ct scan

[Mickie1409]

so was meant to have mri scan four weeks ago but couldn’t first one was too small and my belly couldn’t fit second try I freaked out as I have severe claustrophobia I had nightmares after and ended up in a and e with anxiety so my consultant has arranged ct scan appointment came though today it’s on Thursday and now I’m a nervous wreck I keep wanting to cry I’m scared of the machine I’m scared of the outcome . I’m 47 post menopausal I have 22 cm cyst right overy don’t know if it’s simple or complex I do know it is mostly smooth which according to my consultant is a good thing although I don’t know why I have had ultra and trans vaginsl ultra sound I also only had distended belly and no symptoms now I have quite a few symptoms which only came on after mri like I get a bit of breathlessness but that does fade and is nowhere near as intense as it was I’m burping a lot mainly after eating and drinking of course I have googled and I have read nothing positive so I’m terrified xxx

[Cazy1010]

Ct scan is so much easier you don’t go fully in , it’s like a polo mint hole !!! I had an MRI and went in head first I don’t know how I did it as I had to wear a mask as well ( due to covid) the second one wasn’t too bad I went in feet first so my head stayed out side xx

[Sophali31]

Hey, it is all very terrifying i agree! I too do not like small spaces (mri), i decided though its very necessery and they know im there, my head and feet were not enclosed and i kept my eyes closed the whole time. To be honest neither were as bad as i had imagined. I've just had my first ct and then mri. The ct is basically laying on a bed with a thin round ring that moves over you, it's a very thin ring and not enclosed at all. The mri is defiantly more tube like so I agree difficult if you're chlostraphobic. They can play music for you , meditation music, anything you like that they have. You also wear ear plugs and ear defenders. They give u a squeezy button in case you need it which is reassuring. The outcome is very scary of course but I know it's the most importnant thing that I know right now. I honestly was surprised at how relieved I felt after having each of the scans done. I'm now on the last part of my wait to find out what it is that I have . You can do this! It's so important, I wish you all the best xx

[Katmal-UK]

I’m petrified of MRI Scans but quite happily have CT Scans as they are completely different. To have an MRI I had to have sedation but CT Scans are nothing like an MRI, it’s basically like a large Polo, a ring, (that’s how I like to think of it) so that only part of your body is in the scanner at any one time and it’s much quicker. I hope it goes well for you x Kathy x

[Riverflo]

Sorry Mickie,

There's no two ways about it, it's so scary waiting for a diagnosis when you have symptoms. And the quicker you know, the better it will be for your mental state whatever the news is. So I hope the CT scan goes well. As others have said, it doesn't feel enclosed like an MRI and it's much quicker. I try to close my eyes and take my mind off to a happier place.

All the best,

Martine xxx

[Heart12345]

Hi Mickie, I’m scared to have MRI s too.

I’m 21 stone in weight so very big but I have CT scans routinely and fit in easily and because they are so quick just a few minutes it’s easier to cope with. I’m extremely claustrophobic so if I can do it anyone can. You go in feet first and trust me it’s not a problem at all. I just go through alphabet working out songs or animals beginning with each letter. Before you know it it’s finished 👍

[cherrysews]

Hi there

Just wanted to say that the symptoms you mention at the end of your post sound like the result of your anxiety rather than anything else. Stress will affect your stomach and digestion, leading to more wind and discomfort. Also the breathlessness could be your body going into overdrive due to the stress. It's a vicious cycle, so try to do some relaxation techniques or just deep breathing to bring yourself back to a "calm place". You will get through this!

By the way, I also find closing my eyes helps with the CT scan. What you can't see is less scary!

[Mickie1409]

thank you all for your replies they mean so much especially as everyone is fighting their own battles .

[Fluffyjumper]

Hi Mickie1409

As others have said, CT is far less intimidating than MRI. You will not be enclosed. The CT is like a giant polo mint, you should be able to go in feet first so your head isn’t involved. The scan should be quick and you’ll be given a ‘panic button/squeezy’ to press if it all becomes too much.