CT to check for possible blood clot

[Casey_87]

Hey

Not sure if this is the right page but I’m waiting to be booked for the above. I am absolutely terrified can anyone let me know if they have had this procedure before and what happened. I know I will be sent the information but I’m just so worried.

Thanks

[Poobah]

I haven't had this particular test but for the CT scan you will be injected with a dye into you arm. The dye will help to highlight the pulmonary arteries on the scan - they run between the heart and the lungs. I've had a few scans over the years and I had to lie down on a bed like surface that then takes you into the scanner, which is like a bring ring donut. The scan is designed so that it can take 3-D xray type images. It's totally non invasive. The radiologist can talk to you while you're in the scanner to ensure that you are comfortable. It's a painless experience but a little claustrophobic, but it doesn't last that long.

I've had iodine injected for a scan, again to highlight a particular area so that an anomaly can be easily seen on the results. I didn't suffer any side effects.

If you're nervous on the day, tell the radiologist and they will talk you through the process and make sure you're OK throughout the process.

[Jollygood]

Hi.... I’ve never heard of an angiogram but the thing to remember with scans is that the radiographer will be watching the whole time & checking you’re ok. That’s what I always tell myself. Hope it goes well xx

[Chip_y2kuk]

I've had a chest CT some time ago and the test itself wasn't bad however the dye is unpleasant made my arms and feet feel hot and a pressure in pelvic area (made you feel you where going to pee) .... however the whole experience lasts 2 mins tops and the dye starts to wear off and everything quickly returns to normal and the test is over 10 mins tops

However you have to hang around for 15-20mins after the scan and then they take the canular out

Chip

[Casey_87 in reply to Chip_y2kuk]

Thank you, this has made me feel more at ease. I’m returning to work after if I feel ok, Iv never had this before so I’m extremely nervous.

[Casey_87 in reply to Casey_87]

Where in the arm Is the cannula placed? This is my biggest fear

[Chip_y2kuk in reply to Casey_87]

In me they did it at the left arm in the elbow area (where they normally go for taking blood samples)

Then she told me what to do lie down i will say "dye in and you may feel..... (as above) " and they also said to stay as still as possible so I just lay back and closed my eyes and didn't move until she said it was over and came in to get me (she was behind a screen not far)

To be honest the most unpleasant was the dye because it made me feel "funny" ... but it came and went very quickly

The most annoying was having to wait for the canular to be taken out but I'm fairly sure that's incase there is any adverse reactions to the dye (there wasn't I was just thirsty afterwards which isn't a bad thing because one of the leaflets said to drink lots to help flush the dye out through the kidneys)

[Casey_87]

Thank you so much for this, sorry if I sound silly but having information from someone that has had I now have an idea of what is going to happen. They said I will receive a call tomorrow and they will talk me through the process, it’s just a scary time but will be glad once it’s over.

Thank you again

[DollyDutchGirl in reply to Casey_87]

In May 2019, aged 73, I had an emergency CT scan for suspected blood clots to the lung (I carry a blood clotting gene). Fortunately, it showed that there were no clots but - did provide a positive confirmation of (very) late adult onset asthma with airways disease, obstructed airways, tree in bud, mucus blocking and air trapping - and I was rapidly referred to the hospital respiratory clinic who have been taking care of me since then trying to get things under control. The experience of the CT scan was very easy - and the team took immense care to ensure that I knew exactly what was happening. Please be assured that is definitely is painless - and hopefully, will prove negative regarding the clots.

[Casey_87]

Update: had it done today, was not as bad as I worked myself up for. The dye was the strangest but fingers crossed I get all clear

[Poobah in reply to Casey_87]

Glad to hear it went well. Keep us posted re your results. 🤞

[twinkly29 in reply to Casey_87]

It's really odd isn't it - the nurse at my first whispered "you'll think you've wet yourself but I promise you won't have done!" 🤣