Anyone had a CT scan?

[geogteach]

How do I explain what will happen to a 4 year old?

I have had a ct scan around 18months ago and have to have another one some time this week, I remember having to drink a liquorice smelling water and then going in the machine and being told to be very still
it doesnt hurt
tell your child that it is like a spinning machine and nothing to be afraid of
bless him/her hope it all goes well
xxx

I had one a few years ago on my head, was just like sticking your head in a tunnel of light, had to lie very still but only took 5 mins.

I had one a few years ago on my head, was just like sticking your head in a tunnel of light, had to lie very still but only took 5 mins.

Bump - don't fancy my chances getting him to lie still or drink funny water anyone's kid had one?

yes, our eldest ds had one - but he wasn't 4! FWIW the staff were realllllly good, explained everything that was happening and seemed to put any worries at ease. I think a promise of a treat afterwards also helped. Good luck

I've had one, I don't think i had anything to drink. It was very straightforward, not at all invasive. I think you will find it ok.

They may well give him a drink to put him to sleep whilst they do the scan. This is just so he keeps totally still and it's fine.
My little boy had one at 23 months last year and has just had a GA 2 weeks ago for MRI etc...
Theres Nothing to worry about.
Hope it goes well.
Butty.xx

Yes well, we've got the MRI to come but haven't got the appointment through yet.

My DD had one at 5yo and was completely hysterical about it. It was only her head that had to be scanned and it was done when we took her to A&E following a head injury so no time really to explain it to her.

The staff described it as a 'trip into a polo mint' but she had no idea what a polo mint was - even I missed that.

It took about 5-10 mins to get her to lie still and I held her hand for as long as possible.

Given the chance again, I would explain better, show pictures, explain about noise etc

Good luck.

Thanks, I phoned the hosp today to ask for an explanation and they said the polo mint thing but he doesn't know what one is either. Think i'd just better brace myself he's not great with hospital procedures

Here's some pictures

Also contact the hospital again - try children's dept and CT. Ours has loads of leaflets for children 'Going into hospital' Johnnie has an operation' 'Jenny has a barium swallow' etc. made with photos of children and brief explanations. They usually come through with the appointment confirmation to help explain to a child.

A factsheet

There's even a book . You could suggest your hospital buys copies.

HTH

And this

Wow thats great why didn't i think of looking on the net (or DH for that matter as he is a member of the institute of child health!).
The hospital have offered for him to go and have a look at the machine in advance but he has so many appointments and it is a 40 minute drive so i'm reluctant to go. These pictures should help ta.

had one today and asked for you
if they cant be still they will sedate them mildly
it is like a giant polo
and you are injected with some fluid that opens your blood vessels
the scan is for not much more than 15mins
good luck

Thanks for that doormat