My sister had an echo bubble done last year, which was a positive for a PFO (Patent Foreman Ovale). Both her and her husband witnessed the video of the ultrasound, which made it obvious that there was a leak. They waited to do the Transesophageal Echocardiogram with Bubble Contrast until after her pregnancy to see if it was cardiac or pulmonary. The procedure was very difficult, according to the doctor. I don't think my sister would want to do it over again because of how painful it was for her, but the doctor said there was no evidence of a PFO. How can the two similar procedures produce such different results? :confused:

Each test has its own specific limitations. In a perfect world, each test would be 100% accurate each time. The bottom line is that all tests have an accuracy rate assigned to them based on testing of hundreds of people with similar health histories. Since the human body is similar from one to another but very very individualized in other aspects, the testing is not going to reflect the same results in each person. The only thing the doctors have to go on is a list of symptoms, the tests available, and then comparisons from one group of people to another. The fact that doctors can be as accurate as they are is a miracle. The best one can hope for is a comfortable existence. This largely depends upon the patient doing the right thing for themselves when it comes to health. Unless you are taking mood altering substances in great quantity, you are the best guide to how much stress, work, or activity you can stand. If you listen to your body, you will get the information needed to slow down, speed up or see a doctor for help.