COMMENTS
I had the first part of the CT w/wo contrast of my chest, the tech couldn't find a vein and on the third try inserted the cannula as though he was in a vein.I am a phlebotomist and have had lots of IV's...he did not have blood in the return but by the time I thought to say anything, he was injecting the contrast FAST!!! I immediately experienced severe pain and told him to stop, something was wrong. He kept injecting, however, then stopped. (his report was to say he stopped because he ran out of contrast). I had immediate swelling, tremendous 10 pain. Was sent up to my room (i'd been admitted day b/4 w/chest pain that had resolved.)...cold compresses applied, finally surgeon arrived and determined we needed immediate surgery for compartment syndrome. This is my right forearm-I am right handed. The first surgery was to debride the contrast and open the compartments . An incision is from my wrist to past my elbow on the inside of my arm. 58 stitches, 39 cm. " Forearm Fasciotomy". the incision was left open with drains and vacuum-assisted wound closure device for 48 hrs. Second surg included another debridement, cleaning up necrotic tissue on muscle, and closure of incision. That was before t-giving. I am dealing with what might possibly be permanent nerve damage and hypersensitivity. Aside from the loss of my business, this is my right arm. I've had to learn to deal w/the pain as well as loss of the ability to do so many things I've enjoyed.
This is my experience. Has anyone had anything similar? I'd really like to know!!
I had ct scan w/contrast 3 times all 3 times I developed a "rash" under my right arm, which did not develope until 6 or so hours after test. 1st time rash was not too bad, thought maybe it was due to wearing a shirt washed in new detergent. 2nd time was so bad it was like little clear bubbles, doc at ER said was cellulitis after staff infection was ruled out. I asked if it could be due to contrast dye and was assured it was probably due to shaving armpit and bacteria entering which was believable.3rd time which was yesterday 4-7-09 rash developed as usual, when I called my docs ffice they returned the call after relayng what I said to doc, said the doc thinks it is not due to dye, as it developed so long after test,yet I am convinced it is as it happens EVERY time. It itches and burns and I can't even put my arm down. Doc said to take benadryl and put hydrocortisone cream on it which does not help. Benadryl makes me tired yet I can't sleep!
I had a reaction to contrast dye years ago. Thank goodness I was still in the hospital having another test preformed. Started breaking out with hives, within minutes I was having a convulsion. My advice would be to hang around the hospital for awhile after contrast, you wouldn't want to have these reactions out on the road.
I've heard of several allergic reactions to the contrast given with a ct scan. Wish mine had just been a rash...still looking for someone who'se had the IV infiltrate and been injected with the contrast in their tissue and not the vein. lousy outcome...
I also went for a CT and had the feeling of that like a sleepy hand or foot, combined with the heat rushing through my body. Gave me a mild headache and some itching. It calmdown fast but 2 days later had all the places in my body where the contrast went, reacting the same way without the warmth. Looked like I had goosebumps all over my body with little pin pricks of red blood showing in most of them. It is now a week later and I still have the itching and some bump and some bloodspots that seem to "come and go" all over my body. Also took Benadryl and cortisone cream that does not seem to help too much. So here I am still itching :(
I recently had a CT scan with dye contrast administered. Two days later my throat started closing up and my voice became extremely hoarse. I developed severe burning from the inside/out on my face. Called my doctor and was given prednisone, albuterol, pepcid ac, and a shot. Waited a few days and went to the emergency room only to be told that they were stumped. They gave me a script for anxiety medicine and sent me home. My face is still on fie. I believe I have radiation burns. Has this happened to anyone else?
