Contrast dye for CT scan

[Pinkpeony]

After my TIA I have to have another CT scan with contrast as it appears my carotids are in a bit of a state . I have informed them every time that many years ago ( before scanners ) I was sent for a kidney test with the dye . As soon as it was injected my throat closed , my face puffed up Etc and there was panic stations . When I got the appointment I rang and informed them and was told ( it will be fine ) . I arrived yesterday , Sunday and was told to go home as she was only a radiographer and she couldn't take the chance because my heart could stop and there was no doctor . Well duh !

To say I'm mightily pi***d is an understatement . I am so nervous of having it done and to be lying on the bed and then told to go home I felt sick .

Sorry for rambling but can anyone throw any light on these contracts mediums . Thanks Pp

[soppysokes]

Hi I have some heart damage from bc radiation treatment so am cautious with contrast dye but it's a personal decision really. It's said the contrast is not quite as it was years back and 'should' be ok....

Can your treatment be equally done with MRI scan with contrast which is a different character and probably less risky than ct contrast, although to be fair ct contrast may well cause no issues either. Personally I have ct scan without contrast and MRI with contrast but it really is a choice for you to make.

[Pinkpeony in reply to soppysokes]

Thanks for your reply . It's really down to the ' experts 'now . I think they will have to find a viable alternative . I guess it's more difficult as its in my carotid . Pp

[helvella Administrator in reply to soppysokes]

The risks of gadolinium MRI contrast have risen up the scale very recently:

itnonline.com/article/debat...

[soppysokes in reply to helvella]

Hi helvella yes that's so but if a contrast is a 'must' then it's still considered a better bet in many cases. Hopefully due consideration for the need of contrast of any kind will be given more forthought than previously-eventually of course!

[Pinkpeony in reply to helvella]

Gosh helvella , thanks for that , I don't really know anything about it . Do you know if this is used purely in MRI scans or CT also ? Pp