CT Colonography - Prep!?: Hi - has anyone ONLY... - IBS Network

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CT Colonography - Prep!?

LindaC profile image
15 Replies

Hi - has anyone ONLY been given Gastrografin - 1 day prior to a CT colonography - without any 'clean out' prep to take before the procedure? Is this usual?

Hoping someone can help, this is of a little concern... maybe taking the Gastrografin then having to go through it all again because not 'cleaned out'. Thank you.

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LindaC profile image
LindaC
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15 Replies
edwangy profile image
edwangy

Gastrografin cleans you out, you don't need anything else.

LindaC profile image
LindaC in reply to edwangy

Thank you so much! Conflicting info everywhere - that settles it - except NOW for the heart and thyroid issue of iodine. Ah well.

edwangy profile image
edwangy in reply to LindaC

surely your doctors know about ant heart or thyroid condition you may have?

LindaC profile image
LindaC in reply to edwangy

Yeah.... not always works that way. Heart issues from summer 2003 - GP knew then that thyroid #s were 0.14 of my being hypothyroid. By 2007 - list of signs n symptoms as long as arm and my looking like a very different person [so ill] with 0.11 just within [quite silly 'ranges' for the individual]: this was still ignored. Private cardiologist - heart issues in family + my having dreadful arrhythmia [H R waking me out of sleep at 39 bpm - likely insufficient thyroid hormone?] for 4 yrs. First Q he asked was 'Thyroid'? I had no idea and he hadn't been alerted by GP to my four years of teetering on the brink and with [typical] increasing illnesses. I had to find someone myself [via hypothyroid groups] for GP to refer me in 2010 - no doubt hypothyroid - long story. Thyroid became a much worse scenario. Only those not appropriately treated - of which there is a large number - actually 'KNOW' what can all too easily happen. My preference is to be alert as an addition.

NO. Medical staff won't necessarily 'join the dots'. GPs haven't thus far with several other health problems, [e.g. even spine - where I've had to push, push all the way - finally to see the horrendous MRI!], so I like to make sure that someone is 'paying attention'. This colonography: being asked some Q's by phone - not accounting for arrhythmia - which can be an issue with this prep, potentially thyroid... My psychology background is in risk assessment, probability, likelihood and inference ++ so, with all information in, I will have to make a tough decision - perhaps seek an alternative to this - or simply bite the bullet!?

Many people DO get good/great medical treatment, some don't always and error exists. Doctors/surgeons have literally saved my life twice. I'm so appreciative; only Jan 2022 ruptured appendix, hence this test being done, Thank you for your help above and best wishes.

Daz1113 profile image
Daz1113

Gastrografin will clear you out. You’ll know anyway because all that will be coming out in the end is water. Little advice on the colonoscopy. I’d have the sedation they offer. I found the gas and air wasn’t enough and they couldn’t complete the procedure. So had to go back and get a CT scan. Everyone’s insides are different thou. My sister had nothing. Not even gas and air. And she was fine. Good luck

LindaC profile image
LindaC in reply to Daz1113

Thank you so much - it's a colonography - but that's good to know; much appreciated.

Can I ask, which kind of CT scan? A Colonography, still needing to take Gastrografin? Thanks.

Daz1113 profile image
Daz1113 in reply to LindaC

So that’s what I got in the end. They just insert some air into you. Totally painless. They will put a canula in your arm and give you Buscopan. But there’s nothing at all to worry about. And don’t be feeling embarrassed because you will release a lot of air. But because there’s nothing in your bowels there’s no smell or anything. You just seem to pass wind for ages lol but you’ll be ok 👍

LindaC profile image
LindaC in reply to Daz1113

Thanks again, I'm so used to wind now... really bad whiff ;-) so that's good to know too. Also about Buscopan - it's just the iodine re my heart issues and thyroid I need to find out about, Further reassurance - much appreciated.

FeistyGirl profile image
FeistyGirl

Hi LindaI’ve had CT Colonography twice. On both occasions had Gastrografin. It does clear you out but not as aggressively as prep given for full colonoscopy (e.g. Picolax). The procedure is also known as a Virtual Colonoscopy. They don’t offer any sedation as it’s not as invasive as a Colonoscopy.

LindaC profile image
LindaC in reply to FeistyGirl

Thank you very much. That's reassuring... only issue is my arrhythmia and a strange thyroid issue. Hmm, but that's great to know - much appreciated.

Magsra profile image
Magsra

Yes this is normal. I had a CT Colonoscopy scan a few months ago. Only needed to take the Gastrografin on Friday night and Saturday during the day before the scan on the Sunday. My bowels did move before I the appointment.

The experience was much better than a normal colonoscopy.

Magsra profile image
Magsra

I also have an under active thyroid and there were no issues with having the scan.

LindaC profile image
LindaC in reply to Magsra

Thank you so much for this - you had the iodine contrast?

Magsra profile image
Magsra

Sorry as far as I am aware Gastrografin is the iodine contrast. I think there would be issues if you have an over active thyroid but better to check with your Doctor.

LindaC profile image
LindaC

Thanks - there is conflicting info in several places, even UK NHS hospitals! I take T3, not the usual T4 for hypothyroidism, and I'm also concerned re heart issues, having both tachycardia and bradycardia - I only read the PIL due to reading the bottle as to how to store it and it said to 'Read the package leaflet' before use - so I checked online to find all manner of.... Thank you though, most kind of you. xox

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