I had a recent ct scan and developed a reaction. I felt my face getting stiff,felt like swelling, chest pain, and pressure in my head like it was going to pop. My throat felt funny and I started to cough. I felt something bad was going to happen. Luckily they reacted quick at the hospital and gave me the shots necessary. Now I'm scarred of this exam with IV dye contrast. My face was red under my eyes lasted one day and a half.
i had colon cancer they gave me a ct scan about the 4 ct i notice a burn on my elbow not just once but this makes it the 3 time i told them about it but they say its not the ct scan doing it i just yes it is same arm and big blisster everytime has it happened to anyone else please let me know what to do the ct scan people think im crazy bit im not tk deb
Several weeks ago..about 4 or 5, I went into the hospital as an outpoatient to have a CT Scan of the abdomen area, in preliminary step for the test where they run a camera down your throat to the stomache while you are "out". About 1 or 2 days after the CT scan (in which I DID have the dye contrast, I developed alot of pain and soreness in the crook of my arm (where they put the tube for the dye). It is still there...in varying degrees, even after all this time. It definitely hurts. Can't throw anything or lift anything without pain in crook of arm. It often radiates to the forearm. I have been hesitant about going into the doctor again over "noithing", but now I think I may need to. Any suggestions or comments?
Catherine,
I am an attorney who works on medical negligence cases. I just met with a new client who had a similar experience to yours. I would like to learn more about your experience. Please send me an email so I can ask you a few questions. Thank you.
Michael, I would have a doctor check it out. I have heard of the contrast infiltrating moderately and causing tissue damage, not to the extent that mine caused compartment syndrome, but it certainly is worth checking out. THe contrast they use is caustic to tissue, it's a wonder it doesn't dissolve our veins as well!
Had a ct scan and mri done in the same day both with contrast dye 1 week ago. Now my arms, hands and legs are itching so bad I want to rip my skin off. It started a couple of days after the test. Any one had this and if so, how long does it last?
Went to get a ct scan today with iv contrast and i had some weird side effects. Instantly got short of breath, hot in my face and throat, and my blood pressure shot up really high and i felt very "car sick" feeling. If anyone has had this happen to them will you let me know.
had ct with contrast done and my heart started beating rapidly and spasming after injection. was admitted to the hospital the next morning with extremely high blood pressure, chest pain and trouble breathing.they did ekg and blood work and sent me home. went back to hospital 1 day later with same symptons and was admitted, had ekg,blood work and stress test and was sent home with anxiety meds. have no heart problems in my family and I got the scan for a facial pain problem I've had for many years and now I have this strange anxiety heart thing going on, Its been a week now. Im really worried about it.
had dye injected in shoulder , next day both feet swelled up , now feel like my heart is beating faster at times with a little shortness of breath. went to hospital about feet they said I must have had reaction to the dye . will never have it done again , hurt like ------
I wish I had found these entries before I had the CT done today. The tech inserted the needle into my right arm and told me she would insert saline first to test my vein tolerance. It burned immediately and she took the needle out and tried my left arm. She said she would run the saline slower in the left arm. I didn't feel much at first, it was very tolerable. But when the dye went in, it began to burn. I tolerated it for the sake of having the test. When the test was over, I was in agony. The tech took the needle out and the inside of my arm looked like the front of my knee it had swollen so large. After I left the facility, it seems the arm just kept getting larger. It really frightened me. I went to work as I'd planned, but about an hour later, I had to leave. My arm felt as though I needed a sling. I couldn't straighen it. The right arm was also swollen, but about half the size of the left. I called my Dr. who told me that it was not normal. He told me to take Advil, elevate it, and use warm compresses. He also told me to go to ER if it got worse. I'm getting the swelling down, but now I'm really starting to itch.. It seems this test should not be this strenuous on the body. I'll keep you posted.
I had a CT of my abdomen and pelvic area with contrast yesterday. 8/5/2009. I felt a warm feeling as the dye went in. The tech explained everything and she was right on. Other than a pain in my right side that started shortly after. I had no complications and it was quick and relatively painless. I'm anxiously waiting the results now.
