Gas in CT Simulation

[Hope49823]

Did anyone have trouble getting good imagery in CT simulation or have advice? Went on a low residue diet to prepare for CT simulation. Both times too much gas for imaging despite cutting out so much fiber and plants from diet. I read that about a practice in Austin, TX suggesting Gas-X (simethicone) 4x daily, Would like to get great imagery the next attempt and know how to be ready for 28 sessions of radiation. Thank you.

[Nusch]

I’ve had gas often during radio therapy. Only thing that helped me was Mikrolax.

[Hope49823 in reply to Nusch]

Thank you

[turkeyjoe1]

I used gas x to before CT practice scan. I also had to fast 12 hours before. Enema the morning of scan. It happens. I had 44 IMRT treatments. They refused me for 3 of them because of gas. It was a 60 mile round trip for me. I was not happy with 3 extra trips. Appointment was 11am, I didn't eat or drink anything but water beforehand.

[Hope49823 in reply to turkeyjoe1]

Thank you for sharing

[turkeyjoe1 in reply to Hope49823]

Your welcome! Your going to breeze right through it! Good luck!

[Hope49823 in reply to turkeyjoe1]

Thank you! I am fortunate to have a much shorter commute than you had. Best wishes for health for you.

[turkeyjoe1 in reply to Hope49823]

Our cases are very similar. Gleason 9 no Mets. No LNs. They did full pelvis RT on me for prevention. PSA test 3 months after completion..01

[Hope49823 in reply to turkeyjoe1]

.01….what great news! What is your ADT plan? Have started Eligard and may add abiaterone after radiation therapy if heart seems ok.

[turkeyjoe1 in reply to Hope49823]

I started with a PSA at 106. I have been on lupron 18 months. I have not taken abiaterone even though my MO wants me on it. I had a heart attack 5 years before this. Triple bypass. RT was not that bad, I was just a little tired near the end. Lupron wore on me more than anything, that's why I didn't want to start abiaterone. Still deciding on it.

[Hope49823 in reply to turkeyjoe1]

Yes we have similar stories with the heart background too. We press on!

[hopefull99]

I recently went through radiation treatments and found that skipping lunch was useful to manage gas and bladder conditions. All my appointments were in the afternoon.

[Hope49823 in reply to hopefull99]

Thank you

[j-o-h-n]

What do you mean gas? Everything now is running on electric.....

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n

[Hope49823 in reply to j-o-h-n]

Must just be a hybrid!

[j-o-h-n in reply to Hope49823]

LOL

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n

[cancerfox]

I was told to take Gas-X or the generic simethicone before my IMRT sessions. It helped, but wasn't perfect. I never had to postpone a session, but some were extended. I considered skipping lunch since my appointments were for early afternoon, but I was afraid my stomach would be growling then and that would likewise cause problems for the CyberKnife external beam radiation machine. 🦊

[Hope49823 in reply to cancerfox]

Never thought about a growling stomach, thank you for sharing what worked.

[Oatmeal2]

the instructions my husband was given for his IMRT sessions was to take 2 extra strength gas x tablets 2 hours before bed and 2 tablets before each radiation session. He found that eating a small low residue meal 3 hours before the treatment and chewing the 2 gas x tablets about 1-1.5 hours before the treatment worked perfectly. Try to stay away from any kind of sugary food, cheese, soda or bread that would cause gas.

[Hope49823 in reply to Oatmeal2]

Thank you!