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CT Scan for Abdomen - please share

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Posted 6/27/2013 5:20 PM (GMT 0)
Guys,

I have to have a CT scan next week and am nervous as H---- about it.

I know I have to  drink the barium stuff before the test.  I am having this test to rule out anything horrible that might be causing me stomach issues for the past 6 months and a lot of weight loss.   So yeah, I am scared they will find something.

If you have had one of these test , do they allow your spouse to be there with you?

It would help of they let him stay with me.  Please let me know.

Posted 6/27/2013 5:22 PM (GMT 0)
also, have any of you dropped too much weight just from anxiety / depression, etc.?
Posted 6/27/2013 5:36 PM (GMT 0)
tummywoes,

I have not had a CT done on my abdomen, but I have lost 28 pounds since the beginning of May until now with my anxiety. I am eating a little more now, but am still losing a little more weight...I know how concerned I am with losing the weight without trying but I think with the anxiety, it just speeds everything up in our systems...just my thoughts!

I pray that your CT goes well for you!!!

Hugs,
Sylknmyst
Posted 6/27/2013 5:48 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your quick reply.

I had anxiety really bad a few years ago when my hubby passed.  I lost weight then, but  never this much!

I won't look at myself anymore due to the weight loss.  All the stomach issues have limited my eating a lot.  No appetite when your stomach hurts.

I am trying to stay positive and tell myself it is stress......but now I wonder how in the H--- do you gain the weight back if they find nothing on the test????

Like everyone here, I can't get these thoughts out of my mind.  I have had colonoscopy and Erd test, that were fine.  Tons of blood work that is ok.

How are you handling the weight loss????

Posted 6/27/2013 6:12 PM (GMT 0)
tummywoes,

Well, I was in the hospital for something totally unrelated to my panic attacks and anxiety at the end of April for a week. When I was in the hospital, they took me off of my anxiety medication cold turkey so my panic attacks came back with a vengeance! I couldn't stand the smell of any food, let alone look at it. I knew I had to eat, but really couldn't. The only thing I could really stomach at that point was yogurt. Anyway, I have since been put back on Effexor XR 75mg at the moment, and I take Klonopin .5mg 3 times a day...I have since gotten some of my appetite back, but not before losing the 28 pounds.

I have an electronic scale at my house so I am constantly weighing myself...and if it drops down, of course I get nervous and more paranoid. I feel like when I sit down, there is no fat on my bum, it feels like I am just sitting on bones...I feel every part of my body to see what bones I can feel and whatnot...tell my that isn't some serious anxiety!? I am by no means withering away, but losing weight this way is not the healthy way to do it. If it was under different circumstances, I would be ecstatic. And when people tell me "wow, you have lost a lot of weight", of course that makes me even more anxious and then I wonder if I look sick! It is a vicious cycle and it sucks...but I do believe it is all due to the anxiety.

Are you underweight now or just concerned like me because you are losing the weight without trying to? Also, do you take any medications for your anxiety and such? With the nausea, before I starting taking my Effexor XR, the Dr. prescribed me some Zofran to help with the nausea. I don't need to take the Zofran anymore, but maybe you could talk to your Dr. and see if they think that might help for the short term?? Again, these are just my thoughts and I am not a Dr. but I do know what you are going through...I am here to talk anytime you need! I constantly check the posts and threads throughout the day because I am a stay at home mom and this site helps me so much!! I hope I have helped a tiny bit!!!

Sylknmyst
Posted 6/27/2013 6:56 PM (GMT 0)
Syl,

Thanks for sharing your story with me.  Mine started last December.

We had moved away and that was a mistake.  I had been laid off from my job, so I thought moving to another area where housing was less was a good idea.

I have not found work here, and the drive back "home" is almost impossible since I do not drive freeways.    I had a physical in July of 2012 and everything was good.

When I returned in December with the stomach issues, the Dr. said "oh, you have lost a little weight"   that was around 8 pounds, I thought no big deal as I knew I was stressing out over the job thing, and not being close to family anymore.

My fiancé still works, so I am alone a lot in this area, no close neighbors, friends, etc.

I was diagoised with gastritis and given zantac.  Nothing seem to help the stomach pains, lack of appetite, etc. I continued to drop weight and when I had my colonoscopy I weighed 90 lbs.  I have not weighed since, because I know it is wayyyy less and I if I know how much, I will really stress out!  Now I am scheduled for this stupid scan next week and of course am thinking the worst!

I was prescribed Xanax years ago when I had anxiety bad,but really hate to start taking it again.  But depending on what the scan says, I may have to go back on a rx.    We are planning to move back home at the first of the year which will help./

but in the mean time, I have no energy, back ache and stomach pain everyday.

