X-rays how many is too many

Question from down under.  How many x-rays is too many?

I know I have had quite a few,

but what is OK and when should we be concerned?

They talk about kinds of drugs that are carcinagenics but is it the drugs or the 30 X-RAYS we just had that cause it? 

What do you guys and girls think of it?

 

Can't wait to here back on this.  See ya mates

 

 

 

I have had far too many x-rays and CT scans. Now, I only allow an x-ray after much discussion. Many times they are ordered routinely so now I ask what other options we have to investigate the problem. I ask what would happen if we wait, are there other tests we can run first, is the x-ray necessary to make the diagnosis or just to cover your butt?

My ortho guy once told me that he was only ordering the x-ray to cover his butt in case he was wrong about the diagnosis. He admitted that there was less than 1% chance I had the other problem but the only way to rule it out was with an x-ray. We decided that we should treat the most likely problem and only do an x-ray later if I didn't respond to treatment.

For some symptoms, they order CT scans because they are cheaper and then follow up with an MRI if the CT scan shows something. Always ask if you can skip the CT and go straight to the MRI. Sometimes, a CT is necessary because it is works better on the particular problem but sometimes it's recommended just because it is cheaper.

One time I went to the ER with symptoms of strep throat and pneumonia. They were insisting on an x-ray. I asked the doc what he would prescribe if the strep test was positive and what he'd prescribe if the x-ray showed pneumonia. Either way I was getting the exact same medication. Turned out the strep test was positive so I skipped the x-ray. If I hadn't questioned him, I would have had an unnecessary x-ray. I followed up with my doc a few weeks later and everything was fine.

Sometimes x-rays or CT scans are necessary and waiting could be dangerous. If you ask questions, you and your doc can determine the best way to proceed.

Or a medical scanner like they have on Star Trek. I would love to spend an hour with a Start Trek doc; have them wave their medical tricorder over me, give me an injection and return to normal!

I am assuming this includes x-rays from dental work, since you are looking for potential of sum damage. Is that correct?

www.emedicinehealth.com/understanding_x-rays
This might help under stand where I am comming from