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[cherylks]

Just got letter confirming scan on Tues.  Have to drink a litre of fluid one hour before scan.    I remember doing it when pregnant many years ago but my bladder isn't what it used to be!!  Any tips please?

[Joyce]

Blimey I'd have a bother holding a pint these days. Don't know what to suggest. Maybe drink absolutely nothing leading up to that hour before. I had to do similar some years back, my appointment was delayed so I was in a panic. Eventually had to ask nurse if I could have a little wee just to take pressure off. Scan was fine. But oh boy did I run fast afterwards.

[CLKD]

Check with your GP.  When I had a scan I had to drink plenty but could pee until 20 mins before the scan.  I don't think anyone could hold a litre of liquid for an hour or more if the scan is late!

[Greyhoundgal]

Poor you, I had to do that last year - and of course the appointments were running late!!!  The receptionist told me I could go and just let a dribble out (yeah, fat chance) but eventually the lady who was doing the scan came out and told me they'd decided to do an internal scan instead - I think I must have broken all world-records in the 100mt sprint in my haste to get to the loo

[oldsheep]

I drank what I could, then topped it up from the water machine while I waited for my scan. She then did that bit quickly, then sent me off to the loo as the rest of the scan was internal. I think they really do try to keep to time so they tell you to overdrink so they don't have to deal with women who've arrived having had one cup of tea and so delay others while they top up their bladder.
I think I topped up with 3 glasses of water while I was there. It's uncomfortable though.

[Sarah2]

If they are going to do a transvaginal scan which they ought to to get a good look, then you do not need drink anything.

You will have been sent the standard letter.

I was asked to do this and told them I couldn't - this was a private appt at a large private hospital. They then told me that they would prefer anyway to do a TVS because it enabled them to see a lot more- so that's what was done.

I'd check with your GP and the hospital over which type of scan you are having.

[cherylks]

Its a pelvic ultra sound.  Will have to have a few practice runs I think.  Doubt they would do an internal as presumably bleeding will stop them seeing very much.

[Sarah2]

'Pelvic' may include a TVS.
If they want to get a good pics of your uterus then they often like to do a TVS.
The bleeding would not be a problem to them_ I don't think that affects the images from ultrasound.
Maybe call them and discuss so you know one way or the other?

[Hurdity]

I had both on the same day at the same appt
Had the U/S one with a full bladder - I find it easier if you don't move - getting in the car and then out at the other end was the most difficult, but sitting still, it seemed like just constant pressure. She then let me out to pee (what a relief!) and then I went back in for the T/V one.

Hurdity x

[toffeecushion]

I had an internal scan last week due to heavy prolonged bleeding, luckily I had stopped by then, but was told they could still do it if I was bleeding.

[honeybun]

If you have been told to drink then the first thing they will do is an ultrasound. I had to go for a wee as I just could not hold on any longer. It was the first thing I did as I got into the hospital. I then started to drink like mad as I waited to be called. All seemed to be fine as far as my bladder was concerned.

I would imagine it's much easier to tell a private hospital what you won't or can't do. The rest of us have to follow instructions.

Sure you will be fine. Just cross your legs 


Honeyb
x

[Taz2]

I have had to do this a few times and the last time (for a kidney ultrasound) I was forty minutes late going in for my appointment. I was amazed that I didn't end up flooding the ultrasound table!

You may have a transvaginal scan after the ultrasound. If so then you will be allowed to go and empty your bladder in between the two.  The last ultrasound and transvaginal scans I had were carried out during a very heavy period (the reason for the scan) and it made no difference to the result.

Taz x

[cherylks]

Thanks for all your comments!!  Much appreciated    Have rung hospital and am having both scans. 

[Patientone]

I had both scans on November 29th. I was told that a full bladder is more comfortable with food in your stomach, mone was empty and I was terribly uncomfortable.

Also, I was bleeding at the time, and it did not interfer with the transvaginal ultrasound at all.

[Dana]

I drank what I could, then topped it up from the water machine while I waited for my scan. She then did that bit quickly, then sent me off to the loo as the rest of the scan was internal. I think they really do try to keep to time so they tell you to overdrink so they don't have to deal with women who've arrived having had one cup of tea and so delay others while they top up their bladder.
I think I topped up with 3 glasses of water while I was there. It's uncomfortable though.

Yes, this is how mine was handled too. I found they were very good about time though. I was not kept waiting and once they had seen what they need to see I was allowed to go to the loo, and they finished off the scan, with me feeling much more comfortable.

It isn't a nice experience though. I hope I never have to go through it again.