CT Scan -- Need info re Pelvic and Abdominal

I am scheduled for a CT Scan of the Pelvis and Abdomen in September. Can someone who "has been there, done that" tell me what to expect. I also understand that there is an injection as well as a "cocktail" before the scan. I was told that I would need a blood test 2-21 days before the test to check my kidney function prior to the CT scan because of the dye that is injected. HELP. Now I am getting nervous. I also have allergies. How will I know if I am allergic? Do they tell you what happens if you have an allergic reaction? I had uterine (Stage Ib) and ovarian (Stage Ic), but that was changed to Mullerian Mucinous Tumor of low malignant potential and I did not need chemo. The CT scan is a follow-up procedure. It will be done about 3 months post-op from my TAH/BSO and Omentectomy.

Linda, I just had my ct-scan last Tues. and I was a bit nervous about it too. (I was concerned about being claustophobic) It really was not bad though. I had to pick up a drink mix from the Hosp. prior to going in, so I got mine Mon. The morning of test I mixed the powdered mix with water, then drank one glass two hr. before ct-scan another, one hr. before. The ct-scan machine looks like a wall with a big circle cut out ( no claustophobia there) you lay on the bed which then moves you down so your abdomen is directly under the circle. They did give me a type of i.v. and the nurse stayed with me to see if I had any problem. They say you might feel warm inside but I didn't feel anything. The whole thing took about 20-25 min. It really was pretty easy. I also had a chest x-ray and blood work. I guess all of that is pretty standard. Like you I had endmetrial cancer 1b, my surgery was last Aug. I know my Dr. had said if you have to get cancer this is the one to get, it is very treatable. And since they took your ovaries before it could actually become cancer, I would imagine your pretty safe there. Try to relax (easier said than done, but you do have a lot of positives) and try to count your blessings. Good luck, Jan

I've had alot of these scans. I think the worst part is the stuff you have to drink before it...pretty icky but tolerable. As far as the contrast agent...it has an iodine base. I am allergic to iodine and so had to have the "non ionic" type. I guess that is supposed to cause fewer reactions but is quite a bit more expensive so they don't use it unless they have a reason to think you'll have a problem. I did get the warm feeling that Jan mentioned. It's strange but not really "bad". I particularly felt like I had wet my pants. Not a pleasant sensation by any means, but the nurse kind of turned it into a joke so it was ok. lol The other thing that always bothers me is that it tends to upset my stomach. I have problems with IBS so it doesn't take much to land me in the bathroom. I haven't heard anyone else say they've had that reaction, though. Like Jan said, the test itself really isn't bad at all. You lay on the table and it moves your abdomin inside the round part (not claustrophic like an MRI). The machine tells you to take a breath and then hold it and let it out. I get so focused on listening to the machine and following directions that the test itself is over very quick. Once you get the drink part over and done with, you are finished with the hard part.

Good luck to you!

Take Care,
Susan

If you're allergic to seafood, then you should tell them. Or iodized salt. That's the allergy they're talking about. As Susan says, there's a workable alternative.

The first one I had I got a wicked migraine the next day, but the second was fine. The barium in juice is a lot more pleasant than the barium in chalky white stuff. mmmmm

I couldn't get the hang of the breathing the first time. It started to feel like a silly game. The machine would wait for the moment I was least able to hold my breath and say "don't breathe." Somehow the second one was a piece of cake.

I have a few questions:
1 - Did anyone else have blood work done prior to the test. I was told I need a blood test (the order will be a standing order at the lab when I get there). I was told it was to check kidney function because of the dye that would be used.

2 - Do they have you put on a hospital gown for the CT scan or would sweats be ok? I understand you can't wear a bra for any x-ray because of the metal -- or zippers, etc.

3 - Is the entire test done laying down? I heard of one test where they have the patient straddle the table???

I have my test scheduled for September. I was told nothing by mouth 3 hours prior. Can I sip water and spit it out? I get a dry mouth from my Allegra (for allergies). I know I can't chew gum or smoke (don't smoke anyway).

#1...I don't remember any specific blood work done prior to the scan. I have had so much blood taken around the same time they were doing the scans, though...that's its possible they tested for this and I wasn't aware of it.

#2...For all of my scans, except the last one, I was asked to change into a hospital gown. For the one I had done recently, they didn't make me change at all. They were only concerned about metal on pants or underwear. The bra apparently didn't make a difference. One thing that freaked me out a bit (especially after just having a hysterectomy) was that they asked me to insert a tampon for a reference point. Ordinarily, I can see how this wouldn't be a big deal but I had had one surgery right after the other involving all the stuff "down there" and hadn't had anything inserted for months. One time I was able to talk them out of pushing that but the last one, they wouldn't give. I was terrified to do it but it was ok.

#3...I've had probably 5 of these done and all of them were done completely laying down.

Just a note....I am allergic to topical iodine but have never had a reaction to seafood or salt. Yes, I know that's strange. I also have FM and we tend to react funny to things. They suspected that I wouldn't have any problems with the regular contrast but didn't want to take any chances because the reaction can be severe. Be sure to tell them if anything just doesn't feel right.

Also...I always had the white chalky barium. No one said anything about a juice. Hmmmm...may have to ask about that next time. That white chalky stuff is nasty! lol

My experience is like Susan's--

so much bloodwork, hard to say what was for what,
hospital gown,
laying down.

Yeah, why take chances, even with just a sensitivity. I did get the warmness and weird feeling from the iodine contrast. Odd feeling. Sort of a metallic taste in my mouth.

You have to ask your doctor about exactly what they mean by nothing by mouth. I suspect that spitting out water is ok, since it's about not having anything visible in a whole section of your GI track.

Have my CT scheduled for Friday. Has anyone else had to insert a tampon for the test? I never used them very much and would rather not do that post-op. I am nervous, but not as bad as I was at first. I just want to know that there is nothing wrong and this is the best way to find out so I can get on with my life. I have another dr. appt. the end of October. I hope the doctor calls me with the results before that. I plan on calling him next Wednesday or Thursday if I don't hear from him by then.

I had the blood work done yesterday (BUN and creatinine -sp?)and my CT is scheduled for Friday. Has anyone else had to insert a tampon for the test? I never used them very much and would rather not do that post-op. I am nervous, but not as bad as I was at first. I just want to know that there is nothing wrong and this is the best way to find out so I can get on with my life. I have another dr. appt. the end of October. I hope the doctor calls me with the results before that. I plan on calling him next Wednesday or Thursday if I don't hear from him by then.

My CT wasn't too bad. I had a "cocktail" which was citrus flavored (about 24 ozs.) before I went into the room and then they gave me another cup of about 8 more ozs. I told the tech about my allergies. He asked questions, but didn't tell me the risks so I asked him. I asked if I had a reaction to the dye would the radiologist give me something right away. The guy said that the radiologist was on the other side of the department but all he had to do was press a button and someone would come running. I told him that wasn't good enough and asked him to go and talk to the radiologist. He came back and said the radiologist decided that the dye shouldn't be used. I was definitely pleased because I have had hives before and they are not fun. In fact, I had them over a Labor Day weekend and sat in my allergist's office that Saturday morning waiting for a cortisone shot. I know the hospital would have given me something, but I didn't want them to "code" me to get to that point. I get the results next week.