Concern about CT scan

[tyswife]

Hello,

I struggle with anxiety, I have for a while, but around Thanksgiving time I started to get light headed. I found out I had an ear infection which made sense , but the lightheadedness didn't go away.. I started to get really nervous (assumed I had a brain tumor after googling); ended up on an anxiety medicine which gave me horrible side effects and I only took it for a few days. My doctor wanted me to switch to another med but at that point I didn't want to. I was still light headed on and off, had muscle twitches everywhere, and had started to get a sharp pain in my head and pulsating headaches in my temples.

Needless to say, I feared the worst and went to the doc again. She ordered a CT scan "for my peace of mind" and I was afraid of the radiation so I went to another Dr. for a second opinion. Found that Vitamin D was low; took a supplement for it and although my symptoms improved, I still felt like I was having the twitching, occasional headaches, although lightheadedness was better. The doctor said to go ahead with the head CT scan at that point to rule out anything medical, and although I was convinced it was anxiety, I got the scan.

I now am struggling with debilitating anxiety over that scan. I fear that I now will develop cancer or a brain tumor in 10-20 years, leaving my husband behind.

I know I need help with the anxiety, but everything I have read about CT scan radiation just makes me feel so hopeless and afraid. Can anyone offer insight?

Thanks so much.

[cat3]

I think the 'Anxiety Support' forum might be more appropriate for you m'dear. Headway is for brain injury where there's been a diagnosis of a traumatic brain injury caused by impact to the head or Acquired injury such as stroke, haemorrhage, tumour, etc.

It seems your issues are anxiety related which require very different advice and treatment. You obviously have phobias regarding cancer but please be assured that an occasional CT scan won't harm you ; only repeated exposure over a long period would be potentially harmful.

Please access the Anxiety Support forum for advice and support. And maybe contact the Headway helpline on 0808 800 2244 for information on other forums dealing with obsessive thinking and phobias.

Sorry to see you're struggling with your anxiety & hope you're able to find some relief from counselling or drug therapy.

Best wishes, Cat x

[tyswife in reply to cat3]

Thank you so much for your reply and your redirection. I really appreciate it. Thanks again.

[SLeighS]

I know it’s easy for me to say, but please don’t worry about the radiation. They won’t do it unless they think you need the CT and I’ve had so many xrays over the years, it must be over 50, due to scoliosis and surgery for that, and accidents etc.

If you’re worried about the radiation, can they do a MRI? And would you be ok with that? I was told they would have preferred an mri for my brain scan recently but as I can’t lay flat on my back for long due to my back fusion, and needing my breathing machine while laying down (Muscular Dystrophy, my stomach muscles are weak and I can’t breath properly when laying flat) they had to do a CT instead (as my breathing machine couldn’t go in the mri room)

[tyswife in reply to SLeighS]

Thank you for your reply. I'm sorry that you have gone through all of that. I really appreciate you reaching out and sharing that with me. Stay well.

[daveeb]

OMG I must have more radiation than Chernobyl, with the number of CT scans, MRI's and X-RAY's over the last few years. If it's not the head it's the heart or the legs for arthritis. I'll start glowing soon, I'm sure. Anyway, take care of yourself. Dave.

[lcd8 in reply to daveeb]

Right with you! I have had loads too.

[WinB]

CT is like a big polo mint hardly enclosed, you will be fine I have had MRI's and CT scans and try not to worry about it, a doddle.

[iforget]

CT used properly doesn't pose a risk. I have had dozens of them without any problems at all. Anxiety is an awful thing to have to live with and maybe an anxiety group may be better able to give you the support you need. Good Luck!

[tyswife in reply to iforget]

Thank you for your reply. I really really appreciate you reaching out even though I posted in the wrong place. Lol. Thank you for your time.