CAT scan

Hi,

Is a CAT scan with barium drink ... are those bad for my immune system?

Getting one Friday. :/

[Murzik]

I never heard of barium in USA. In older days they used to do it for stomach x rays in Eastern Europe, U won't feel anything basically, but u may have a CT with a contrast fluid. Then u need to drink plenty of fluids after it to flash the contrast.

All the best, G.

[Pearl67 in reply to Murzik]

I have had barium enema’s and barium swallows looking for stuff in my guts. I do not think it is great for us to drink it, but not something that you need to fret over!

Anxiety/stress cause just as much, if not more damage to our bodies!

[Hidden]

Readi Cat2, Barium Sulfate suspension... mocha flavor.

450mL 2 hrs before, another 1 hr before.

[SeymourB in reply to Hidden]

Ooohhh mocha ... almost sounds good ... I've had alien planet citrus contrasts in the past. I honestly don't recall what element.

The idea is that the contrast doesn't combine with tissues, and is excreted quickly, I believe. It's not radioactive. But it can cause a skin reaction.

The Google Bird brought up our friend, Dr. Brian Koffman's, blog on barium contrast fun some years ago. He was way further into the mysteries of CLL treatment at the time than you are at the moment:

bkoffman.blogspot.com/2010/...

Maybe bkoffman could weigh in on the topic in more detail.

[Hidden]

so it's not the Barium shakes, but the x-rays they use after?

[Hidden]

that mocha flavor wasn't bad. i should get a case.

[Cllcanada Top Poster CURE Hero]

I had my 30th CTscan a few days ago and the contrast was just like water, with a very faint copper taste.. never had it before...

I think it might be a diluted version of the IV contrast used.. just my guess. Omnipaque?

I also had the standard IV contrast infusion.

chris