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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 3/25/2010 8:00 PM (GMT 0)
I got denied for the pill cam by insurance.  They said my GI didn't have sufficient proof of need that yet.  So one good thing about my doc and my local system is I already have a CT scheduled for fri for my abdoment/small intestine.  I realize it is a painless test, more concerned about the stuff I have to drink.  Any side effects?  Will I be running for the bathroom?  I live 30 miles from where my doc and imaging place.  Other than that I have no worries about it.
Posted 3/25/2010 10:12 PM (GMT 0)
What do you have to drink? When I had my CT scan, they pumped some dye into me via IV. Apparently some people can have some kind of allergic reaction, but I did not.
Posted 3/25/2010 10:24 PM (GMT 0)
     about a month ago I had a CT scan of the pelvic area.  I had to drink about 32 oz of thick vanilla flavored stuff.  It is nowhere near the unpleasantness of the Nulitely I drink prior to my colonoscopies.  Since my test was ordered STAT, I started the drink fairly late.  Usually they have you drink the first 8oz the night before and then at intervals before your test.  I  had to start drinking at noon and had to get all 32 oz down before 5pm.  They then inject a dye into your veins.  The only discomfort I felt was when the dye traveled into my rectal area.  I was and still am flaring with my ulcerative proctitis and the dye seemed to burn as it traveled to the rectal area.  Other than that, it was a cinch.
Posted 3/25/2010 10:25 PM (GMT 0)
I can't remember what I had to drink. I had the upper GI series at the CT scan on the same day. I think I had to drink some crystal light stuff and then they shot the iodine into me. Its rare to have an allergic reaction to it. It feels weird going through your veins. You feel like you have to pee but you don't. I think it was the upper GI that I had to drink the barium and the salts. Ugh it was so long ago!
Posted 3/25/2010 10:26 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry about the insurance denial. That is really tough. The good news is that I've had a CAT scan and it was a piece of cake! The liquid you drink doesn't taste bad at all (especially compared to the colonoscopy prep). I didn't feel any side effects at all--no extra bathroom trips, no stomach upset. The only weird part is when they put the die in you and you literally feel warm all over (it just feels a little weird).
Good luck!
Bridget
Posted 3/26/2010 1:35 AM (GMT 0)
I had a CT scan in January when I went to the ER for a bad flare. I had to drink a quart of something that they said would "light up my colon" for the scan. It was mixed with apple juice and ice and was not bad at all. I drink a lot of water and ice tea, so a quart of weak apple juice was not a problem to drink over a 2 hour period. I would say don't worry, it is nothing like the colonoscopy prep ! turn
Posted 3/26/2010 5:54 AM (GMT 0)
A CT scan in the ER showed no inflamation at all and I was in the midst of a bad flare.
Posted 3/27/2010 3:41 AM (GMT 0)
As a radiologist (with UC), I can tell you that CT may not show changes in the colon that actually reflect your symptoms. Unfortunately, these days CTs are done routinely if you go to the ER. Too much radiation, in my opinion.

The prep doesn't taste as bad as that for a colonoscopy. Ideally, you should wait 2-3 hours after beginning to drink to take the images to allow the contrast to get to the rectum. THe contrast helps fill up the bowel and lets the radiologist see if there is colon wall thickening better than if the colon was just filled with regular stool/air.
Posted 3/27/2010 5:32 AM (GMT 0)
Well it turned out to be a bit of a tough day.  Started the morning off bright and early with a painful episode that pretty much cleaned me out.  Went back to sleep, got up, no water no coffee no nothing.  got to town (30 miles from where I live to the Dr.)  Wasn't given the stuff to drink in time, given the stuff to drink finally, got sent to another clinic with an opening, drank more stuff, got poked in the arm, got really hot with the IV stuff, got done.  Made it to the restaurant to grabe some breakfast about 4pm and had to wait there awhile cuz all the "stuff" gave me the big D!  Managed to race home and spend the next couple hours running to the bathroom.  My gut was so noisy my wife could hear me rumbling 10 feet away.  It's ok though none was painful, just a bit embarassing and noisy and uncomfortable.  I hate getting dehydrated like that it takes me the rest of the day/night to recover it seems like.
Posted 3/27/2010 11:19 AM (GMT 0)
I have the big D so often and I can't tell if it's the contrast or just the usual me. :)
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