Anyone know why an abdo ct scan is sometimes do... - My Ovacome
Anyone know why an abdo ct scan is sometimes done with drinking a contrast dye and sometimes just drinking water?
Just drinking water, never,I cant believe that, surely that wouldn't show anything ?????
I have been given water with a solution mixed in it, but never plain drinking water. The contrast goes through the system and evidentially shows up abnormalities. The best way is supposed to be by injecting a contrast into the arm as the CT is being done.
Anna
Hi Anna,
First time they gave me a lot of water over a period of about 30-60 mins, then you have a cannular in your arm with the dye. The water I assume helps move the dye around.
I suspect if they can not inject the dye, they put it in the water you drink. Second time I had to have it with no contrast, because they expected to give me the dye through a cannular, but could not find a good enough vein.
Love Lizzie
X
I've always drunk a contrast dye before a scan, then dye injection when having scan, never just water. x
I had just water the first time.
Strange how all the centres work differently. When they found out I was allergic to the contrast that was injected, I had to sit for one hour drinking this foul liquid which was water with a contrast in it. They then changed it to a faster drink,more like the milky stuff you have for a barium meal check and now we have gone back to contrast only, injected into the arm, as they insist this gives a better picture of what is going on. I have mine done privately, does that make a difference I wonder ????
Anna xx
I have had lots of ct scans over the last 4 years and always had the dye solution followed by the iv dye. Last time i had water over an hour orally followed bythe iv dye. I did question the radiographer and she said that some radiologists are of the opinion that it makes no difference. Was a bir surprised to get my next ct appt in dec. wirh the dye drink prescribed again. Just wondered if anyone else knew., Just hope the last one worked properly as it showed the weekly taxol is having some effect.
Thanks anyway for your repliesx
Hi all,water only for a c.t fills the bladder,kidneys and anything connected with the urinary system.The special drink with contrast dye before the scan helps put an outline on what the docs are looking at.within the ,abdomen &pelvis ,.The injection of dye as the scan is near completion highlights the veins ,structures of organs i.e the brain,liver,kidneys etc..As to which way you have it done is decided by the Radiologist and what your doc has requested..But all docs are different ,as are some hospitals. .I work in an x-ray dept (I'm not a medical professional,just a little radiology assistant )and understand the need for the contrast dye and the difference it makes to results.
Hope you are all having a good day
Suzyque xxx
Thankyou Suzieque
For giving us all a clear explanation. Hope my birthday scan brings me continued improvement. Tho I need to use some of yor words on my spleen I think!
soapsudsxx
Hi,
Just want to wish you well for your birthday scan.Have faith in yourself and be strong.I like to switch off to scans and hospital appts etc and distract myself by being around my loved ones ,family and friends who make me laugh .We have had lots of get togethers ,ie, pre-hysterectomy bash at the pub,pre-chemo night at mine,a "half-way through chemo " get together ,again at the pub,"end of chemo night "(the bar staff know us all now ) and also a sponsored walk where we raised £1,322 for ovarian cancer..Despite the downside of the last 7months or so I've had some great times with fab people and will continue to do so ..It's just a pity that I've now got a drink problem !!! haha Only jesting Soapsuds
Take care.I wish you well,,
Suzieque xxxx.
Thanks Suzieque I was wondering the same thing as when I had my first CT scan in Winchester I had to drink lots of water followed by dye injection but at The Christie I've had to drink the contrast dye for an hour before my appointment then have the dye injected.
HI Susieque,
Thanks for the explanation of the water, I knew about the other info but the water I was surprised about. It is indeed true what you say it all depends on the Radiologist involved. Mine says just to have the contrast is sufficient. I will add that he has changed his ideas over the past 5 + years that I have been having CT scans. Does it also come down to cost ??
Anna x
Hi Anna,
I'm not sure about cost being a reason as to whether docs use contrast or not.The technology of the scanners that the hospitals are using are constantly being modified and we are in a far superior position to our counterparts from say 10/15 years ago..
Suzieque xxx
