I am scheduled to get a CT scan of abdomen/pelvis for the first time since finishing my 6 rounds of chemo. Done with first line treatment and they're giving me scans to get a new baseline before we move forward.
But of all the scans I've ever had pre-cancer diagnosis, I've always gotten an oral contrast where you drink that icky stuff, this time post-cancer I'm getting an IV contrast instead. Has that happened to anyone else? Do we know why there are two different kinds and more importantly, is IV scan somehow better?! I want it to be! Should I somehow advocate for one over the other? I'll ask the doctor too but I like hearing from the ladies on the front lines as well (you guys). Thx.
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FlowerRose
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Hi, all my scans are with IV contrast. I thought that was the normal. With my last scan, I didn't even notice when they put the dye in. Hope this helps. x.
Think they are all the same , you drink the fluid stuff to fill your bladder (I think) then they put the other stuff in when your in the scanner. It just feels a bit warm
Hi - I had ct scans this morning. Had to drink barium liquid last night and today an hour before scans. (I opted for berry flavor and they were fine - chilled.) They also put IV in my arm just before scans were taken.
Hi. I used to have a drink followed by the IV contrast once in the scanning room, however, I had an allergic reaction to the contrast and only ever have a scan with the drink. Its never proved a problem. The standard is a drink followed by an IV.
I have only had the iv contrast. I would think the two methods would highlight different areas, as the iv fluid goes into the veins, and the liquid into the digestive system.
I had my post-1st line chemo scan a few weeks ago & they did both. My oncologist told me that the oral gives the best view of the bowel area which for me was a concern after surgery, the IV contrast helps with other organs, blood vessels etc.
Well, this is new and very interesting to me - the only time I've had to drink a contrast was years ago when they were checking my gall bladder, well before I had cancer. For my cancer, I've only ever had an IV contrast for a CT. I had no idea drinking whatever it is they give you beforehand, then IV contrast shows things up better...
Hi. I always have both. It used to be that white stuff but now what I drink isn’t bad. It’s like flavored water. I believe that stuff makes the bowel opaque and the iv contrast goes through your veins.
I've always had both except once when the I V bit was omitted as my creatinine levels were too high . Maybe it varies with oncologists or maybe countries? My medically uneducated guess is that both give a clearer picture !
I also have both. I'm scheduled for another routine 6 mo scan in June. I'll drink the contrast fluid before the scan and will have the IV contrast, too.
With my last scan, post treatment, I had the awful contrast drink first and this was followed up by the intravenous contrast which was administered during the scan so both in my case. I think different oncology units have different methods. Hope your scan gives good results. Stay safe ❤️xx Jane
Congrats on finishing chemo. I actually had both contrast. I drank contrast plus got it through my port. Eventually, I got scans without contrast. I had scans for three years post surgery, chemo and radiation. I am seven years post now and am followed with monthly blood work as I am still anemic. Wish you well.
In the 13 years I've had cancer I have always had IV dye, apart from three times when they couldn't 't find a vein for the cannula. Then I was given nothing which was disappointing because the scan is clearer with the Dye.
I have to drink a litre of water in the hour leading up to my appointment but I am allowed to pass the water, as it's not necessary to hold it in (thankfully!!)
They warn you that you may feel warm, "down below" and feel you need to go to the loo. In actual fact, you feel that you've actually wet yourself, feeling the warmth. So be prepared if they don't mention it to you!! You won't have wet yourself.
The oral contrast is to outline your g.i. tract, used to be barium, now is often a clear but still radiopaque liquid. The i.v. contrast is to highlight and brighten blood vessels and organs outside your g.i. tract, like liver and kidneys. This makes it easier for the radiologist to read. The g.i. contrast is harmless. The i.v. contrast can be hard on kidneys and rarely will cause allergic reactions. Recently my clinic has stopped g.i. contrast all together, they’ve decided it was unnecessary. They still use the i.v. contrast when possible.
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