CT scan today--scared!

Anyone have to have a CT with contrast since surgery? Any problems with the contrast? I have to have a CT scan today because of persistently elevated liver function tests and a liver "cyst" on an ultrasound. I am nervous about this. Early in June I had to go to the ER because of extreme stomach and back pain and nausea and vomiting, and they found out about these abnormal liver function results. I am also concerned about having to take the oral contrast 2 hours before the test so the contrast can make it all the way through my system before they do the CT scan. I am afraid that the contrast will pass too quickly or too slowly or that I will get sick from it because my stomach is smaller than normal. I can't eat or drink anything for 4 hours before the test, which is a concern for me also. Thanks for any help! SueZ

I can definitly understand your fear and unfortunatly I cannot offer any personal expierence girl. However, have they considered that your contrast will pass faster and perhaps you should drink it there at the hospital? I am thinking that whenever I drink water, within an hour I am peeing my heart out.... I would be afraid that it would begin to pass before they were ready. GOOD LUCK sweetie and I will be thinking of you today! BIG HUGS! Brightest Blessings for a Wonderful Day~ Jamie M. aka Lady Autumn Weight- 257/173/146 BMI- 44.1/29.7/25 Height- 5'4" Total Weight Loss: -84 lbs. Surgery Date- 1/19/05 Visit my OH profile or stop by My Weight Loss Journey Website at: home.bellsouth.net/p/PWP-LadyAutumnsWLSjourney

Thanks Jamie! Yes, I did ask about whether the contrast would pass quicker in my situation and also explained that I could not drink all that fluid in 15 minutes (I think it was over 6 cups!). The worker that gave me the contrast was not very understanding, but said to just do the best I could. Since it was a military hospital, I went in over 2 hours after starting the contrast (should have been 1-1/2 hours). I couldn't finish all of the contrast (but only left about 2 cups), because I starting throwing it up and knew there was no way I could fini**** I also had diarrhea 4x before the test and had to stop during the test to go again. Today I still have a little lingering problem, but am feeling a little better. I am glad it is over. Thanks for the encouragement.

I have had 2 since surgery. I am a Hodgkin's Lymphoma survivor so I do frequent CT scans. I of course had no problem with the IV contrast. However, I did not get much of the oral contrast down. I simply explained the situation to the techs and did my *******so know from past scans (I have probably had at least 30 of them) that sometimes they do different trials at the hospital. I have had a scan or two with no oral contrast and they can still read it. You will do fine and I hope that all is well. Also, congrats on your earlier post, you are doing fabulous. Maybe your family is a little jelous, i have that with two friends. Take Care Becki

Thanks for the encouragement, Becki. I made it through the test and hope I don't have to do another one for a long time. How have you gotten through drinking that stuff over 30 times? Anyway, may I ask when you had Hodgkin's lymphoma? Is it is remission now? I almost lost my husband to Hairy Cell Leukemia when I was 28 years old (he was only 32). It certainly changed our lives forever. I hope you are doing well now. Thanks again! SueZ

Thanks for the hugs Kate! I got through the test and my GI tract is still feeling it today a little. I don't know the results, but assume nothing is too acute if I don't hear anything today or tomorrow. They said the results would be ready in 3 to 4 working days and they didn't even have a radiologist there at the time of my test to read it (darn millitary hospitals). SueZ

Gotta love those military hospitals (wink... I got to one too) they are so understnading and helpful aren't they?! Brightest Blessings for a Wonderful Day~ Jamie M. aka Lady Autumn Weight- 257/169/146 BMI- 44.1/29/25 Height- 5'4" Total Weight Loss: -88 lbs. Surgery Date- 1/19/05 Visit my OH profile or stop by My Weight Loss Journey Website at: home.bellsouth.net/p/PWP-LadyAutumnsWLSjourney Visit my Live Journal at: livejournal.com/users/magickalmom

How did it go Hun? Brightest Blessings for a Wonderful Day~ Jamie M. aka Lady Autumn Weight- 257/170/146 BMI- 44.1/29.2/25 Height- 5'4" Total Weight Loss: -87 lbs. Surgery Date- 1/19/05 Visit my OH profile or stop by My Weight Loss Journey Website at: home.bellsouth.net/p/PWP-LadyAutumnsWLSjourney Visit my Live Journal at: livejournal.com/users/magickalmom