I had a contrast dye head ct scan 2 days ago for severe swelling in the throat whick locked my jaws. They warned me about the rush of heat you feel. I was very scared and asked for medication to relax first. They gave me ativan into my IV. I didn't want to have this test. Considering I couldn't open my mouth and swelling was starting to block my throat; what choice did I really have?!? So, I signed and went into the scan scared as hell, even with the medication. Well, no heat rush was felt. I felt nothing at all. I was out in 5 mins. It's been 2 days and I feel my jaw tightening up again, though I am assuming that is the jaw infection still there. I am going in tonight to get checked to be sure I am ok, but I really felt nothing at all with this test. Note; my mom had this test done years ago and had a severe hive reaction. She is ok, but bad things can happen. My 'dye' risk outweighed the consequences of suffocating- that's the only reason I signed that paper!
I had this test done to diagnose kidney stones aprox 20 years ago and had a severe reaction to the dye. my eyes were almost swollen closed and my wind pipe began closing. The tech injected me with benadryl and some other meds and I survived the rest but it took several weeks to get over the reaction. I was told to never have the iodine injection again.Now I have been diagnosed with kidney cancer and the dr has ordered a CAT with iodine. I told him about my reaction and he said they would pre-med me so there shouldnt be a problem. I dont feel good about this and feel even worse after reading this blog. I have been told by a rad tech friend that a PET scan which uses a nuclear medicine to reflect "HOT" spots might be an option. any thoughts out there?."Tonight I'm scheduled to do this. Think I'll call my dr back. Signed: Chicken, But smarter now
I just had a CT Scan 9/2/09, this was contrast, of the eye, I was told that this procedure will tell the Dr if any findings with the veins or muscles or any abnormalities, felt no side effects
I just had a CT few days ago with IV. I developed heart pullpitation and irregular bits out of control.
I have a high blood preasure and take medication for few years. Noboday told me that I should not do this testm, because it can couse seriouse side effects. During the procedure the doctor was inform about my heart pulpitations and they decided to continue tests. I was not feeling well after when I came back home and I don't feel right until today.
Can I have a feedeback from either patient or attorney about simmillar cases or reactions ?
I had my first scan in April. It was aweful! I had no reactions afterwards but during the scan I got very very sick and felt intense burning, not a warming sensation. One tech said it was normal the other said it was weird. Anyway, I was very scared to go get another scan for fear of feeling like that again. This time my head will be in it which worries me even more. I was hoping that this time would be better but instead... The if infiltrated and my arm swelled to double my other arm and was in a lot of pain. They were not able to do the test. I have to wait for my arm to heal and go back. Very very frightened!!!
Wow...think of all the law suits you guys can have. You can get million and millions of dollars for your pain, or even if you made up...err...exaggerated your pain. You can get a big house,a fancy car, maybe even a boat out of the doctor or hospital easily. Let's teach them a lesson and really drive up their malpractice insurance. Yea...I know, if I bothered to even read the release form it would have told me about the risks, especially the allergic reaction to the contrast medium. But who has time to read when you are laying there all scarred. I don't care if they are trying to help me. I'm going to take advantage of it and sue the crap out of them. I'll admit it, I'm lazy and want to enjoy the easy life as soon as I can. So what if I drive up health care cost. That's somebody Else's problem. If god didn't want us to sue everybody he shouldn't have made so many lawyers.
Kelle- i had the same feeling when i got mine done the other day. I believe it's normal to feel those things. and as for wayne- don't do anything you don't feel good about. if you had a reaction before, it's more than likely going to happen again, and possibly be even worse than before. Other than that, my only problem is that the iodine made me have to urinate about every 15 minutes for 24 hours following. Has anyone had this happen to them?
I've had two CT scans with and without contast in the past three weeks. Both experiences were extremely unremarkable. Other than the expected warm, "flushed" sensation with the injection of the contrast solution, the procedures were completely uneventful.
Catherine...Yes My wife had the same exact thing happen to Her in 2007. It's called extravasation. Let Me just tell You that nothing gets "better". The muscle You lost is not regenerated. I hope You are looking for representation.
I has a CT with the injection and it felt like a warm sensation, from my hear to my toes. It also felt like i had to use the rest-room : )
In San Diego @ the Sharp Memorial Outpatient Pavilion I had a Pelvic & Abdominal CT with 3 glasses of clear liquid contrast that I had to drink. I went to the Dr for tummy pain, gurgling & he said he wanted me to go next door & get the CT's done.
