I'm having a ECG and I'm terrified!

[Anonymous]

Apparently you have to take your top and bra off!

I don't want some nurse looking at my boobs:'(

What happens?

Has anybody else had it? experiences?

Do you have to take your top and bra off?

[selfishstars]

Yes, you'll probably have to take off your top/bra, but you'll do so in a private area and put a gown on. It won't be done with your breasts exposed.

The ECG leads (small metal discs) on your chest will be placed like this: link . There may be some additional leads, like on your arms and legs, depending on what ECG test they're doing. Notice there will be some placed underneath your breast, but you can still keep your breast covered while they're being placed there.

The test is painless and very quick (like, will probably take less than a minute to complete).

"I don't want some nurse looking at my boobs:'("

Even though more than likely, no one will see your boobs during their procedure, I thought I'd comment on this because likely you'll have to have exams in the future where the nurse or doctor will see your private parts (breast exams, pap smears, etc). I know that it can feel extremely embarrassing, but doctors and nurses are professionals. They see nude bodies all the time. It's so common for them that they think nothing of it. They aren't "checking you out", judging you, thinking about you sexually, or anything like that. I'm a nurse, and when I need to do an assessment or procedure that involves private areas, I'm only thinking two things: 1) How can I lessen the uncomfortableness for my patient as much as possible; and 2) I'm thinking about whatever it is I'm assessing/looking for or whatever procedure I'm performing.

Hope this helps.

[candlewax]

Actually, they'll probably do a 12 lead EKG. I'd think that the lack of that anchor lead, as well as the limb leads not being there to help determine what's going on that specific plane of the heart would make the EKG come out funny. :/

But I agree, it's nothing to be afraid of. Pretty simple tests, and medical professionals are pretty cool about people being nervous.

[selfishstars]

I just said the ones on the chest will look something like the picture I posted, but there will likely be ones on the arms and legs as well. I just wanted to give her an image so she could see where the leads on her chest area will be located.

[ItsPanda]

When it was time to remove the leads, the female tech pulled them off too hard, causing me to jump several times. It was humiliating to have these three people watch as my breasts jiggled and flopped around. The young man accidentally touched my nipples twice and apologized to each time.

[ItsPanda]

I had this done yesterday at an urgent care clinic. my boyfriend came with me and a female tech and male helper (CNA?) did the EKG. The woman asked me to remove my top and bra and put a gown on with the opening in the front. She then had me lay down and put my arms to the side while the male tech opened my gown all the way so that my breasts were out. The more experienced tech pointed out the places on my chest where the younger male tech had to place the stickers. I was humiliated as my boyfriend watched this woman pick up my left breast so that the young man could put a couple of stickers on my chest. While they were running the test, they kept my gown open completely. And during the short amount of time, the receptionist opened the door without even knocking to ask me a question about my insurance, which I had to answer facing her with my breasts and belly in full view. There was also a very young lady who came in to do a finger prick test, And they wanted her to wait until they finish the test so she stood there and watched me finish the test completely topless.
When it was time to remove the leads, the female tech pulled them off too hard, causing me to jump several times. It was humiliating to have these three people watch as my breasts jiggled and flopped around. The young man accidentally touched my nipples twice and apologized to each time.

[slipslender]

ugh. I hate getting them too :(

basically you take your top and bra off, get into a robe, lie down, the nurse puts these small pieces of adhesive on your chest, around your left breast primarily (above the heart) and then attaches leads to it and then the machinery does the work. it's non-invasive, so you feel nothing. the only awkwardness is how you feel about being topless in front of a stranger. I had the same nurse all the times I've had it done. she was extremely professional, just did her job and was done. they are trained professionals, they have to get their own ECGs done, so trust me, they know that it isn't the most comfortable position to be in.

[Amiler1214]

I've had the same procedure done and it was not bad. When I had it done they gave me a gown that opened in the front, so you were still clothed and part of the gown covered me up when they weren't working on that part of my body. Also, the room was kept pretty dark because it makes it easier for them to see the monitors. But, even if you're half naked and its light in the room, don't worry about it. they see it all the time. at that point they aren't looking at you as a young female, you're just a body with potential health problems and they're mostly looking at your scans anyway. good luck!

[WeaponZero]

Being afraid to have medical personnel see you topless is a pretty unreasonable fear. And as you get older it's something you're going to have to get more frequently, especially once you start getting to the age where you have to get regular mammograms.

[Asker]

I'm just shy sorry:-(

[WeaponZero]

You really do need to get over that at least when dealing with medical personnel. They see this stuff all the time anyway, you'll be nothing new to them, and it's gotta be done right?

[candlewax]

No, it's not all that unreasonable. Some people are just uncomfortable with that and the medical personnel also understand this. They can make accommodations for people who get shy about that stuff.

[Brandan_Cromartie]

Yes you disrobe to some extent and you'll be fine, it's just some sticky pads.

[candlewax]

Eh, they let you cover up. I'm surprised that they go all out. One of my instructors ran EKG tests for a living and he's mentioned that sometimes they do that - have the gown option for women so they can get the electrodes on, but it could very well be because of the bra issue. We put EKG leads on all the time in lab and the girls don't have to take their bras off. But we are wearing sports bras.. so yeah. :/

If you're concerned about them seeing your breasts, ask if you can keep them covered with the gown? They're usually pretty respectful when someone's that nervous.The most that they need to get to us the underside of your breast on the left side. Other than that, the leads go above the breast, on the waist on each side, and on the upper chest, below the clavicle on each side.

[toulouse]

its no big deal. they just put electrodes on your skin. anyways usually they give you a gown and only expose the area around your breasts- they are also very respectful of your modesty-usually. ,. I've had plenty and its not a big deal at all. general check ups are more personal, imo.

[ladyofshalott]

It's not that bad, I've had it done even by a male nurse (which I thought would be just awful) but they are so professional about it. They do this all the time, so this is nothing to them, there really is nothing to worry about. Although the first time is a little weird, a good nurse is usually conversational and professional which should help put you at ease.

[Longshot]

Medical professionals see breasts and genitals everyday. To them, it's boring.

[Anonymous]

They don't care- they see boobs all the time. How do you think guys feel when they get a prostate exam?

[Betwyn]

Some guys like it...

[ashiwini]

i had once same experience ., but no need to take off bra fully

[KERMlT]

Need some male support? ;)

[Asker]

lol.

[Anonymous]

Be glad you don't have to have a prostate exam.