Question:
I was wondering what to expect with a HIDA scan

I would like to know exactly what to expect for my HIDA scan on Friday for my gallbladder. Dr thinks maybe my gallbladder isn't functioning properly so I am curious what to expect. 6/27/03 292/206    — horserider0146 (posted on November 12, 2003)

November 12, 2003
Just expect to lay on a very narrow, thin board that is really uncomfortable for 1 - 1 1/2. They will first inject you with a radio active solution to expand your gallbladder as if you have just eaten. Then after an hour of pictures from the x-ray machine, they will inject you with more solution that will shrink your gallbladder and then 15mins later your be going home. Hope this helps.. I just had one last week.
   — jayme1451

November 12, 2003
I just had one last week , not bad till they inject the solution. it will cause severe cramping for a few minutes, so be prepared. then a little while after you leave make sure a bathroom is close, sorry to be blut but oh so true. good luck on the test, mine showed that my gallbladder isn't working and is coming out on the 20th atleast there will no more pain !!
   — rhondan

November 12, 2003
I just recently had this done and it was no big deal. There is an IV and if necessary morphine for one part of the test. It is my understanding that morphine is not used for pain but to make some muscle of organ do its thing. I did not need to have the morphine. Basically, they give you the IV contrast and then you lay on the table while the scanner takes pictures. It does take a couple of hours so you can get uncomfortable lying so still. I was fortunate and had a great nurse who loved to talk. My time flew by.
   — kathy W.

November 14, 2003
you may or may not have nausea and cramping...everyone is different. I had only a very short period of bad nausea, but otherwise it is a very simple, painless procedure. It is a very narrow table, but the tech who performed mine added arm rests on each side that made it much more comfortable. If it weren't for us talking the entire time about our kids, I probably would have fallen asleep. I was on the table for just under 2 hours.
   — Momma C.