N2golf
04-16-2003, 02:05 PM
I am having a really hard time understanding this cat scan of the abdomen results and I'm hoping someone here will be familiar with the terminology. Here's what the impression reads:Essentially negative CT of the abdomen with the exception of a equivocal small bowel wall thickening in the left upper quadrant. Then in the findings, it states: There is incomplete opacification of the small and/or some small bowel wall thickening. Then it goes on to say, that if there is persistant clinical concern of a small bowel abnormality, an upper GI series with small bowel follow through may be of benefit.
What the heck does all that mean? On one hand it sounds serious, but, then on the other hand, it's like "well, if you're concerned, here's what you can do next". I had called the Radiology Dept where I had this done, and they said that they couldn't explain it to me, I had told them that I had the paper infront of me and if I could read it, would they explain it. They would not do this. I went to the Dr. who ordered it, and being a family Dr., he wasn't sure either. So, basically, I payed a co-pay for a Dr. to tell me that this was out of his field and to go see a gastriointologist (sp?) I can get in for another Month and a half because I would be a new patient. Do I have to wait that long to have some peace about this? Is it something that can even wait that long???
Please help. I need peace of mind right now.
Thanks to all who have taken the time to read this. Sorry it was lengthy.
What the heck does all that mean? On one hand it sounds serious, but, then on the other hand, it's like "well, if you're concerned, here's what you can do next". I had called the Radiology Dept where I had this done, and they said that they couldn't explain it to me, I had told them that I had the paper infront of me and if I could read it, would they explain it. They would not do this. I went to the Dr. who ordered it, and being a family Dr., he wasn't sure either. So, basically, I payed a co-pay for a Dr. to tell me that this was out of his field and to go see a gastriointologist (sp?) I can get in for another Month and a half because I would be a new patient. Do I have to wait that long to have some peace about this? Is it something that can even wait that long???
Please help. I need peace of mind right now.
Thanks to all who have taken the time to read this. Sorry it was lengthy.
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mlgable
04-16-2003, 03:25 PM
It basically says that there was some opacicites (opaque areas) where the small bowel thickening is meaning some opaque spots but not a large enough opaque spot to give a clear diagnosis of small bowel obstruction and if the doc thinks this or other things may be still be the cause then he should order the other tests for a clear cut diagnosis. If the doc does not feel that your symptoms are consistent with a small bowel obstuction then the other tests are not recommended. I hope this sounds clear enough for you to understand.
N2golf
04-16-2003, 03:43 PM
Okay....going on not too much sleep here, can you put that in elementary terms? What are "opaque" spots? and I'm not sure what you were saying in the rest of the message (sorry.
dustbunnys_baby
04-16-2003, 04:35 PM
If i am not mistaken opaque means "colored" Also all she is saying is that if the bowel is blocked and the doctor this is the cause for you symptoms than further testing should be done. If the doctor finds the results insignificant to your symptoms they may go a different route. Much love Sunnie
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N2golf
04-16-2003, 07:10 PM
It was never noted on the results as there being any blockage from the small bowel. I don't seem to have problems there either. I have been told that I may have IBS....maybe connected? I'm so stressed out about this! No one can explain! I'm think cancer.....tumor???It's causing alot of anxiety because I don't know what this all really means.
dorri
04-17-2003, 12:15 AM
I know the stress you are going through of not knowing. A few weeks ago I had a SBFT and it showed what the GI thinks is a growth but is not sure what it is. He is sending me to a surgeon, but I don't go to see him until April 28th so I too am at my witts end worrying about what this could be. Why don't you take it back to where you had the tests done, (with a note of your dr's permission of course) so they can explain it to you. I am sure that if your GI is a reputable one, then he would definately know if this is something that should be further looked into. Usually if there is something serious, then notation on test results show that it is of serious nature. Try not to worry, I know, easier said then done! I hope you will find answers and peace soon. Take Care!
[This message has been edited by dorri (edited 04-16-2003).]
[This message has been edited by dorri (edited 04-16-2003).]
mlgable
04-17-2003, 12:19 AM
I pasted your test result into a search engine and the response I posted was copied directly off a search result. Opaque means not letting light through and transparent means letting light through if you remember your elementary art or science. So yes opaque is referring to dark spots. "some opaque spots but not a large enough opaque spot to give a clear diagnosis of small bowel obstruction" meant that there were not enough dark spots to say without a doubt that you have a small bowel obstruction but it means if the doc thought you might have one then he should run the other tests since this one did not prove that fully. Since you state the doc wasn't thinking possible bowel obstruction then you shouldn't need the other tests. Does this explain it more clearly??
N2golf
04-17-2003, 09:54 AM
Yes...thank you. Do dark spots neccessarily signify a cancer of any kind? Or could that be alot of things? I'm not sure what a "dark spot" means on this type of a cat scan, if it's good, bad, or indifferent.
mlgable
04-17-2003, 10:11 AM
In your CT scan the dark spots are indifferent depending on what the doc was looking for. Many things can cause dark spots such as pieces of stool or perhaps trapped air. All that basically meant was there were some dark spots indicating that something was there but it was a full dark spot that would indicate for sure a bowel obstruction. I doubt this would mean cancer since they didn't indicate that the dark spots resembled tumors or growths or anything. Your best bet now is to wait and see what the doc feels is the next step in diagnosing your troubles.