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HIDA scan

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Posted 10/24/2008 5:03 AM (GMT 0)
I am finally going to get my GI doc to seriously look at my gallbladder. Got a HIDA scan scheduled for next Tues. Anyone had one done? Is it a hard test to go through, what can I expect? Thanks.
Posted 10/25/2008 12:37 AM (GMT 0)
Hi blueroseix,
I had one a few months ago. It wasn't bad at all. I just laid on a table with a scanner/camera over my chest/abdomen. I can't remember everything, unfortunately.......but I think they just took pictures for awhile (after an IV contrast??) , and then I ate a "pudding" that was full of fat and they took more pictures. It can take around 1 and 1/2 hours. I was having hip pain problems, but took tylenol ahead of time and did okay. It really isn't bad at all.
Posted 10/26/2008 9:58 AM (GMT 0)
It's great to hear that. I was a bit nervous but am willing to basically go through anything at this point. This makes me dread it much less. I only pray they find something and I don't get yet another "everything looked fine" response from my doctor. It gets so old hearing that when you know somethings wrong with your body. Thanks Cathy! :-)
Posted 10/27/2008 3:28 PM (GMT 0)
I had three HIDA scans, so I'm an old hand!  LOL.  You'll have an IV line put in (it's the same process as having blood drawn, only they leave a plastic needle, if you will, in your arm.  You will get an injection of some mildly radioactive stuff and they will put you on the narrow little table and start taking pictures.  When the radioactive stuff is properly concentrated in your GB, they will give you another injection, this time of a chemical which causes your GB to empty (this is where my tests differed from Cathy's--she got something to eat instead; it's my understanding that eating something is less common than being injected with something).  Then they will continue to take pictures as they watch that radioactive marker leave (or not leave) your GB.  It will probably take a few days for you to hear back from your doctor's office with the results. 

You may feel nauseated when they give you the chemical injection; my mother and I did.  You may also cramp a bit.  It wasn't as bad for me as a normal GB attack, but it was uncomfortable, especially since laying down always made my symptoms worse and you can't get off the table while they're scanning you (it took 45 minutes to an hour).  I have heard, however, that it's rare for people to get so sick that they actually vomit, but as some people are more prone to it than others, be sure to tell the tech if you think you're about to.

Posted 10/29/2008 1:12 PM (GMT 0)
Got through the HIDA scan okay. I did not have any nausea but did cramp. I have not gotten the results back yet. The worst part of it for me was the pain in back from laying on that table for an hour and a half. I was so stiff when I got up it was almost comical. I will give more info as I get it.
Posted 10/29/2008 7:07 PM (GMT 0)
How were you symptom-wise, going into it?  As Keriamon has stated, sometimes the day of the test you're having a good day and thus it might not indicate a problem when they get the results.  I had some food (on purpose) that caused me issues before the test (a couple days before, I fasted as directed the night before).  My test was inconclusive, as not enough dye entered the GB for them to do the second part.  Later I had a gastric emptying study which showed slow motility so my GB is off the suspect list for now.... maybe until I start experiencing pain or get jaundice I guess? 

Even if the results come back that your GB is apparently functioning fine, you can still self-treat by following a Gallbladder diet.  Do a web search to see the recommended foods (and those to avoid).  I covered a few in the other thread, and that's what I've been doing the last year and most of the time it helps.   Not always though.  Glad the test went well and hopefully you'll get some answers!

 

Posted 10/29/2008 11:17 PM (GMT 0)
I was doing good symptom wise before the test. It was early in the morning and I had not eaten anything to cause any pain. I did sneak an Ativan with a little water to get it down just to keep me calm. I have anxiety issues and was nervous and jittery the entire night before didn't get any sleep. I have already been changing my diet quite a bit I stay away from fried stuff as much as possible and eat much smaller amounts. It has helped with my pain considerably, but of course I do sometimes eat a little too much and pay the price later. That in itself is a good deterrent lol
Sorry your results were inconclusive. I am hoping and praying mine are not, but I will have to wait and see. I have not had the gastric emptying test done which I probably should have as a next step. I am diabetic and Gastroparesis is also a suspect. Thanks for responding.
Posted 10/31/2008 7:36 AM (GMT 0)
HIDA scan came back quote "normal" eyes Feeling very discouraged right now. I really thought I might actually get some help this time. I have had sooo many tests done on me. Endoscopy, colonoscopy, HIDA, ultrasounds, CT's. They never find anything but I KNOW there has to be somehting. It's just not livable to be in this kind of pain every single day and not know why. Sorry needed to vent a little.
Posted 10/31/2008 12:32 PM (GMT 0)
Funny how we get upset about 'normal' tests, you'd think we'd all be relieved. Same situation here, it is very frustrating not to know what's going on. That said, don't fret about it, there's still other tests they can do and/or repeat just takes a long time.
Posted 10/31/2008 3:09 PM (GMT 0)
Yes I see what you are saying, normally I would be thankful and I guess I should be anyway. Not giving up just getting very frustrated.
Posted 10/31/2008 4:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hey, I had three of those things over the course of five years before the last one finally showed that my GB was bad. They're not 100% accurate. Wait a while, then press for another one if you're convinced your GB is what's bad. For me, it was certainly my GB, because I not only had all of the symptoms of it (as per my mother's nursing book), but almost everyone in my family has had GB trouble or had it out compeltely, so when I talked about what was wrong with me, every single one of them nodded and said, yep, that's your GB.

That's a herditary problem, btw.
Posted 11/1/2008 5:26 AM (GMT 0)
Okay I see. Wow five years bless your heart. I am going to push for more tests definitely. I am unfortunately unable to know if GB probs run in my family as I am adopted and have not pursued meeting my birth family yet. Given all my health probs I am beginning to think I should get on that. Thanks for posting that it gives me some hope. :-)
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