Is a Gallbladder Ultrasound Supposed to Hurt?

I'm rather concerned, because I had the gallbladder ultrasound done today and from all that I've read, it's not supposed to hurt! The technician kept mashing that thing into me so hard and telling me to take "big, deep breaths". All I could think was, nobody told me that this would hurt so bad! Anyway, he told me that "unofficially" I didn't have any gallstones. I'm glad about that, but he kept on going and doing an ultrasound of my liver, kidneys, & pancreas. Can anyone tell me if this is normal procedure? I'm kind of concerned, because I'm thinking maybe he found something else that he's not telling me about. I know they are not supposed to say anything because the radiologist has to read the results.....any insight you have regarding your experience would be tremendously helpful. Thank you! Melodie

Melodie, the scanning of the other organs is pretty standard -- they figure they're already looking, they may as well see if they see anything else. As for it hurting -- there is no delicate way to say this, so please take it for what it is and don't be offended -- depending on how heavy you are, the tech might have had to press as hard as he did so as to be able to get a good reading through your mass. Just like when you have an ultrasound when you're pregnant, they have to be able to get the picture as clear as possible, and sometimes press really hard to do so. I would imagine that it can be very uncomfortable for many of us, and am sorry it hurt like it did. If I were in your shoes, I would probably mention something to my PCP (if the tech is connected to the same hospital/clinic) as well, so that he could get the feedback that he pressed hard enough to make it uncomfortable for you. At the very least, it may remind him to warn people that he will be pressing very hard, right? GL with your journey! --joanna 325/153/125(someday soon!)

Hi Joanna ~ Thank you for your reply. Believe me, he knew that I was uncomfortable because I told him so! Don't get me wrong, he was very sympathetic and apologized for having to push so hard; I just didn't expect it and couldn't wait for it to be over! I guess what threw me was that I had read about the procedure on the internet and it stated that the "transponder is lightly swept" over the area..... So I wasn't prepared mentally. My BMI is 39.4 (I've been dieting in anticipation of my surgery). I had ultrasounds with each of my children, and I don't remember the technicians having to push as hard. And I didn't know that it is routine to get the other organs as well. So, thank you for sharing that....I feel better about it! ~Melodie