Have to have an abdomen and pelvic cat scan. I'm Scared! - Digestive Disorders Message Board

Hamilton92 · 10-25-2006, 05:28 PM

I am having a cat scan of my abdomen and pelvis tomorrow morning and I am scared to death!.
I was given instructions that I have to drink 8 oz of liquid and be injected with dye too. A double injection they call it.
I was told either I could have went and picked up a drink today and drank it at home an hour before my test or I could wait and go to the clinic where I'm having it done and drink a solution there that is silimar to crystal light.
I opted to drink the crystal light type drink at the clinic tomorrow morning. The technician I talked to said it tastes much better because the other, a barium drink she said is thicker and chalkier tasting and the crystal light type one is just like drinking water and is flavored.
Well I am scared that I'm going to get sick after drinking it and being injected too.
They asked me too when I was being scheduled if I was allergic to iodine because i guess thats what the dye is. As far as I know I'm not but what if I am and I don't know it then I drink the drink and get injected and have a serious allergic reaction.
I have a hard time swallowing as it is and I am also double nervous about just drinking down the solution.Has anyone ever had this test done?
Please be bluntly honest with me. Tell me everything to expect tomorrow so there will be no suprises.
How does the drink taste? Is it really bad? I asked how much and they told me 8 oz worth, like a bottle of water.
I have undiagnosed stomach problems and have practically had every other test done, endoscopy, colonoscopy, hida scan, ultrasound, every blood test my gastroenterologist can think of has been done and nothing.
He can't figure out why my stomach burns so far down, I burn around my belly button area, frequently get sick at my stomach but never throw up and I have been having green bowel movements sometimes, I have trouble swallowing, food gets stuck in my throat and even after it goes down it still feels like there is something there. I practically begged my doctor to dialate my esophagus but he said on my scope he didn't see any reason too. Well I gave him a reason, I choke when I eat!
I am giving this doc one last chance to help me then I'm finding someone new.

morrisun · 10-25-2006, 05:36 PM

It'll be okay, I know how scary the anticipation can be. I had one done about a year and a half ago. It was my first one and I was so nervous. I didn't have the option of different types of drinks, so I had to drink the nasty barium.

The test itself was really quick and easy. Just know that when they give you the dye injection, it will make you warm and tingly. It felt as if I had peed myself for a very brief moment.

Good luck and I hope that everything goes well for you!

gingertea · 10-25-2006, 06:02 PM

I've had all the digestive system tests and the Cat Scan was the easiest.
Eight ounces of drink will seem very little...especially if you drank the Colonoscopy stuff or had that foul stuff for a Barium Swallow. They insert an IV and after they start the scan they will inject some iodine into the port.
The iodine might make you feel warm, but that's it. They can see you and hear you during the scan and you can talk to them, so it's not like your being swallowed by the machinery! Good luck!

backslide05 · 10-25-2006, 06:52 PM

Hi, I had it done also about a year ago, and have had upper and lower GI both done as well as ultra sounds and MRIs.
I have to be honesst. I did not like this test. It was very uncomfortable.
I did have to drink the yucky chalky stuff, so that you won't have at least. but the dye burned when it went in me and was very uncomfortable I thought. I'm not a wimp. I've had two colonoscopies,and an endoscope, and other tests, but this one did me in. I went home and slept the rest of the day. Maybe I was sensitive to the dye?
Most people seem to do ok, and I'm sure you will too. Just try to stay calm and hope you get something diagnosed. good luck.

diamond79 · 10-25-2006, 06:52 PM

I never had the crystal drink but did have the barium and it tastes HORRIBLE! As for having a reaction--the people doing the scan can hear you and see you so if something does happen then they will be there to help you or have someone else help you. Just stay calm and you will be fine.

Good Luck!