CT scan with contrast any side effects?

[fingersandthumbs]

A few months ago I received some very supportive advice on here after I had a panic attack whilst trying to undergo an MRI. Despite trying again after some mild sedatives I still wasn’t able to stay in the scanner but did manage a CT scan last week after taking prescribed sedatives.

Following review of the CT scan results my consultant has now made an urgent referral for a CT scan with contrast. It’s going to be on Christmas Eve.

Does anyone know if the scan with contrast takes roughly the same amount of time as the scan without and are the any side effects from having the contrast, just a bit worried it may make me feel a bit crap for Christmas Day.

Thank you

F&T

The scan with contrast won't be much different in length than the other, except there's a bit more prep beforehand. The contrast might make you feel like you really need to wee. Rarely people react to the contrast, think this is often because it's iodine based and some people are sensitive to that. Most people are absolutely fine with it though.

I hope all goes well

Thank you, I think knowing that being on/in the scanner will be around the same time helps as I know I’ve done it once so can do it again.

You may get a metallic taste in your mouth or a (quite convincing!) sensation that you are weeing. They will probably tell you to drink a bit more for the rest of the day just to flush it out. Some people can get an allergic reaction but that is very rare. If you do get the side effects then they will be gone in a few minutes so you will be fine on Christmas Day.

Depending on the amount they use can make you feel like you're going to wee yourself. You might find you've got blurred vision afterwards as well, that's normal, just drink plenty of water to flush it out of your system.

My face and chest skin sometimes feels a bit tingly for a while afterwards too. Not like a rash/allergy, but sort of inside the skin.

They'll do one scan first, then inject the contrast and do another one. So it might take a little bit longer, but only a few minutes.

Good luck

You have to put your arms up so it's not as relaxing as an Mri. I enjoy the hot/wee sensation!

The CT scanner is only a hoop OP, so there isn't really anything to go into or out of. The bed will move you in and out and you hold your breath at intervals (not for very long). Your just put your arms above your head whilst lying down. It's really quick. If they cannulate you on the bed you'll be in and out in less than 10 minutes. If you have the cannula put in separately you'll probably have more waiting around time.

The hot wee sensation is only when the dye is put in - a minute or two at most. Weird taste sometimes. That's it. The worst part is taking the plaster off afterwards! I've had about 6 or 7 now...

Davros weirdo! though if it were an all-over sensation I guess it might be quite pleasant.... better than thinking you've wet yourself

I know. I fall asleep in MRIs too

I often nearly fall asleep during a CT too. It's quite relaxing. I don't really mind having my arms up either. I don't like the tingly feeling. It doesn't really feel like I've wet myself, just warm. I find it unnerving, but it's over quickly and it's less unpleasant when you know to expect it.

I see your 6 or 7 TQ and raise you errr at least 15