How many CT scans are too many?

Man, that sounds like a lot of CT scans. What are your alternatives? Ultra sound or MRI possibly? Personally I would be uncomfortable with that much radiation, but I'm not a doctor and am a worrier, too. It couldn't hurt to challenge you doctor on it, in a nice way, of course. ( I doubt weather your doctor would want to have that many himself, unless he had to). Good luck, hope the abscess is gone for good.

Good points.

I did raise it briefly with him (he stopped my during my remicade dose yesterday). He acknowledged the risk passively and said it was the best method. I've spent the last couple months with abscesses growing and causing me great pain. The resection should have stopped the fistula causing these, but he's wanting to make complete sure that all the existing abscesses are gone.

I've been googling a bit, but can't find any definitive answers. I'm kind of leaning towards doing it and then cutting them off for quite awhile after. The pain is still fresh in my mind and I'd sure love to avoid another bout if it's coming.

I do everything possible to limit my radiation exposure by refusing unnecessary x rays and CT scans. I would have a heart to heart with the Dr. ordering the scan and ask if this test is absolutely necessary and if there is any other test that can provide enough information to satisfy him. I read somewhere and I think it was on the CCFA website a few years ago, that crohn's patients need to limit radiation exposure because we are more susceptible to the effects. I remember that because I was due to have a repeat set of x rays done for a broke toe, so when I brought that to the attention of the ordering Nurse Practitioner and she cancelled my x rays because they were not absolutely necessary. We always have to be our own advocate.

Post Edited (pmedic) : 6/25/2011 9:26:30 AM (GMT-6)

pmedic said...
I do everything possible to limit my radiation exposure by refusing unnecessary x rays and CT scans. I would have a heart to heart with the Dr. ordering the scan and ask if this test is absolutely necessary and if there is any other test that can provide enough information to satisfy him. I read somewhere and I think it was on the CCFA website a few years ago, that crohn's patients need to limit radiation exposure because we are more susceptible to the effects. I remember that because I was due to have a repeat set of x rays done for a broke toe, so when I brought that to the attention of the ordering Nurse Practitioner and she cancelled my x rays because they were not absolutely necessary. We always have to be our own advocate.

I agree. Ask if a MRI or pill cam will work instead. A CT scan will expose you to much more radiation than conventional X-rays.

Post Edited (BabeintheWoods) : 6/25/2011 3:37:52 PM (GMT-6)