The clear liquid contrast they gave me is typically used in an emergency room setting because it goes thru the body quicker.
When the gal turned on the CT Scan and started using the red lines (Laser) to align me, I immediately felt a sharp pain across my belly button area. I screamed "ouch". She said "what happened". I told her & she said it was just coincidence.
Then later that day i started developing a weird dry, burnt feeling on my lips, tongue, roof of mouth & back of throat. My voice started getting a bit hoarse. It has been 4 weeks & it is the same. Actually getting worse. still the sharp pain in the tummy too.
The DR said the CT's came back fine. He claims no knowledge of any negative reactions being reported like I had experienced from the CT Scan or the Clear Liquid Contrast. The secretaries became tight lipped.
I know that the CT or the Contrast or both have caused my issues. But nobody will give me any answers. They want nothing to do with it.
I don't know what to do. I am really mad at myself for blindly trusting & having the CT done. I do believe that I am probably dying from this & none of the people who did the CT care. They have their money & they have moved on. I'm left to suffer. Probably an untimely death as a result of it.
DR's today are too quick to put patients thru
"The Machines" & expose us needlessly to radiation!!!! How many people silently die because of this.
I don't know what I should do. Please help. I'm scared about what's going on with my mouth & tummy pain & yes they should be sued, but how?? It seems impossible. I just want my health back right now.
Thank you for your thoughts.
I had a CT sacn w/ contrast 2 days ago and got a severe allergic reaction to the dye. My whole face swelled up and its still swollen after two days. I'm going to the dr. tomorrow morning for a follow up and hope they can help me w/ the swelling. For now, I have to wear sunglasses 24/7 b/c I look like a blow fish.
hi had a ct contrast scan yesterday sept 29 i still got the runs hope this is normal
I had a Ct scan done today with contrast and I'm happy to report it went well. I have heard of awfull stories about what could go wrong but for me it was a breeze with very little side affects and no pain what so ever... Thank God
I had a catscan today. I was in the ER so I already had a port in my arm for fluids & blood draws. They had me drink 32 oz of something mixed into apple juice. And also injected contrast.
First the drink, was only mildly yucky and I drank it all in about 10 minutes. They also came and gave me a shot of morphine and an anti-nausea med while I was drinking it (suspected appendicitis, I was in a lot of pain) and I got really shaky and sick feeling but I still easily finished the drink.
At this point I was shaking uncontrolably from the morphine shot, but this is what happened. I got to the scan machine and the tech was extremely nice. He flushed my port which hurt horribly. They stopped right away and called a nurse in to checkk the placement. It was placed correctly and they decided to try again with less pressure, and it was just mildly uncomfortable, I had heat shoot down my hand and they said thats normal.
Then they did a few scans, and then the tech came and held my other hand as they administered the dye throught the IV. He held his other hand over my vein, He said he was monitoring the pressure in my veins and it felt fine. And that they were administering it at half flow so I might feel weird up to a minute. I felt really hot and it was hard to breathe for about 30 seconds. My heart felt like it would explode, but it all went away very quickly.
Within 5 minutes later I walked to the bathroom and felt fine. It's been about 24 hours and my arm still hurts a little but otherwise no effects from the contrast.
I had ct scans done 18 months ago, for kidney cancer, since then, I have had my right kidney removed and 1/3 of my right, after that I have had scans done twice without contrast, at my request. Now the DR. is telling me I need to do Lung, pelvic and abdominal ct's with contrast, this is supposed to happen on October 21st, and I am afraid of damaging what is left of my one kidney. I have heard that when you have kidney problems you should not have contrast, and I have also heard of people going into renal failure. Any Comments welcome! Sincerely scared stiff.
My mother is currently in hospital with kidney failure which has developed since her CT scan with contrast on 1st October. Kidney failure is not listedas a side effect, but the doctors are now saying it could be. Has anyone else had this problem?
