HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Question about CT Enterography for Fistula

Support Forums
>
Crohn's Disease
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 10/14/2009 3:20 AM (GMT 0)
Hello,
I'm having my third infusion of Remicade this Friday, and then in November I'm going to be having a CT enterography scan to see if my abdominal fistula looks any better or not...If not, I will need another surgery...So far, having two infusions I haven't noticed any change. What I'm actually wondering is if the CT enterography is like a regular CT scan...like, does the contrast give you diarrhea all day afterward? I'm going to be traveling for it, so I'd like to know what to expect. Diarrhea is not one of my regular symptoms with Crohn's. Also, is it normal that I haven't seen any results yet in the healing of my fistula? I'm starting to get a little anxious about it, because I really don't want another surgery just yet...
Posted 10/14/2009 4:07 AM (GMT 0)
I had a CT Enterography in August. It was really easy! They gave me 3 bottles of contrast to drink at home (except for 1/2 of the last bottle that I had to drink shortly before the procedure). The consistency was of water, but with just a little of that fruity "contrast" type flavor. The procedure itself was very short. They gave the IV contrast that makes you feel like you're peeing, did the scan, and that was that. So much easier then drinking barium, not to mention clearer results!

I didn't have D, but I suppose it's YMMV. Since it's not one of your regular symptoms, I'd guess you would probably be fine as well.

Good luck!
Posted 10/14/2009 4:22 AM (GMT 0)
The contrast that one must drink for the CT Enterography ALWAYS gives me massive diarrhea. In fact I usually start going before I finish all the contrast. The first time it wasn't a problem the day afterward. This last time [which was scan #4} I was still going the entire next day.
Posted 10/14/2009 12:52 PM (GMT 0)
Interesting the various ways they want you to "do" the drink. Locally they have me drink the first bottle 1 hour before the scan, the second bottle 20 minutes later, arrive 20 minutes later at the facility where they greet me w/a glass of water and 20 minutes later the scan is started.

I can't really remember how we did it at Mayo. Arrive at the department, and I can't remember if it was 2 or 3 bottles of the contract or even if we did any water. I just remember it was somewhat different than locally.

I just had one in April and am NOT happy that I have to do another CTE tomorrow, especially since I just had a soft tissue CT scan of the neck on the 8th of this month. Not that I mind the procedure itself - but - between Crohn's and COPD I've had so many radiology procedures I really ought to glow in the dark!! They should have started me out from the get-go and my very first radiology procedure w/one of the badges that rad techs wear to monitor their exposure. I swear I must have had as much exposure as the busiest of them!!!

I will be ever so grateful when they finally perfect the MRE to better, clearer results than the CTE!!! But so far, Mayo told me that the CTE is still superior to the MRE except for the rectal area. *sigh*

At least, assuming we decide to do an FNAB for the thyroid, the needle is guided via ultrasound and NO radiation!!!!
Posted 10/14/2009 3:40 PM (GMT 0)
I'm thinking that I probably glow too. I've had way too many X-rays and scans in my life.

Someone here recently posted that they had to drink a ton of milk (instead of contrast) for the CTE. I think the 3 options they use are Volumen (the contrast), milk, and some sort of metamucil drink.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply