I'm having tests and I'm more worried about the process than the results. Can anyone help please?

[NewPuppyMum]

I'm having an abdominal and pelvis CT with contrast and a brain CT on the same day.

It asks if I have asthma and talks about side effects including breathing problems and anaphylactic shock. Eek.

[scaryteacher]

I had an abdominal CT with contrast in December. It was fine. The only thing was you are warned you will feel a hot flush when the dye activates....no problems I thought, I get those anyway. This was weird.....I felt really hot under my skin from my collar bone to the top of my thighs, and I was convinced I'd wet myself. It felt like a hot wee, but I hadn't wet myself, it was the dye. It lasted for about 30 seconds.

As you go through the scanner, you get instructions on when to hold your breath etc, and the whole process was over fairly quickly.

[NewPuppyMum]

Thank you very much. That is really helpful as it is good to be prepared.

[scaryteacher]

I live in Belgium, so had to ask for the voice instructions to be in English as opposed to Flemish!

[NewPuppyMum]

I can that! I used to live in Belgium..

I had an MRI and it was impossible as they scanned the wrong bit but I couldn't tell them as I couldn't speak

[Badders123]

I've had two contrast cts

I was told to be prepared for a metallic
Taste, and for the sensation of wetting myself, both of which happened.
Felt very odd!!

Otherwise all ok

Good luck x

[Blossomdeary]

Oh yes - I remember the sensation of wetting myself!

[NewPuppyMum]

Thank you. As it's two areas can anyone help with how long it will take please?

[Badders123]

It's very quick

[NewPuppyMum]

Thank you. I'll be leaving my dog at home so need to arrange company. I assume I don't get the results there and then?

[FaithAgain]

I had an abdo CT recently. It took an hour - they made me drink more when I got there. The test itself only took about 15 minutes in total. I had the same side effects as previous posters.

[NewPuppyMum]

Thank you. Very helpful.

[mintyneb]

The test doesn't take long, the longest part may just be the waiting for your turn.

They will need to put a cannula in for the contrast dye beforehand. If you've good veins then that shouldn't take too long but if they're not so good then you will need to go through the process of warming up your arm in a bucket of hot water or something similar. To help yourself make sure you're hydrated and keep yourself warm

[scaryteacher]

I was warned I had to be 'sober' for my CT scan! In Flemish that's nil by mouth, as opposed to the English and Dutch meaning of not intoxicated.

[BusterGonad]

I had a MRI is that the same as a CT? I wasn't overly keen on being in a small space but I just closed my eyes and focused on other things, when the dye(?) went in I felt like I was about to wet myself...it was most unusual....the nurses after were baffled as usually that feeling only happens with a different thing in the IV. Sorry I'm vague, I'm not good with remembering the right terminology. Also when the scans are taken my intestines felt really cost and warm. All in all it wasn't a horrible experience.

[BusterGonad]

*cosy

[BusterGonad]

Scary, sorry I've just read your post and you thought you were going to wet yourself too! 😂

[BusterGonad]

As did Blossom! Bloody hell I must learn to read properly and not scan read!

[FaithAgain]

MRI is a bit different, more enclosed than a CT and it gives more information. 10 times more expensive too! CT you are in a doughnut structure, MRI is more like a tunnel.

[BusterGonad]

Thank you Faith that's probably why the nurses were baffled about me feeling like I had wet myself too then, it must be common with a CT but not a MRI!

[charliebear78]

I just had one on Sat.
This is my experience-I had to undress down to my knickers and socks! Put on a lovely gown-walk across the hallway in said gown-full view of all the others waiting to be seen(my partner and son laughed at me!)
Then I was given a cannula into my hand and the Contrast dye was injected-however I have small veins and they also struggle-so I was given a child's cannula and the dye was injected slowly-I didn't experience any odd sensations-maybe because the dye went in slower?!
Then I was sent through the scanner and told to hold my breath..it literally took about ten mins.
Wasn't worth taking my clothes off for!! LOL

[NewPuppyMum]

How long was it before you got the results?

[BusterGonad]

My MRI took about 45 minutes to an hour! Wowzers. I didn't get my results for a few months. I'm not sure if it's the same for a CT.

[NewPuppyMum]

Well it's all done. It went exactly as you all said and you gave me more info than the nurse did, so thank you. I wasn't phased when things happened. Two weeks minimum wait now for results. Thanks again.

[Crumbs1]

The Bain CT is nothing really. Sit still machine takes about 5 minutes of imaging but you can move a bit in between.
Abdominal or chest - all clothing with metal off (gown provided) - it's because the scanners use high intensity magnets to work.
Cannula in hand.
Lie on table with pillow.
Dye injected (feels like peeing in a wetsuit or a hot flush).
Machine moves over you but isn't squashy or too close like an MRI. A bit like a tumble drier front. It makes a clicky sound as it rotates and moves over the area.
Staff remain in contact through a speaker and often music playing.
That's it. Get dressed go home.
Anaphylactic questions are because rarely a person may react to dye and they want to be forewarned and prepared.