I am scheduled to have a CT w/contrast tomorrow afternoon for the pelvic/abdomen area. After reading these postings of all the various side effects, I seriously am concerned and frightened. However, if I change my mind and there is a strong possibility of bladder cancer, do I put myself through all of this...suffering. Please advise with any suggestions and/or comments. Thank you!
Do it WITHOUT contrast or ask for an MRI or Ultrasound instead. They have no radiation. You are in control of what you put your body thru NOT the Doctors. Doctors are Salespeople. Do not forget that very critical point. Don't blindly let them lead you around by a ring in your nose.
I went for a CTscan today and I haven't had any weird reactions or side effects as of yet..
I drank the not so taste friendly Barium, but I got it down. Don't think I'll be doing any Fear Factor Reality Show anytime soon, this was hard enough to drink.. haha
however, I went in and had my CTscan w/wo contrast. First did it before the Dye injection. Then did it with the dye and then again 5 min later. I had no issues with him putting the needle in my arm. I felt the warm sensension run through my body, first I felt it in my throat and I felt hot, just about the time I felt that he was telling me I would start feeling a warm sensation and I nodded yes I feel that. It only lasted a min and I was fine. When I finished my CTscan I went to eat and then went home. I haven't had any problems. If I do, I'll be sure to come back and advise.
I had the ct w contrast dye done on Saturday Oct 17th. The tech was very informative and was helpful to me so i knew what was happening next. gladly had no reactions. After having it done I went to breakfast and tumy was a little bubbly all day and had to be in the bathroom all day but besides that i had no problems so far.
I'm scheduled for a CT scan w/dye on Nov. 2nd and after reading these stories I'm more terrified than before since I've had heart palpitations all my life and break out in hives at the slightest provocation, I have decided to stand up for my rights and ask for the no contrast or the MRI. After all it is my body and as I'm in enough pain now for 5 people, I really do not relish the thought of any more pain or damage to occur. I believe everyoone should be fully informed prior to the proceedure of the consequences and alternatives!
response to Cayla...and the idiot who would change their tune if they were left with an arms length incision on their primary functioning arm making it impossible to function normally and had their livelihood grossly affected!....anyway, Cayla, you certainly do have a choice to put or not put this dye into your system. Obviously there are a bunch of different reactions and we should all be so lucky to have tech's so caring as V! The only reason I bring suit against this hospital is hoping it may save someone else from an insensitive and one trac minded tech! I'd like to hear more from the man who's wife suffered the same thing in 07??what resulted??
For Catherine,
I don't want to go into specifics here, but We have brought suit against the hospital. You can contact Me at rrnhrdt91@gmail.com
I am scheduled for an abdominal cat scan w/wo contrast, I have polycystic kidney and liver disease, I told my Dr, and he assures me that it will be ok! He advised me to drink plenty of water tonight so that I won't be dehydrated. I am really afraid because my brother had this procedure done, and had complications. My daughter also had problems after she had it done. I there a great danger with my condition?
I had a CT Scan. Today for my head. I was really scared. When the injection went in it felt really really warm, and it burned alot. I had a CT Scan to check my head.
I had a CT w dye for my neck.I really did not like it. It burned and it felt like I wet my pants.
I am a 49 year old female with a recent 1-year history of unilateral violent headaches w/nausea, disorientation, vision and speech loss. Also a family history of brain aneurysm. Today I had my first CT scan, of the head, at Providence Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas. The tech explained all the possible adverse reactions in advance, and took a detailed history. He told me that I might feel a fullness in the throat, because the contrast contains iodine and has an affinity for the thyroid, which is located there. He told me that if I experienced any severe reactions like anaphylactic shock that I would be immediately cared for in the ER and that my airway would be managed until the crisis passed. I was made to feel very much at ease. I experienced only a strange "rush" which I had been told to expect, a warm feeling, and a sensation that simulated wetting my pants -- though I knew I was not doing so, it was slightly disconcerting but not really uncomfortable. Afterwards I had a slight dry mouth, and the tech advised me to drink plenty of fluids to help my kidneys flush the contrast from my system. Overall it was a positive experience, and I will know soon if I have any cause for concern over my headaches or not. The peace of mind is well worth a little discomfort.
