Worried about ECG

[Glitterblue]

I'm due to have surgery in 2 weeks, and have my pre op this week. I think I'll have to have an ECG and I have serious issues about being undressed in front of people, for various reasons. I know they're medical staff, and they see everything every day, but I'm struggling massively. A friend recently had the same surgery and said she was allowed to keep her bra on for the ECG but literally everything else I've read, apart from a few nurses saying they've been able to do them around bras, has been people saying they have had to strip to the waist.

I know it's stupid to be so worried but I just can't help it. I know it'll be over quickly but that doesn't seem to help 😫 I've heard people saying they've not even been given a sheet to cover them.

I wonder why it is that some people can do them without removal of the bra and others can't.

I've had two ECGs and I never had to take anything off. One was done in my doctors surgery in my street clothes and the other in A & E again in the clothes I walked in wearing.

They just rolled up bits, undid a few buttons and folded back bits. All very discreet.

Iv had about 30 and never had to strip, just roll the top up while they stuck the stickers on

I've had loads of them and never needed to remove my bra. Please don't worry.

Me also. I was hooked up to a 24hr one. Wore a bra and a strappy vest - didn't need to take either off.

I’ve had 2 and had to take everything off. But I’m sure if you tell them you feel uncomfortable taking off your top they will work around it. I think it’s just easier for them if you strip because there are so many stickers.

I’ve had a few, my top tip is to wear a large blouse as you top layer then Once you’ve stripped out it back on open - it gives them the acces they need but then you can use it to cover up

I've had a few and had to be naked above waist but I've not had one for a while so things may have changed.

I've had loads and never been made to strip off. I'd just make sure you can easily get a couple of fingers under the bottom underwire - Ie make sure your bra isn't too tight

Dear OP,
I am a cardiac nurse by background. Ideally the ECG would be done with your bra off as the stickers should be placed in exact positions that for most women include them being directly under the breast. However, we can work around it without any big issues. If you are asked to remove your bra just explain that you feel uncomfortable doing so. I second the PP’s suggestion to wear a loose blouse that you can put back on after removing your bra if you would be more comfortable with that. Also be aware that the person doing your ECG may be male. If that would cause you distress or discomfort then please feel free to ask for a female to do it.

Thanks everyone, this is massively reassuring. I'm in enough of a state about the upcoming surgery without worrying about the pre op too!

@Princessdebthe1st it wouldn't cause any offence or hassle if the person doing it turned out to be male, would it? I definitely couldn't cope with that.

Dear OP,
Sorry for the delay in replying. It shouldn’t cause any problem at all, they should be used to such requests. It may cause a little delay in finding a woman to do your ECG if the clinic is busy but it should be fine. Good luck.

I survived and my bra remained firmly in place - phew!

It did turn out to be a man doing all the test bits of the appointment but he was just so lovely and professional and calming when he noticed how anxious I looked, I really didn't mind. If he'd said I had to take my bra off I'd probably have asked for a woman but he just very apologetically said I would need to pull my top up. Then he pulled it back down once everything was in place. He completely preserved my dignity at all times and let me do the groin mrsa swab myself, and he went away and closed the curtain while I did that.