cat scan of sinuses

[twizliz]

my dr called me back today after suffering from a sinus infection for nearly 2 months. They did an xray that came back fine, no impaction of the sinuses, but now I have to go to an ENT and get a cat scan. What does the cat scan entail? Anyone had it done of their sinuses? Is it anything like an MRI? I've had that done before. Thanks in advance. Liz

[Hockeygirl26]

Hi! I had a cat scan done of my sinuses. It is a lot like having an mri. Except at least with the one I had done, the tube they put me in was a lot more open for the cat scan than the mri one was. And they only stuck my head in. Also, I don't think they strapped me down for the cat scan like they did for the mri. You basically just have to lay still. You don't feel anything or anything. I can't remember how long it took (it was a number of years ago) but its totally painless! Good luck and I hope you feel better soon!

[twizliz]

Glad to hear that the cat scan isn't so bad. Do you know why they have to do one after the xray came back clear? My face is actually swollen from the infection and I've been on antibiotics for nearly 3 months!

[Murphy]

Twiz: You're doc is doing the best thing. Make sure U R getting a Coronal CT.
U lay stomache dwn & go 'nose in' to the CT machine. It fine tunes the
imaging & can determine air space, fluid, cyst, polyp or a benign tumor
that is interrupting the flow. A lay-dwn w/ face up CT will image all sinuses
but can overlook blockage. I know from experience. My face & eye swelled
off/on for yrs. & antibiotics didn't help along w/ the Dr's. I insisted on a
Coronal CT & unfortunately a tumor was found when the other CT didn't
show it. They kept treating me w/ Rx's. I'm sure you'll be fine once they
get clearer image. Some docs will with-hold info & refer U to a specialist.
Be sure to get a copy of your report either from lab or ofc. Say U R starting
a home-health-file. Get all copies of CT's, etc.. The ENT should do an
endoscopic check too. Could U ask your Dr. to order the Coronal CT? That
would save time & U can take films in for ENT appt to evaluate fast! Check
out ENT (Otolaryngologist), w/ State Board. Augmentin is a top line rx for
sinuses but the CT is now the best thing. I'm fine now & hope U get the
right help. Face swelling is the 1st tip to order an immediate CT. Dr's
insurance stays dwn if they keep tests dwn. U R coded for sinus problem &
so he has the go ahead. Ask & maybe you'll get! Why be miserable. U need
sleep & answers. My case was severe w/ many surgeries to cure. Yours
may be just extensive infection. Good luck.

[BioAdoptMom3]

I layed down with my chin in a chin rest and my head pointing up. It was kind of an uncomfortable position, but took all of five minutes and there was nothing else involved in it. It is totally worth it!

Nancy