Have been called for a contrast CT scan following chest x-ray - questions...

[pwendyp]

Hello all you lovely people, I've not posted before but have read many posts to do with COPD and the various types with it, and the treatments etc.

I was diagnosed in Januray 2013 following an acute admission to hospital due to extreme breathlessness during chest infection. I did the pulmonary re-hab back then and have reasonably controlled over the past 3 years.

In April of this year, I felt an exacerbation coming on, and phoned my GP early in the morning, and she was fantastic in getting me to the surgery and then admitted to hospital by lunch time. I was diagnosed with a fairly deep pneumonia, which atcually responded very quickly to all the usual treatments...IV a/b's and steroids, and I was home by the 3rd day with follow up with the respiratory nurse team.

Since April I have had 2 more set backs needing a/b's and have just felt crappy all round, with an almost constant cough with varying amounts of phlegm production. I saw my consultant on Wednesday, and he went through everything with me, but wanted another chest x-ray before I went home. He said I may need a follow up CT scan. This morning I got the letter asking me attend in just over a week's time. It's going to be contrast one, and have the leaflet to read...but I kinda know what to expect.

I am a little worried though. Absolutley no mention has been made of the consultant even thinking there might be a tumour/cancer present, but I reckon we must all have that in mind to a degree. Is he simply wanting to know now, whether my 'branch' condition is chronic bronchitis or emphysema? I know I have a degree of asthma also, but like most people here, have never been told where under the COPD umbrella I sit. The consultant hinted that I am chronic bronchitis - and if so, why is he wanting the CT scan? I would imagine it might only be needed if they are looking for the permanent damage that might be there with emphysema?

My lung function test recently showed FEV1 0f 44% of the FVC (I think I've written that correctly!) which he said has put me in the severe group. I did however have a semi flare up at the time of the test, but I reckon it's a base line for me at my semi worst!

I guess what I'm asking here is - what is the most normal reason for requesting a contrast CT scan? I'll worry anyway, but should I be in meltdown mode?! Not that worrying makes an iota of difference

Thanks for any help

Wendy

[Watfordgirl]

Hello Wendy, it's nice that you've posted but I'm sorry you're worried. Hospitals do generate loads of worry.

A CT scan will give a better picture than a plain x-ray. They might request the CT because there's something they're not sure of on CXR, or because of a patient's signs and symptoms. Or whatever. These days, they usually 'fire a warning shot across the bow" if they think there might be a tumour.

I think FEV1 off 44% is better than severe, especially with a flare up. Someone will correct me if I'm wrong. Let us know how things go, and don't go into meltdown mode! Sue x

[pwendyp in reply to Watfordgirl]

Thanks Sue...you've helped put my mind at ease...and also about the rating of severe! I have to say I don't feel severe! I do most things quite well...although I can't lug the hoover up the stairs these days! And I do the hoovering in bite size pieces...itsy ones!I had promised the house a spring clean this year...ha! I got as far as 1 bedroom (the unused one!) The rest can wait!

[mmzetor]

I had the contrast ct scan earlier this year they wasn't looking for tumours or any thing they know I have emphysema but wanted to see what my gas transfer was like and to see if they could do lung reduction surgery on me ,

[pwendyp in reply to mmzetor]

I did a little bit of reading on this, and I'm wondering if that is what he is looking for. Did you end up having the surgery?

[Toci]

I have had this too, can't remember what for but nothing frightening! I do remember thinking afterwards that it had been nothing to worry about.

[katieoxo60]

Contrast Ct scans are used in COPD patients to check how the disease is progressing or not. It gives a better picture of your lungs than an ordinary X-ray plus more detail for the consultant. Especially if you have recently had flare ups. The CT scans are not just used for tumour detection and assessment, so be smile you are getting the best tests available for your condition.

[katieoxo60]

Oops error above that "be" should not be there in the last sentence, good luck with the scan x

[pwendyp in reply to katieoxo60]

Thanks...your reply made me smile