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What is the purpose of a CT scan??

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Posted 8/10/2011 3:30 AM (GMT 0)
Hey everyone, today I was talking to the PA of the surgeon I have a consultation with in a week. She said they got all of my records but want me to somehow get all of the images on CDs and bring them with me to my appointment. She also asked me if I had gotten a CT scan yet, which I have not. I think I've had every other test BUT that. She didn't say I'd need one but I didn't ask because I was too flustered about everything else she was telling/asking me.

So I am wondering, for someone with something like colonic inertia, what exactly is the purpose of a CT scan? I looked it up, but it seems like a test they would order for someone BEFORE ordering all of the other tests I have had which were all much more invasive and complicated than a ct scan. So why do they do it?

Has anyone else had one of these before having a colectomy?
Posted 8/10/2011 10:05 AM (GMT 0)
I guess they'd be looking for a stricture, twist or narrowing on the CT. I was meant to have one but as I'd already had 5 of them last year, they were worried about exposure, so I had an MRI instead. I understand an MRI is more expensive and takes WAY longer (like 60 mins in the scanner). Anyway, it didn't show anything anyway so was fairly pointless. As far as I know the CT would also show up any areas of infection, abscess, cancerous lesions etc - doesn't sound like you'll need one to be honest.

What tests have you had and what are they planning next?
Posted 8/10/2011 12:40 PM (GMT 0)
Alibee, the CT scan also gives the surgeon a good visual of your insides. Drs. frequently order CT scans to diagnose problems. If you haven't had one, I wouldn't worry about it... I was asked for a disc of my CT scan too, just standard procedure I think. Good luck with your appointment! I have my pre op the same day, only in the afternoon!
Posted 8/10/2011 12:47 PM (GMT 0)
They kind of want a record of every test you've ever had before surgery. I had a heart stress test about 8 years ago for something that turned out to be nothing and was completely unrelated to why I was having surgery. However, because I had had one (at another health place), they wanted a copy of it before they would do the surgery..... fortunately I had copies of my records, and I found it and brought it in; otherwise it might have delayed my surgery.
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