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Major anxiety over CT scan

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Posted 9/3/2014 7:55 PM (GMT 0)
I'm working on trying to get a CT scan scheduled but there is much going back and forth between the Dr. and insurance and facility. Ugh. Don't they know I'm anxious? LOL. Anyway, of course I read about the procedure, not ever having had one, and of course mine is ordered WITH contrast, which is scaring the daylights out of me.I read that people who are anxious have more of a risk of having a reaction too. I don't have any known allergies but I'm terrified of having a reaction. My family knows someone who died bc of this. OMG, i feel like every corner I turn there's something else to scare me….like what if I die because I'm trying to make sure I'm not sick? Has anyone had this test with contrast? I'm scared to death!!!Any advice?
Posted 9/3/2014 8:39 PM (GMT 0)
I had a CT scan a few years ago. The only thing that was weird is the liquid is cold and it feel weird. I am a very anxious person and I did not have any negative reactions.
Posted 9/3/2014 9:03 PM (GMT 0)
I think you have to weigh your options here...

If your doctor feels it is necessary to do this test, and is strongly recommending it...then yes, you will need to muster your courage, use your coping skills and get through it the best that you can.

If however (and if I remember correctly from your last thread) your doctor is leaning toward an anxiety dx...and you are the one still wanting to go through all manner of tests to rule out every last physical cause...

...well then, I think I would recommend doing all that you can to treat your anxiety first...and see what kind of positive results you get in terms of lowering your physical symptoms.

I just feel that it is a lot to put one's self through, when in the end, you will most likely be needing to focus on treating the anxiety anyway...when all the tests reveal nothing wrong.

This is simply my opinion, and please know that I respect and support any decision that you decide to go with! :)

S.C.
Posted 9/3/2014 9:31 PM (GMT 0)
I do know that my original problem, which occurred before anxiety ever entered into the picture was abdominal pain under my ribs. I really wasn't feel anxious when that first happened. I still don't have an answer to what is causing that, and there's no way to get one otherwise. In that respect I fell like I don't really have an option. It was either a HIDA scan, specifically on my GB or this, and since I don't feel like my symptoms really seem like GB this makes more sense. In asking, I was hoping that there would be some other nervous nellies that had done this test and felt like it was no big deal. I feel obligated to find out what's causing this pain, for my own sake and my family's.
Posted 9/3/2014 9:41 PM (GMT 0)
I completely understand...and by all means, you should do what you feel is the right thing!

As far as getting through the lead up to the test, and the procedure itself...

...I would recommend talking with your doctor/NP and getting all the information that you can about what will happen when you go in. (knowledge is power!) Let them assure you that all will go well, and ask about what they can do to help you with the anxiety about the test.

Wishing you the best!!

S.C.
Posted 9/3/2014 11:25 PM (GMT 0)
You will be fine:) The dye they use for CT's is harmless. I believe it's iodine based and comes out via urine (the dye they use for MRI's is different and you sometimes need to have bloodwork done before an MRI is preformed. Anyways, the dye feels warm when they inject it, then they scan you and then you will feel like you have to pee. Or that you actually peed yourself. Haha! I wish you the best!
Posted 9/3/2014 11:32 PM (GMT 0)
I've had several cats with dye over the years. I had no problems at all. Lol....I actually kind of like the warm rush the dye gives you. You'll be fine!!!
Posted 9/4/2014 12:32 AM (GMT 0)
Well, that's kind of reassuring. At this point I would be fine with actually peeing my pants to make all of this go away. :-) Seems like there are so many horror stories out there, but I guess that's true of everything. I am assuming they're prepared for allergic reactions anyway, since I'm having it done in a hospital.
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