Too Large for Upper GI Testing?

I'm wondering if anyone else had this type of experience.... This past Thursday I went to Middlesex outpatient for an upper GI. After the first part of the test began the technician told me I was too heavy for the machine to accomodate me and was being sent to Middlesex Hospital because they could handle larger patients. After waiting another two hours at the hospital, I was brought in for the test and asked why I was sent to the hospital. After explaining I was too large for the machine, I was told the machine at the hospital was exactly the same and if I couldn't fit into the first machine, I wouldn't fit into the second machine. I did fit and the test was performed. I suffered embarrassment and the procedure took 2 hours longer than I planned. Of course, this type of experience will go away as the pounds come off, but I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this at Middlesex or anywhere else. Lori

Hi Lori I have never heard of such a thing and if I were you, I'd tell your surgeon about what happened. You shouldn't have had to suffer thru that - just not fair! Hang in there! It'll get better, but I can understand the bruise to your ego. That stinks. Tammy

Hi Lori, There are "table limits" for CT and MRI. I am a registered xray tech, but I now do ultrasound. My thinking is that for an upper GI the first problem would be fitting under the fluroscope and if you did..then there might be "xray penetration" problems. Did they even take a film first? If its the same machine...I would have to agree...the staff at the first place was being difficult. I would write a letter, on how humiliated you were..and have someone explain this to you. Sorry you had this experience Lori...makes my blood boil! Hugs, Joanie

Lori, Sorry you had to go through that. I'm glad that you were able to get the test done. I would write a letter as well. Maggie

Lori, Well that makes me angry. I would most certainly write a letter but I would also move on. Your future is bright and full of promise. Each step forward is a step away from obesity. hugs Pattie

Thanks everyone for your support. It's nice to have a place to go where I can admit this happened without being embarrassed again!!! Lori

Well Lori, I was at the outpatient on Monday getting the Upper GI and what happened is the machine they usually do the test on was out of comission so they tried to squeeze me under the old one but my breasts and stomach(mostly my breasts) were too big to fit comfortably under the machine. The technician said they could call the hospital for me because I was already there. They called the hospital and they fit me in but I did have to wait an hour in the waiting room. The machine at Middlesex was able to take the xrays and after that I was fine. What may have happened is that their machine is still down-I went on Monday 9/13 and the guys were trying to fix it. I am not trying to condone what the outpatient put you through but I am just saying maybe that is what happened.

HELLO.I BROKE MY KNEE 3 YEARS AGO. I WEIGHED 345.MY SURGEON WANTED AN MRI DONE BUT HE SAID I WAS TO BIG FOR THE TABLE AT L&M HOSPITAL.SO HE FOUND A WALK-IN MRI IN GUILFORD AND I HAD IT DONE THERE.HE WAS A VERY PROFESSIONAL SURGEON AND HE SAVED ME ALOT OF EMBARRESSMENT.I,M SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE...TOM

Hi, Lori! I was 5'10", 376 pounds and, except for the having trouble fitting my big feet on the footpad when I did the standing part of the test, I had no problem at all. However, I did have the test done at Norwalk Hospital; maybe they have different equipment? As for the limits on CAT scans and MRIs, I've had both done when I was heavy and had no problem fitting into either machine. This country is getting heavier every day, perhaps the medical commmunity needs to remember that, not just when it comes to their equipment but their sensitivity as well.