My echo tech is very careful. She takes her time, and it usually takes 45 minutes to an hour. And I ain't that sexy, so she ain't gettin' anything gratuitous out of it...
She goes over any questionable reads several times, and I frequently get that "worked-over" general bruising effect from the scans. I trust her readings. And yes, it's the same tech every time.
Eleven minutes is a travesty. I would complain to the hospital or lab where it was done - vehemently. You shouldn't get short shrift because she's running late or has a hot date after the appointment. If the hospital gets cheeky, contact your insurance company and complain. You may not realize it, but your insurance company pays a ton of money for that scan.
You're getting close to time, though. Keep an eye on your heart chamber sizes. While you don't want to rush into surgery, you absolutely don't want to let your heart get damaged to the point where it never fully recovers to its original capabilities. Go back through your past echo results (if you don't have them, your doctor must provide them because of HIPAA). Look at your heart chamber sizes, and how much they've grown (if they have) over time. Don't just go by whether they're outside of the norm now, but by how much they've changed in relation to yourself. (Ex. Say norm is 5. You start off at 3.5, go to 5.1. Much more meaningful than someone who starts off at 4.9 and goes to 5.1).
Also, no lifting heavy weights or shovelling snow with AS. No joke. Sudden or prolonged anaerobic stress can cause sudden demise. Snow shovelling, most weight training, or lifting heavy recycling cans or furniture may get you breathing hard, but are not really aerobic.
Best wishes,
She goes over any questionable reads several times, and I frequently get that "worked-over" general bruising effect from the scans. I trust her readings. And yes, it's the same tech every time.
Eleven minutes is a travesty. I would complain to the hospital or lab where it was done - vehemently. You shouldn't get short shrift because she's running late or has a hot date after the appointment. If the hospital gets cheeky, contact your insurance company and complain. You may not realize it, but your insurance company pays a ton of money for that scan.
You're getting close to time, though. Keep an eye on your heart chamber sizes. While you don't want to rush into surgery, you absolutely don't want to let your heart get damaged to the point where it never fully recovers to its original capabilities. Go back through your past echo results (if you don't have them, your doctor must provide them because of HIPAA). Look at your heart chamber sizes, and how much they've grown (if they have) over time. Don't just go by whether they're outside of the norm now, but by how much they've changed in relation to yourself. (Ex. Say norm is 5. You start off at 3.5, go to 5.1. Much more meaningful than someone who starts off at 4.9 and goes to 5.1).
Also, no lifting heavy weights or shovelling snow with AS. No joke. Sudden or prolonged anaerobic stress can cause sudden demise. Snow shovelling, most weight training, or lifting heavy recycling cans or furniture may get you breathing hard, but are not really aerobic.
Best wishes,
I requested after my last one..that I know what it was...Had a call from his nurse about 1 week later..Everything looked normal. 
