CT Scan.

dreamdaisy

I have one of these coming up on Friday evening, so it's an unusual occurrence on two fronts: I've never had one before nor an evening appointment at the hospital. I think I might faint due to excitement. 8)

From the grainy pic on the front of the leaflet it looks to be a similar machine to an MRI (but hopefully not as noisy?) I will be contacting the department about my 'special needs' (white wine and a good book are top of the list ) but I would appreciate any advice and information from those on here who have been there and done that. DD

dibdab

Hi DD,

They are similar to MRI's but substantially less noisy. The machine part is more like a polo mint than a tunnel-relatively narrow so that only the part of your body being checked is within the hollow-the gubbins inside rotate around you(reminds me of a giant spinning donut!!!! bit random, but that's me all over ).
The machine works on xray rather than magnetic imaging.
You lie on a bed that slides you in and out, and the operator talks to you as it happens. I found it much less traumatic than an MRI- I've had several including for lungs and sinus problems. I guess each scan takes around 15 minutes- can't remember exactly. Depending on which bit they are checking, I had to hold my breath whilst the image was taken-just for a few seconds.

Hope yours goes smoothly.

Deb x

dachshund

Hello DD
I will be there for you I hope it finds out what is causing your pain.
can I ask what part of you is being done.
take care
joan xx

DebbieT

DD Debs description is spot on

They're not at all traumatic except if ure asked to lie flat, which with my hips is soooo painful. They did allow me to have pads under my knees for the brain one but not the lung one.

I wish you well & hope it's as comfortable as possible.xxx

nearlybionic

Hi DD
As a member of the frequent scanner club (a bit like frequent flyer but less fun!!) I would prefer the CT variety, and in fact would gladly swap you for my MRI on Thursday if you like
As has been said it is like a giant polo mint with a moving bed which positions the bit of your body needing scanning within the `polo`. Not noisy or at all claustrophobic.
I hope you get your wine, chilled of course!!
I will be thinking of you x
NB

dreamdaisy

Thank you, one and all, it's nice to hear that it is not as bad as an MRI. I don't know which bits of me are gong to be done, I guess I will find out on Friday. I have to drink 500mls of clear fluid before the test - why? Also I may need to be injected with dye but again I don't know.

NB? The wine will be in the 'fridge for when I arrive home. DD

villier

Good luck with the scan on Friday, I would have a CT scan any day over an MRI, there is nothing to it and no horrible clunking noises, a piece of cake. Hope you enjoy your wine..............Marie xx

Boomer13

I'll be thinking of you. CT was a piece of cake when I had one; prepare to be bored. I didn't have contrast dye, but did have to drink fluids beforehand. Mine was to check my kidneys.

The best part was my doc showed me the scan of his laptop afterwards. Fascinating! Tho' I guess not everyone wants to see their insides.....

kentishlady

I'll be with you DD. Hope all goes well for you. Beryl

kellerman

DD....CT scan is definately better than an MRI. No where near as noisy and the stuff you drink...well..not pleasant but not too bad. I think you have to drink it slowly over an hour before the scan and then given the injection while you are laid on the scanner waiting. The reason given for this is apparently so many men faint at the sight of a needle its better if they are already flat.They ask you to hold your breath just like a chest xray. They do work late at most hospitals due to emergencies. I think I once had one on a Sunday. Good luck..have fun with this new experience for you. May xx

dreamdaisy

Once again I send my thanks to those who have replied, I appreciate (as ever) the fact that people I don't know take the time to read and post their thoughts and experiences.

I am feeling much easier about this because it seems to be a doddle and hopefully the payback won't be too severe. It can't be worse than the self-inflicted one I am currently enduring. DD

hileena111

Hi DD
Sorry I'm just getting to this now.....nothing I can add to what everyone else has said.....a doddle......nothing like an MRI....I hate those things but CT was it Deb that said it was like a large polo mint.....she's right

Good Luck

Love

Hileena

salamander

Easy peasy!

purpleowl

Hi DD,

I've not had one, only an MRI, but this experience sounds a doddle.

Enjoy your wine (is there going to be a fit guy serving it!!)

Thinking of you,

Trish xx

frogmorton

I haven't had this one either,(just MRI), but my child did at 15 and a chap with a learning disability who I know did too - both were fine. I know you will be.

Might be best to have the wine afterwards....think you might spill it otherwise. What a waste :shock:

love and luck

Toni xxx

stickywicket

dreamdaisy wrote:

I have to drink 500mls of clear fluid before the test - why?

Does CB count as 'clear fluid'?

dreamdaisy

Possibly (I think Sticky is referrring to chenin blanc which is certainly clear) but I reckon that might have a detrimental effect on my heart-rate, temperature and the staff may not appreciate my rousing rendition of 'If you knew Suzie, like I know Suzie, oh, oh, oh what a gal . . . . ' DD

stickywicket

It was just a thought. I guess I'll have to sup it myself then

dreamdaisy

I've just re-read the letter confirming my appointment, which proved to be a sensible thing to do. It is a whole body scan so I guess it is going to take towards the longer of the times they stated. We will buy a Chinese on the way home (a meal that is, not a Chinese person) so at least I won't have to cook. DD

Toots

Hope it all goes (went?) well DD! Enjoy your post CT chinese! x

dreamdaisy

I'm on the count-down. Mr DD is trundling home so he can go with me, I have my water bottle filled with just over 500mls of clear liquid (no, not gin), I have dicloed and co-coed. I cannot be any more ready than I am.

My reward is going to be king prawn chow mein with sweet and sour sauce. DD

mig

Chow mein of any sort for me and whatever clear liquid Stickys got to hand as long as its not water YUK.
Hope all went well. Mig

dreamdaisy

It was OK, no more and no less. As my rheumatologist referred me the findings will be sent to her and then to me. I hope I won't be hearing from her too soon because it's always bad news that travels fast, no? I'm glad it's done, now for the next hurdle (which is trying to get some sleep). Mr DD is already sound-a-bubs. Lucky s*d. DD

stickywicket

Mr DD is a healthy bloke. 'Nuff said? I'm glad it's all over and done with. You can reward yourself with some clear liquid of a different kind now

hileena111

Hi DD
Glad everything went OK
Hope you had a good nights sleep

Love
Hileena

dreamdaisy

I experienced something resembling sleep, Hileena. My left shoulder is playing up today, I had to lie on the scanner with my hands above my head so they could get a clear shot of the lymph glands - I know about it now. DD