To ask If anyone has experience with CT scan and contrast Dye

[Myanxiety]

I'm autistic and have developed health anxiety since covid which is debilitating at the moment.

I'm due for a CT scan with contrast dye for heart issues next week and I've really worked myself up that I'm going to have a reaction to it. I know the chances are low but I'm a full time carer to two people and have persuaded myself I'm going to die which I know is completely stupid!

If you've had this or work in this field please help.

Hello
i I can’t offer advice on the scan or contrast just wanted to say I used to suffer with health anxiety - it’s the worst!
it’s not stupid, it’s your brain focussing on the worse case scenario. Try and be kind to yourself as you work through it.
hope it all goes well for you

I had one for a suspected hernia - my experience was 100% fine apart from a warm-ish feeling in my groin, but they did pre-warn me it would feel like I was urinating and not to worry as no one actually wets themselves

You'll be absolutely fine OP

I’ve had this. It’s all fine. Explain that you are anxious and you’ll get support.

I’ve had it done, it was speedy. They asked me to remove my bra in a changing room then sent to another room to have IV inserted then off to scanner. They put the contrast into IV then ran the scanner which took about a minute ( I thought it’d take longer) no reaction to the contrast but felt a sudden heat in bladder area. This is common and mentioned before contrast was injected. Then in reverse, IV removed off to changing room to put Bra back on and out the door. I was only there for about 20 minutes.

Hello, I am a cardiac nurse with 35 years experience & work in the Cardiac CT clinic. We have approximately 28 patients a day (once a week) & it is very very rare to see anyone have a contrast allergy. I myself had a CT scan last year & found it quite relaxing (as they slow your heart rate too). It’s easy to say but there is nothing to worry about & try not to overthink. The scan itself is excellent give you answers regarding your coronary arteries…peace of mind hopefully that they are ok. Have they given you any medications (Ivabradine or Bisoprolol) to take prior to the procedure to slow your heart rate? The heart rate needs to be 60-65bpm to obtain good pictures. They will place a GTN tablet under your tongue (helps to dilate the arteries to get the dye all around) then you spit it out at the end. The scan only takes around 10 minutes.

I found it absolutely fine but I was glad they warned me the die would make me feel like I'd wet myself because it so does!

Had a reaction but obviously did not dir, just sent v v hot and itchy and like my skin was going to burst. With irregular heart rate.

Have been told it's vanishingly rate to have a life threatening allergy to the contrast medium but to mention the reaction if I need another CT ever.

I know this might not reassure you but I wanted to show you that reactions aren't normally life threatening

I have had it. No issues, it felt a little bit strange as I could feel the warm feeling as the dye travelled around my body, didn't get the "feels like you are peeing feeling" really a nothing to worry about type appointment.

New studies reported in the Independent, have shown a very rare reaction to Gadolinium, which is a metal used in the 'contrast agent' used. It is advised not to consume Vitamin C before the scan. Again, this is VERY, VERY rare, and most people experience NO side effects - I'm sure you'll be fine!

There is a link between autism and MTHFR genetics meaning one would struggle to detox from the contrast.
You can always ask them if it’s possible to see what they need to without contrast.

They have done this for me in the past.

I don’t think it is health anxiety to be concerned about this, it’s something we as a ND family with that gene expression avoid if possible.

Sorry if that’s unhelpful in your situation.

The contrast dye is fine. Just a metallic taste in the mouth and warm feeling around the groin.

I had it injected while they were scanning. First scan the needle vibrated a lot in the cannula in my elbow which hurt, second was much better. Not unbearable though.

I found the motion of the scanner made my eyes vibrate, which was weird and unpleasant. Much better when I opened my eyes.

Person I found the CT scan less pleasant than the MRI, which is far more relaxed. Both are a bit noisy.

It will all be ok but do not expect it to be a totally chilled experience. The staff are used to people who are nervous and will help you through it.

I tick three of your boxes - health anxiety, heart problems and CT scan. As well as the excellent advice above, ask to be told what is happening and for a count down so you know how long each stage will last. You’ll be fine. Honestly.

Thank you so much everyone.

I'm so glad you've all mentioned the groin aspect as no one has said this and I would have absolutely panicked. My bladder is a bit shocking anyway and I would have been fully convinced I'd wet myself.

Gadolinium is the metal ion in MRI contrast. The OP will be having an iodine based agent.

Allergic reactions to contrast do happen but are very rare. However, because they do happen all the staff are trained to know what to do and all the equipment the need is on hand. The vast majority of people who do get a reaction will only get very mild symptoms such as hives. Serous reactions are very, very rare and you will have trained staff, a crash trolley, an anaphylaxis kit and with you and crash team nearly. 1000s of scans happen every day with nothing more exciting than people thinking they have wet themselves (this is a known side effect rather than an adverse reaction). Tell them you are anxious and they will talk you through it all.

Thank you.

No I haven't been given any medications.
Just instructions about no food, caffeine and such.

IF someone did have a reaction what would the procedure be? I'm presuming they have things on hand should something happen?

Thank you.
That is reassuring!

@Myanxiety I’d agree with most of the comments so far apart from @Picklelily99 as gadolinium is not used in CT scans, and I’d be interested to see the link for the information @stayathomegardener is telling you as I’ve not seen any such evidence. What I would add is that you should talk to the Radiographers about your concerns, they will go through a checklist beforehand to make sure that having contrast is safe for you. They are also highly trained should you have any kind of reaction. You could ring and ask to speak to one of the team in advance who hopefully will be able to stop you worrying quite so much before your appointment- and may be more helpful than getting lots of diverse opinions off the internet! I wish you all the best with your scan and diagnosis x

They tell you about this before the scan starts. It’s a strange feeling!

Hope all goes well for you

This may sound smug but it was nothing. I barely remember it. I’m pretty sure I drove myself home but perhaps had to wait 15 minutes or something.

Good luck!

I have loads of them, and MRIs, and PET scans with the radioactive dye (I have cancer).

It really is no big deal. Of all the things I do, the CT scan is the easiest and quickest. I’ve never had any sort of reaction. The MRI dye is the only one that’s ever made me feel a bit funny after (completely different medicine). CT scans are very straightforward.

It is a funny feeling to get the dye. For me it’s like a whole body warmth, but yes, feels a bit like you’re weeing yourself, but you definitely aren’t. Honestly, don’t stress, it’s really no big deal. You’ll be fine.

I’ve had one to scan my bowels. It was fine. The prep to ‘clear me out’ in the days leading up to it was the worst part!
I drove myself home afterwards

Same as everyone else has said but if you don't wear anything metal ie. wear a soft bra or none and clothes with no metal, I wear leggings and t shirt then you don't need to get undressed and wear a gown.

*sorry, got CT scan and MRI scan mixed up! I've had a lot of both just recently! Was due an Mri with dye but they did one without dye first, and thankfully that was enough. It's been on my mind a lot!

I have had a lot of CT scans, as part of cancer surgery follow ups. I did have a reaction to the dye - after a few hours I got very itchy all over and a pink rash. The radiographer advised me to take an anti-histamine tablet a couple of hours before my next appointment and it was a game changer.

I was one of the few people to have a reaction to it, and I'm still here to tell the tale! It was fine, I went a "bit funny" so I was pulled out, given antihistamine and I think an anti nausea - all done via IV. Then monitored for a bit. Bonus was I got a nice cup of tea to help me recover as I was shaken.

TBH it was nowhere near as bad as the anxiety waiting for results!