I'm still struggling with the effects of the extravisation of the vein putting 80cc's of iodine contrast into my right arm resulting in compartment syndrome,complete fasciotmy and some muscle loss. If any attorneys are reading this, and have any advice for me, please feel free to contact me! thx !!
My Mom Is dealing with barium dye left in her for the last two weeks. she is in the hospital for obstruction in her stomach and the gave her the dye to drink and had to stop the test cuz they belivie they found the blockage and drained(sucked) it out of her stomach thru her nose, some how a bit of it got into her intestines the dr. didn't tell her much about, but the radioagest seemed very concern and they gave her a sopostory, now were just waiting and seeing, her condition is detreating. she hasn't had a bowel movement yet or in the last two weeks. Am trying to find out about the side effects of it being left in you but having hard time with all the info on the web. If anybody knows anything about this or a good website to check out for this or stomach, intestine problems, please let me know. God bless. CArole
carole i read your note about your mom about not using the bathroom for 2 weeks let me tell you they need to do a bottom barrium its when they put an enama and put it on tv screen doctor sees thats what happened to me it took them 2 months to find the problem i had a blockage i had cancer in the colon and im wearing a bag im trying to lose weight so they can take bag off its been 3 years im trying to hang in there if it wasnt for my husband he changes my bag i wont look at it it makes me cry. im trying to lose 60 pounds because of chemo i gained weight back so if any one reads this i hope it helps someone ive been through alot. deb
Anyone reading these comments should remember that those with bad experiences are more likely to post than those with good experiences, so don't let the negatives overwhelm you. As for me, I just had a CT Scan with contrast without incident. I have untreated hypothyroid and strangely enough I felt remarkably better than I have in years about 3 hours after the scan, lasting a couple days. Love that iodine!
Would like to know how many cc's of iodine is injected for checking for wet macular degeneration condition ?
I have had CT scans with contrast done previously with no problem. Two days ago I went in and had one done to check kidney function. Yesterday I started to itch badly across my torso and arms. I'm still itching really badly today. Benadryl didn't do much to help it out. I'm hoping that it will stop soon but dreading that it won't. I'm scratching so much I'm starting to leave raw, red areas on my stomach, chest, arms and lower back. No fun to be sure! Better luck to everyone else out there.
I would agree with Cherry, who posted on Thursday 10th December, in that people with bad experiences are more likely to post on here and seek out a place for them to talk about their distressing experience.
I had a botched lumbar puncture once, and added my thoughts to a blog - it definitely helped in knowing that other people had gone through a similar experience.
I had my CT with contrast scan a couple of days ago, and all is well.
The I know the radiographer (he's a friend of my partner), and he told me that less than 0.1 percent of people have problems with the CT Contrast procedure, and an even smaller fraction of that figure have a serious allergic response.
Touch wood, so far I've experienced no unpleasant side-effects, apart from a heavy left arm from the injection site, and an urgency to go for a wee frequently for the 12 hours following it.
I would agree with a lot of other people's opinion on here regarding choice. It's absolutely O.K to decline or refuse a procedure. It is then up to the medical staff involved to approach the issue from another angle.
Good luck to you all.
I am going in for a cat scan of my small and large intestine using high contrast die. I have ONE KIDNEY and DIABETIC. They are requiring me to come in the day after the cat scan for “test”. So what is the danger? I don’t have to do this. Anyone??
I had my CT scan on December 15, 2009. I had no problems with the scan nor the contrast. Before the contrast was administered and after the ct scan was started I experienced a terrible crushing sensation across my chest it then moved below my sternum. I tried to breath through the pain but had to end up going to the ER. They took 2 EKG's and bloodwork. Heart problems were ruled out. I ended up going back to continue the CT scan, upon my request. The tec was right on target when they said I would feel a warming sensation ending at my pelvic area making it feel as if you pee your pants.
Don't let all the negative replys scare you. Finding out the reason for your pain is worth the chance of a reaction. Good Luck and God Bless you all.
