm glad I discovered this notesfile! I look forward to helping
    out when any of you need answers or encouragement.
    
    Ruth