What does CT scan with contrast show?

Question

For health care professionals only, please. Two months ago, I went to the ER for lower right quadrant pain and diarrhea. Did a CT with contrast to rule out appendicitis. My question is...what does the CT scan show? Does it show if anything is happening in my bowels? They said it only showed two cysts on my right ovary, 2 cm in size each. I've had diarrhea since the scan and have only been able to leave the house maybe 6 times in the last 2 months. ER doc suggested I may have IBS but said he only saw cysts...still sick 2 months later and unable to leave house ...

Please don't say I need to see a dr. I know, but I can't even make it to the grocery store for 10 minutes!

Answer 1

the contrast is designed to go to areas of inflammation, which would occur if you had appendicitis, or ovarian cysts, or an inflammatory bowel situation. Suggest you try the following. Drink water only for the next 24 hours, no food, nothing but water. Then for 24 hours more take only clear liquids, like apple juice, broth, jello. On the third day, introduce yogurt along with the clear liquids. By the fourth day, your bowel will have had a chance to calm down, and the yogurt will replace any of the helpful bacteria you may have lost due to inflammation. At this time, and not before, start taking Immodium to further slow things down. Re-introduce food slowly and in small amounts, and try to keep track of anything that may cause the symptoms to return and don't eat that again. It does sound to me like you may have irritable bowel syndrome. If the above doesn't give you relief, then you do need to follow up with a doctor.

Answer 2

Certain exams require a special dye, called contrast, to be delivered into the body before the test starts. Contrast can highlight specific areas inside the body, which creates a clearer image. Some people may have an allergic reaction to the dye. This happens only occasionally and can be treated immediately with appropriate medicines.
In rare cases, the dye can cause further kidney damage in people who already have kidney problems. The problem you have now may be coincidental rather than related to the scan. You already said it but only a health care professional can diagnose your current problem for alleviation.