CT scan?

I recently posted regarding my Daughters low iron issues, and has now received an iron infusion with no issues. So, on to the next problem I guess.

She's been having some kidney pain, (mild), and also around to her lower right side. Hasn't been able to tell if it's Crohns related or not. She's had ultrasounds, two over about 6 months, and both show a mild swelling in one of her kidneys, but normal kidney function.

Suspecting possible kidney stones too small to detect on an ultrasound, or a narrowing in the ureter. The Dr. has now ordered a CT scan of both her kidneys and abdomen. I suppose this will be a good diagnostic for both the kidney and her small intestine to see how that's looking as well.

My concern is, a CT scan is so much radiation. Should that be a concern? I'm a little worried about her receiving that much radiation at a young age, (28).

I would not worry about the CT scan. I had them about every month last year, and several times this year in the ER.
It is a very tiny small amount of radiation.

I had an MRI which is MUCH better. Push for that if possible, but they are not easy to get. Laying in that tube with headphones on is challenging with all the noises, but worth all that trouble for such better results if you can get one.

The dye they will possibly inject into her while doing either of these tests is more concerning as it is not good for your kidneys and has alot of iodine in it. Some hospitals use an iodine free dye, but not too many. Nothing to worry about either really. I have had a lot of it and no trouble other than feeling yucky all over for a while.

I am sure your doctor has checked her creatinine. You could certainly mention creatinine to her doctor as in "what are her blood creatine levels" and do some reading up on it to make them sort of go wow this person is paying attention to my work.

I've had several CT's done since I can no longer have MRI's because of metal in the body. There is very little radiation exposure, not enough to be concerned about. My understanding is a CT is much better detecting stones & narrowing of the ureter than an MRI. I sure hope she doesn't have stones, I've never experienced pain like that when I passed kidney stones.

Take care.

73monte,

I have had so many CT scans I have lost count. 9 to 12 would be a guesstimate. They have not caused me any issues at this time. When I complained about the radiation 3 different doctors told me that I should be ok but that I need to limit CT scans going forward and not have any for the next 3 years. I am to demand a MRI.

Has she tested positive for a UTI?? What's her Egfr numbers look like?

I am on Remicade. (since 2015) I have had 3 surgeries since 2016,(Scar tissue obstructions which cause a colostomy) and since January 2020 I have been struggling with UTIs. They would not stop. I was on antibiotics for 8 months. I had surgery to fix a RVF because they thought that was part of the issue. They removed most of the rectum, scrapped the anus but we're unable to do anything with the RVF. The surgery did cut the mucus by 3/4. (Mucus was coming out right by my urethra ) I got out of the hospital, and 6 weeks after my surgery had my Remicade infusion. Alittle over a week later I went in for a pap, complained about not feeling well, they checked for UTI and my Egfr was at 42. I was in acute renal failure. I went to a nephrologist who thinks that Remicade is causing the issues, she has another IBD patient having the same issues. It happens in a very small subset of patients that take Remicade. I had to stop drinking soda, drink at least 90 ounces of water, cut out all sugars, lower my meat and salt intake. We extended my Remicade to every 8 weeks and added saline before, during and after the infusion. My Egfr has now risen to 84. I developed antibodies so they started the methotrexate tablets again. Nephrologist had me try Uqora for kidney infections. I get the complete package plus 30 of the Target packets. So far no new infections. (I supplement the Uqora with another brand if D-mannose plus cranberry capsules. The Uqora is sorta pricey. I take a total of 6 to 8 grams of D-mannose daily.) If I miss a dose I feel like I am getting a UTi. Nephrologist is hoping this will start to stabilize within the next 6 months. I get my blood checked 2 weeks after my infusion and immediately prior to the infusion.

I am not saying this is what is happening to your daughter. I am saying that it is something to be aware if. I didn't know. No one... Not my CRS or my GI... Indicated that Remicade could impact your kidneys. (And I was reaching out to one of them every month.

Please let us know how it goes. You all are in my thoughts and prayers!

Clo

Post Edited (clo2014) : 11/6/2021 7:20:17 PM (GMT-6)