I keep thinking OMG, will they throw me in the hospital, God I hope not.

 

Posted 6/27/2013 7:13 PM (GMT 0)
tummywoes,

I can also relate to not having any close neighbors, no one to talk to where we live as it isn't residential. I am sorry to hear about your struggles since December, but also wanted to tell you that if you decide to go back on the meds, that doesn't make you weak. Some of us need them, others can deal without. I for one, am one of the ones that needs medication...

Maybe talk to your Dr. about some kind of high calorie shakes or something of the sort to get something into your body...if you are able to drink them without feeling more nauseous? Just a thought.

If you need to take a Xanax here and there, don't beat yourself up over it...just go with the flow and talk with your Dr. and see what he/she may recommend for you.

I am betting there is nothing wrong, but anxiety and stress...so don't fret over being put in the hospital, you'll be fine!!!

Hugs,
Sylknmyst
Posted 6/27/2013 7:15 PM (GMT 0)
TW,

No, you will not be able to have your hubby in the room but he may be able to be in the techs room and watch you through the window if the techs don't mind.

A straight forward CT Abd with contrast = 16 minutes.  No pain at all.

I am praying for you,

Kitt

Posted 6/27/2013 7:24 PM (GMT 0)
Syl,

I had to take the zanax for quite sometime, little tiny pieces.  But they helped get through the day back then.  Dr. has me on Bentyl for the stomach, so I am afraid to mix the 2.  The Bentyl doesn't seem to help any.

I end up taking regular Tylenol every 3-4 hours for the back pain.  He said my blood work showed that my organs, kidneys, etc. were fine.  But that was 2 months ago.

so who knows?

Yes, I agree the isolation does not help at all.  Being able to talk to someone always helps.  I have tried Boost like drinks, and they make me sick. 

Kit,

Bummer, I was hoping he could stay with me.  Hope the Tech is not far or I will freak out for sure!

 

Posted 6/27/2013 7:41 PM (GMT 0)
Kit,
Mine is W/O contrast, just the barium junk. ok, is the 16 min the time on the table or the whole thing?
Posted 6/27/2013 10:04 PM (GMT 0)
TW I may not have shared this with you but my Mother weighed 95 most of Her adult life, She was totally
nervous energy, couldn't gain weight She always had to take something for nerves and sleep.
She lived to be 88, please do not worry to much! Peace

Larry ***
Posted 6/27/2013 10:24 PM (GMT 0)
thanks Larry,

My normal weight is around 107-110.  I was not alarmed at first because I was at 113.   But now I am afraid to know what I weigh  One of the gals on the anxiety board said she had lost 28 pounds in a short time due to anxiety.

God forbid I am doing this to MYSELF!............I need to get a grip!

I think I will fell better after this stupid scan is over with.

Thank you for your reassurance!

Posted 6/27/2013 10:37 PM (GMT 0)
 

Without contrast the scan will only take 7 minutes.  Before the test they will have you fill out a questionnaire as well as drink your prep in the waiting room.

I suspect your stress and anxiety are causing your problem.

Remember each person is different so don't get stuck into comparing yourself with others my young friend.

Let us hear from you when you have your results.

Kindly,

Kitt

 

Posted 6/27/2013 10:43 PM (GMT 0)
Kit,

Thanks for the info.  I hope it is that fast.   I guess we get the results fairly quickly?

Thank you for always being here. 

how are things going with you?????

Posted 6/28/2013 12:54 AM (GMT 0)
TW, during all my bad times years ago I used xanax as needed, it worked like a charm, haven't needed one
in two years now but I wouldn't hesitate if i got bad. I don't know what that drug is they have you on for
your stomach but I have acid reflux so bad it use to blister my butt. I take Prilosec over the counter and
I never have a bad acid day(unless I forget it) then i know in about 12 hours. Best of Luck and Prayers.

Larry ***
Posted 6/28/2013 1:48 AM (GMT 0)
larry,

the med for my stomach is supposed to stop cramping, but it has nasty side

effects,   I did not take it at all today.    thought I would wait till Saturday and try taking a zanax and see how I feel.

I know the back pain is connected to my constipation problem too.

If I could kick the back pain, I might be able to sleep at night.  The zanax may 

help with relaxing the stomach too?

Where are you located?  I am in Calif. and it was 102 today, yikes.!

