contrast dye

[Barbs52]

Hi, I have Sjogren’s and osteoporosis among other things. I’m due to have a CT scan on my lungs with contrast dye. I suffer with many allergies and wondered if anyone on here has had an adverse reaction to this iodine based dye? Many thanks 😊

[Turquoise-1]

Hi Barbs52

I too have several allergies and adverse reaction to all sorts of meds, including anaphylaxis following a steroid injection, although I’ve never been told I’m specifically allergic to iodine.

Having had many contrast dye scans over the years, I know what a ‘funny’ sensation they are 😳….a sort of instant ‘whoosh’ to various parts of my body, but that’s perfectly normal which soon passes & is usually explained by the imaging staff. I went alone & drove home no bother…..

Don’t let them rush you, take your time getting back up after lying down & sitting up, get your bearings before standing up…go at your pace. On sitting up I said, “Just give me a moment please,” ….I absolutely didn’t want a special fuss, (hate that), but knew I couldn’t just jump up & go racing off 🏃🏼‍♀️

If they instruct you to outstretch your arms up behind your head & you can’t do it, then don’t 🚫 I told them I couldn’t do that due to injuries in both shoulders so did a modified version that was comfy for me….they just didn’t wanted my arms not to be be blocking the image of the area being scanned.

3 weeks ago I had a contrast dye abdominal CT without any undue side affects; I did speak with the radiologist once in the scanning room & explained about my previous experiences with various meds. So I suggest doing that for a bit of reassurance…..

I did ask them not to be extra careful & not get any of the dye on my top as during a previous one some got spilt over my tshirt & stained it! We had a laugh & joke about it so it was all done in good humour 🙂 Gowns are offered less & less just lately in my experience .

Hope all goes well for you 🌸

[Barbs52 in reply to Turquoise-1]

Thank you Turquoise-1 for your very detailed reply which makes me feel more confident now. I much appreciate you taking the time to respond I’ll follow your advice and fingers crossed I’ll do well 😊 🌺

[Bluebell999 in reply to Barbs52]

Some years ago I had renal cancer, (now in remission) and had many CT scans with the litre drink of diluted contrast and followed by the contrast injection. They needed to check chest, abdomen and pelvis.

Once I was clear of cancer, I had ct scans 6 monthly and then yearly. It was about the 3rd yearly scan, with the drink and the injection that I suffered a collapse. It was about 4 or 5 mins after the scan, fortunately I was sitting. Suddenly I found myself on a bed with docs and nurses carrying out various tests, but not remembering how I got there.

I had an IV drip set up and had two lots of solution, I am guessing saline, to flush the contrast out of my body. I remained in an observation ward for 6 hours and then was allowed to go home. I felt tired but no other symptoms or lasting effects.

I continued to have the drink but not the injection, for a few more scans with no allergic reactions, until someone decided that I could be under further risk, and stopped it.

It does concern me more than the allergy, as obviously the ct scans are not showing everything in detail which is the job of the contrast, and could be missing something.

I now have a referral to an allergy clinic to check again for iodine allergy, although as iodine is in table salt and other foodstuffs, I believe I will have no reactions to taking the diluted oral contrast. Injections though, go into the bloodstream so could be a different matter, fingers crossed I just had a "blip" and future ct's will be done with the injected contrast.

This is my personal account and I have been told and believe it is quite an unusual event. Mine had me completely by surprise, as I had never heard of it before, but I took comfort that someone noticed I was unwell, before I was even aware, and the speed in which I was being thoroughly investigated and treated.

This does not mean this will happen to you, so please don't be stressed. Many ct scans with contrast are carried out each day, safely and competently. The medical teams are on alert for any unusual signs, you will be looked after and in safe hands.

My advice would be to make sure the medical staff, and including the receptionist, are aware you are allergic to many things, and that you are concerned and looking for reassurance.

Good luck

[Barbs52 in reply to Bluebell999]

Hi Bluebell999, thank you so much for taking the time to reply I appreciate it very much. Terrifying for you to go through such a bad reaction I’m glad all turned out well. I will be guided by the radiologist on the day and keep my fingers crossed. Apparently it’s not the iodine that causes a bad reaction but the protein substance? Good luck with the allergy clinic that will put your mind at rest. I tried to get a test via my GP but there is none and was told I would only find out once I tried it 🤔 😅 Best wishes going forward 🌺

[maggielee]

Good advice from Turquoise.. Just had one for my lungs & bowels and didn't rush and did sit down outside the scan room till I felt up to going... Mine involved lots of fluids to see my bowels and I should have eaten more so abit of ringing in my ears from scanner, never thought to wear ear plugs and mind you this machine talked at you to hold breath etc.All well. Will be glad to get a decent view of my lungs & bowels & hoping all is well, like us all having it done. Also, lung one is a good baseline for future if things get worse (as advised by my specialist).... I too have both plus extra's issues just to keep me on my toes.... ml

[Barbs52 in reply to maggielee]

Hi Maggielee thank you so much for your reply I very much appreciate you taking the time. I know what you mean about the noise these machines make but thank goodness we are lucky enough to get the treatment to help us. I’ll be guided by the radiologist on the day and hope for the best 😊 all the very best to you going forward 🌺

[Turquoise-1]

Hi Barbs52

Here’s a link to an article I’ve read today on BBC News; it mentions scan contrast dyes. I put a post on the forum about it too. I don’t wish to cause you alarm but thought you’d be interested in reading it xx

bbc.co.uk/news/health-66330268

[Barbs52 in reply to Turquoise-1]

Hi Turquoise-1, wow that’s an interesting read thank you for sharing. I had sort of thought about saying I wouldn’t have the contrast but now I’m definitely not having it. I know the scan pics won’t be as good but I just don’t think I could cope with anything else going on with my body I’m wrecked as it is 😒 Bless you for contacting me again. Best wishes 🌹

[CeeCee101]

For me, iodine contrast dye=anaphylaxis. When I had a back injection they used something else, starts with a G.