Scheduled for CT Scan in Morning.?

Question

Scheduled for CT Scan in Morning of Abdoman and Pelvis. Received insturctions today. Was told to drink two bottles of constrast in which the Imaging center gave me today. My concern is not only drinking this contrast, but then I'm suppose to have some sort of radio-active contrast injected IV that will spread throughout my body. To allow better visulization on organs, and abnormalities. I'M SCARED I WILL HAVE AN ALLERGIC REACTION THE ORAL STUFF, AND TERRIFIED PLUS SCARED, EXCTREMELY, SCARRED OF THE IV STUFF. ABOUT TO CHICKEN OUT. ACTUALLY TERRIFIED I WILL DIE FROM THIS DYE STUFF THEY INJECT. MAYBE I SHOULD CHICKEN OUT.

WAS TOLD IT WOULD FEEL LIKE A HOT FLASH. HAS ANYONE OUT THERE EXPERIENCED THIS TEST AND IV INJECTION THEMSELVES.

Answer 1

Yeah, I have kidney cancer and have to have one every three months. Its not too bad really, it makes you feel kinda wierd, but its not really a hot flash. Your poop will be yellow and really smelly for a couple of days, but its not bad. The iv dye comes and goes very quickly, probably less than a minute. Dont be scared, they are really pretty easy. Having the IV put in is the worst part!

Answer 2

I've been on both ends of those procedures, as a nurse giving the intravenous contrast and monitoring the patient's sensations and vital signs (heart and breathing rate and so on) and as a patient undergoing a scan and receiving the IV medicine. The dye does make you feel suddenly hot and weird all over for a few minutes, but that's about the worst of it! I've never heard of anybody dying from the injected dye - allergic reactions to the dye or the oral contrast media are rare, and if you've told your doctor everything - even foods, besides medications - that you're allergic to, they'll know if you're allergic to something related and therefore liable to have a reaction and can use something different, or give you medicine to counteract any possible allergic response beforehand. Even if somebody has an unexpected allergic reaction, the nurse is trained to recognize it and has antidotes on hand to reverse the reaction instantly.

Let your doctor and the staff administering the medications and performing the scan know how apprehensive you are: they can give you anti-anxiety medication, as well as explaining how everything works, so that you are more comfortable and relaxed before and during the procedure. In some places you can bring in a favorite CD and listen to that during the scan to help you be relaxed, also - ask about it, and about everything that you're concerned about, ahead of time.

Hope you're able to go ahead with this valuable diagnostic tool and that you and your MD find out exactly what you need to know to optimize your health!

Answer 3

Dear, I really doubt you'll have an allergic reaction to the contrast stuff. Plus, the amount of radioactivity in the contrast is not that much, likely comparable to the amount of exposure you'd get from an x-ray. If it were dangerous to you, it wouldn't be FDA approved for use in hospitals, now would it? It'll be ok. Just go to your appointment and tell the attending people your concerns. Or call a nurse hotline. They will be able to tell you the truth and calm your fears.

Answer 4

I use the dye in the cardiac cath lab. If you do not have allergies to shellfish/iodine, you should be just fine dear. Very rarely do people have reactions to the dye ( I have yet to see it) and if they do, it could be something as small as a feverish state and a little benadryl fixes you up. If it is a big concern for you, ask your doctor if you may have prophylactic medication- mostly just benadryl- to ease your mind.

Don't chicken out, your doc wouldn't be giving you the scan if he/she didn't think you truely needed it.

Yes, you will feel the hotness go through your body- my patients sometimes ask if they have wet themselves, but they haven't- it's just the feeling of the dye chugging through your system.

Answer 5

Don't be afraid. I am sure that if you have given your doctor a list of anything you are allergic to they will have it noted in your folder. Just remind the technicians of anything you think you are allergic to and they will act upon that. Most of the dyes and things they put in the iv are generally non-allergic items. It just seems scary, but then when it's done you will be happy that you went through with it.

Good Luck

Answer 6

i might placed it off and make a drs appointment for a blood being pregnant try formerly going to a CT test. Than back you ought to call past on your appointment and ask in the event that they have something to apply to guard your abdomen like they do with x-rays etc. stable success and congrats in case you're pregnant!

Answer 7

Yes- unless you are allergic to Iodine - it isn't as bad as you think. try to relax. It will help your medical record because the Doctor can even see your bad thoughts! Just Kidding. Don't worry, you'll be OK I will keep you in my prayers today. I wish you the best, take a very deep breath and rest, OK?

Answer 8

no don't chicken out everything will be fine.If you don't go you will never get better. My granddaughter has to go for MRI'S every three months and she to take dyes for contrast and all that and she has never had problem. I'll pray for you, but you see you'll be afraid for nothing.