CT ABDOMEN WITH GASTROGRAFFIN

[greatgran28]

Hello - had a Faecal Calprotectin result of 304 ug/g so I am having the above CT next week. I have never heard of this, and the prep looks worse than the one for a Colonoscopy! The instructions made me laugh - this is not a laxative but may cause diarrhoea - has anyone out there had one of these scans? Thanks.

[Nicole_GCCA Partner]

Hello greatgran28 ,

Thanks for keeping us posted and I'm glad to hear that you are scheduled for the CT next week. I'm curious, did the specialist say why they are doing a Virtual Colonoscopy? I might be misremembering but I thought that you were scheduled for a regular colonoscopy? One benefit to CT Colonography is that there is no anesthesia, so you aren't having any risks that are associated with receiving anesthesia. Although the link below from Cancer Research UK does say "You may have a drug through this cannula to relax your bowel muscles. This reduces cramping during your test." I'm not sure what that drug would be?

cancerresearchuk.org/about-...

You'll have to let us know how the prep goes. Are you going to have any laxatives in addition to the gastrografin contrast? "Not a laxative but may cause diarrhea" ... hmmm. Well from what I've heard it most definitely causes diarrhea so please be prepared with plenty of reading material, access to a bathroom, toilet paper, wet wipes, etc.

We know how waiting for follow-up tests such as your upcoming CT can cause anxiety, and we advise you to try to fill your time with anything that is a good distraction. In non-COVID times there are a lot more options, especially treating yourself to something that you enjoy, like a massage or manicure, etc. But in COVID times, we have to get creative. For some people that is splurging on buying a series to watch on Amazon or ordering books, meditation, yoga, etc. There are so many videos for meditation and yoga on YouTube that you might want to check out if you are interested.

You are doing everything you should and can be doing so your doctor can determine what is going on and treat you. We encourage anyone who has had a positive test prior and will be having a colonoscopy (or in your case a CT) as a next step, not to get ahead of a potential diagnosis (although of course, that is easier said than done). Be prepared mentally that you will also have to wait for the results of your CT, although it really depends where and who for how long you'll wait to hear the results.

We wish you good luck and please keep us posted!

~Nicole, GCCA Staff Member & Colon Cancer Connected Site Administrator.

Just a reminder - this group is here to offer support, share experiences, and offer our thoughts - but this is not medical advice, and you should always consult your medical professional(s). Additionally, for all emergencies, seek urgent medical care, never delay.

[greatgran28 in reply to Nicole_GCCA]

Hello just taken second dose of GASTROGRAFFIN for CT scan tomorrow. Have booked private Colonoscopy on 9th due to a long wait for the two NHS referral one. Thank you for your support.

[Nicole_GCCA Partner in reply to greatgran28]

How did the CT scan go? How would you say the Gastrograffin was? Did it cause as much diarrhea as a colonoscopy prep causes? Please keep us updated, we are thinking of you!

~Nicole @ GCCA