Posted 6/28/2013 3:22 AM (GMT 0)
Real close, Texas!
Some things I have learned the hard way you have to trust me. Xanax is one of the best muscle relaxers
ever, and yes it will calm your stomach also. If you take one about a hour before bed time or a half of one,
by the time you are in bed you will know if its easing up, take the other half then. It will be worn off by
morning and thats how I survived, I would suffer what ever came my way in the day time but at night I
would use my meds because I had to be alert in the day time.
Did you see my answer to the Customer Service Rep from Bell? Danny Maldinao hes the Senior VP at
the Overhaul and Repair center now. Peace
Larry ***
Posted 6/28/2013 4:49 AM (GMT 0)
Hello Tummywoes, I can speak to you from what Ive gone through with anxiety Iam a tall woman 5/10 to be clear. So ppl can tell when I lose pounds that I do need(lol) anxiety will do that to you,and it's hard to eat Ive had many test done&have had to drink nasty mess. But it's all for our good the test&all and where I live,I had to go through it by myself and my mom would wait for me but truth is we are never alone. So don't stress over nothing until you know you have something to stress out with about your health,I had a health scare the other day that made me have to call 911. And I find out I may have diabetes but I have not yet to worry over it,until know for sure hope your test goes well&that a clean bill of health comes back.
Posted 6/28/2013 1:21 PM (GMT 0)
larry,

No, I did not see the post about Bell.  My computer has been acting up, so I probably did not get the notification email.  Small world isn't it?  Bell was a very demanding customer, but I liked the people there and enjoyed talking to them. Gosh, I miss working!

thank you for the reassurance about the Xanax.  I know you are right and am going to try it tomorrow for sure.  It helped me years ago, and I know it might help me get through this rough time.

Soul,

Thanks for your reply.  Yes, these tests are scary, but it cannot be as bad as the colonoscopy and End was......I hated that test.  But, they are necessary just to rule out stuff.....I will be glad when it is over!......maybe then I can relax a little and start to gain some weight back.    

Posted 6/28/2013 5:19 PM (GMT 0)
i have lost 15 kg it more than 30lb in 6 months since i started to develop physical symptoms because of anxiety , but gained 3 kg about 6 lb in 3 weeks ago when i started to eat 2~3 meals a day and reduced smoking ,hope you CT scan comes out normal
Posted 6/28/2013 5:32 PM (GMT 0)
Adee,

It is nice to know I am not alone with this weight issue.  my eating is very limited, it seems after I do eat, then the pains start again.  I also need to quit smoking.....I know it irritates the stomach worse, but hard to do.

thank you for sharing.

Posted 6/28/2013 11:35 PM (GMT 0)

tummywoes said...
Adee,
It is nice to know I am not alone with this weight issue. my eating is very limited, it seems after I do eat, then the pains start again. I also need to quit smoking.....I know it irritates the stomach worse, but hard to do.
thank you for sharing.


yeah quitting smoking is a ***** especially during anxiety, last thing we wanna face is the awful side effects that comes with quitting smoking

try fruits , lots of fruits this is how i gained some weight back i was eating easy to chew food and low fat
Posted 6/29/2013 10:38 AM (GMT 0)
I had a CT scan for my abdomen done with contrast back in 2009 and let me tell you, I WAS A WRECK. The radiologist CLEARLY and OBVIOUSLY thought I was a nut case, tell me to calm down and that he's been doing scans on people all day, everyday for 20 years. I was afraid of everything, from them finding something to getting an allergic reaction to the contrast solution.

With that said, the test was a breeze and I'm glad I got it done. It cleared my mind at the time and actually played a major role in alleviating my anxiety.

Now, in 2013, I'm dealing with a very similar experience as I did back then. This time instead of another CT, the doctor wants to preform a colonoscopy to which I'm, once again, extremely afraid that they will find something and also about the exam itself.

Just as you can reassure me about a colonoscopy and can tell me that you're glad you got one done, I can reassure you that your CT will be fine.
Posted 6/30/2013 6:28 PM (GMT 0)
worry & others,

I had a really bad night last, bloating, pains, nausea, etc.  Even thought about going to

ER, but chickened out.   It was awful.  doesnt seem to matter what I eat, 2 hours later I am miserable.  Not with gerd type stuff, but the stomach pain, etc. 

I get so down with this, and worried I may never be my normal self again??

Today I researched Candida overgrowth in the stomach.  OMG, the symptoms fit all of mine.

Since the medications for IBS, etc., don't do a thing for me, I am now thinking I may have this???.......It has all the IBS, inflamed stomach lining, gastritis, etc.

Have any of you been DX with Candida, if so what did you do to get rid of it????

Posted 7/1/2013 12:04 AM (GMT 0)
TW, Prayers and Hope. Peace

Larry ***
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