Hi
I’m due a CT scan and wondered if other people have had one, and whether the steroids affect our kidneys’ ability to get rid of the dye. Any tips gratefully received. I’m on 9mgs at the moment. Having the test because my GP is checking whether or not some violent nausea attacks with high temp are down to something nasty in the woodshed. Feeling pretty good at the moment and a bit of a fraud 😃
Hi, I had one a few weeks ago. I take metformin for diabetes so they looked at my most recent blood tests. That was the only drug they mentioned in the paperwork and said they may need to test my blood. As I regularly get checked it was fine without an extra tests. I just didn't take metformin based on reading the research.
If you are concerned perhaps check your last few blood tests if you had GFR results . I used this website as well the blurb to help me prepare and I rang the department and discussed if I needed tests etc.
kidney.org/atoz/content/Con...
Thanks so much - very helpful x
The contrast (dye) goes through the body fairly quickly. Is there a chance you may have kidney stones blocking somewhere. Are you a diabetic, if so they will need to do a couple of blood test. BUN and Creatinine levels and take you off your meds for 2or 3 days. For the kidney CT. It usually a clear contrast that is injected in the arm and goes through the body pretty quickly , usually a warm feeling as it goes throughout the body. The person doing the test have a series of questions they will ask you to make sure it’s all safe for you. Good luck and try not to worry. 🤔. Maryanne
Thanks. Ok for kidney stones, not a diabetic so I should be okay!
The unknown is sometimes scary. Good luck with the test. maryanne.
I had a CT scan with contrast media and felt pretty rotten after, however things improved when I went to the pub with the person who had come with me to the hospital.
Like the cut of your gin! 😂
CT staff should check labs,BUN, Creatinine andGFR to evaluate your kidney function. If labs are abnormal, for some exams the amount of contrast can be decreased or type of contrast changed to be “kinder” to the kidneys. Hydrate the day before the exam and up until the time given not to eat or drink. Resume pushing oral fluids post exam to flush contrast thru kidneys. The hydration will also make it easier for staff to place intravenous catheter.
Thanks - I’ll ask the right questions now.
I have had a CT scan, an MRI scan and a full body PET Scan during my time with PMR. I was advised of no contra-indications around the dye or the radio active substance for the PET scan and no ill effects at all. I took my Pred after the PET scan because of needing to have an empty stomach. The most challenging part was being enclosed and keeping still for an hour. I kept my eyes closed and recited poetry and sang songs in my head. The clunking and clanging is quite normal. I hope that like me, nothing of interest is found.
Enclosed for an hour?? Wow! So glad they found nothing nasty x
It flew by actually! Good luck with yours.
Obvs a CT scanner is just like a polo mint rather than the s ary tube of the mri. Though I must confess the latest mri was comfy. Knee pillow. Head locked in frame with ear plugs and noise cancelling headphones. I just pretended I was in a tent, with eyes closed, listening to stomp. After the 30 to 45 mins in the machine I was almost asleep.
I've had 2 since August...and had been on 64mg methylprednisolone for a while....no problem at all. I certainly wish you the same 
Very reassuring - ta. Hope you’re being sorted! 👍
Hi Thelmarina. I'm also on 9mg prednisalone daily for my gca. This is only 1.5mg more steroid than the body normally produces when the adrenal gland is fully functioning. Once I taper down under 7.5mg we'll find out if the adrenal function will restart or not. I had a CT scan on Friday last week and just discussed the results yesterday with my cardiac specialist. He mentioned that the kidneys do take a hit from the reflective dye every time I get scanned. It is best to have a scan only when deemed totally necessary and in my case, an enlarged aorta needs regular monitoring (currently annually). In your case, I don't know what they are looking for exactly, or if they are simply looking for clues, but I would say that under normal circumstances with a fairly fit person, a one off scan won't be any cause for concern. I've had around six or seven ct scans and two pet scans over the last 4yrs, as well as a very large operation. Additionaly, if you're on a large number of drugs it's important to have regular blood tests to check on liver function, and other organs. Hope that helps.
I like this article
nuffieldhealth.com/article/...
which points out that
"A CT scan is higher still at around 7 mSv, about the same if you spent a year in Cornwall where the sun exposure and radioactive rocks pump up the levels of 'natural background radiation'. But even this amount isn't considered dangerous."
Not on steroids but mine with contrast knocked me out the next day, drink lots and lots of water after. I also had to work that evening do that did not help, hate them but necessary.
I had a CT angiogram with dye 10 days ago. My consultant checked my kidney function (U & Es) beforehand. The radiographer explained everything on the day.
The scan took all of 5 minutes and they were looking at the whole of my trunk - and I'm quite tall! A PET CT scan in November took 25 minutes, as it's a more complex procedure. I think the MRI scans take longer, depending on how much they're scanning.
I'm claustrophobic, but managed the CT scans quite well with my eyes firmly closed!
Just like SheffieldJane, I recite poetry over and over and the time soon passes.
Best wishes.
Thanks for the poetic tips!
Just want to thank all those who responded to my query - and slight anxiety - about having a CT scan. You gave me some useful advice and I felt much better about it because of you. It all went very easily and comfortably, modern technology is amazing. You are given a large amount of liquid to drink over an hour and my own tip is that you can ask for a flavoured variety, which is much more palatable! I had ‘orange’ which was like a mild orange squash. Anyway, another new experience! 😀
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