What about the 2 new studies (one with National Cancer Inst.) relating CT scans to causing cancer?
had the scan with contrast no problems during the scan, however I developed urinary infection two days later and it has not improved in 3 weeks, going to the doc tomorrow and see what is going on, no problems with infection before.
The entire procedure with contrast went well, no side affects or problems. In my opinion, the risks involved with the dye injection should be highlighted before sending the patient to the procedure, not just ordering and setting up the procedure without the patient knowing the risks.
I received a CT Scan yesterday.Lost of pain in my right arm.The technician said that he blew a vein,hence the massive burning.My arm swelled up twice it's normal size.Tech said just keep a warn packet or towel on it. Then instructed me to go to the emergency room if things didn't get better. I started getting a red rash inside my right eyelid.Got a nasty headache. Today the headache is gone the rash inside the eyelid is still there. The swelling in my arm has dimenished somewhat.Still experiencing warm feeling in the armand itching. Worried that I might get neurosis and possibly lose my arm. I will never get another CT Scan again.It's been said that it useful for the Doctors.Well it's certainly not usefull to me.I feel a lawsuit coming on.
This post is in reply to Scotty's post from Dec. 18th. My mother was a diabetic and was diagnosed with kidney failure 4 years ago. She eventually had to go on dialysis. After her kidney function had gotten down to something like 13% she was admitted to the hospital (for heart and lung issues) and the attending physician wanted to do a test with contrast. I remembered hearing that the dye could decrease kidney function - so I asked him about that. His reply was "well - she only has 13% left anyway so it really isn't going to matter". You don't want to know what I told him after that.. Just know that we did not have the test. That test would more than likely have finished off what little function she had left. You need to research this before you make your decision. Hope this helps.
THIS IS FOR JOHN DOE!! You better get yourself into the emergency room, by the description you gave, you have quite a bit of contrast dye in your arm. Necrosis of tissue, and muscle is the bigger problem, you may have compartment syndrome. No way that tech should have let you leave.
OMG. I have had a similar experience to some of you. I had a CT scan with contrast and the person put the IV in and ran the saline solution. No problem. Then she started inputting the dye and I told her that my arm was burning, she just rubbed it. I said again, with tears in my eyes, that it was burning. Again, she just rubbed it. After the test, I asked her how long my arm would take to heal and she said no time at all the burning was from the needle. I knew that she was wrong. When I got home, my arm was huge and swollen. I called to let the doctor know and he had me come right back to the hospital. They took Xrays and found a large amount of the dye in my arm. I had to put ice on it the first night and a warm compress for the rest of the nights. He told me to follow up with my primary doctor. I did a week later and my primary doctor was so surprised at how much dye was in my arm. He read the report to me and explained how much was there. He gave me a pain prescription and told me it would take at least two months to get rid of the pain! He said that the dye was in my muscles too. This is ridiculous!!
I've been reading all those horror stories about the CT w/contrast(3D)
OMG! My doctor is scheduling me asap for a nodule on the middle of my left lung. Needless to say, I'm scared to death now. Is this something that can be seen better with an MRI? What are my options?
Thank God for all the positives posted!
i had a ct scan 2 days ago..it was awful!!! the contrast burned so bad i felt like i pissed myself theni couldnt breath. as soon as ct scan was done i broke out in big hives all over my body and was extremely itchy they immediately laid me on a table and gave me saline IV and made me drink large glasses of water to flush it out. i still have the hives but they are fading. the worst part was the extreme burning sensation when it goes in...NEVR again!!
I had a CT today with contrast to check my thyroid. Felt the heavy, warm sensation, a feeling like I was urinating and a slightly metallic taste in my mouth. All is fine so far, 7 hours after. The hospital told me the risk of a serious side effect was low.
Had my very first CT scan today due to a lump on my left collar bone. I'm never in the hospital, so all of it was so intimidating!! First off, I hated having to get blood drawn to find out if I was pregnant or not, lol and 2nd, the machine just looked so freaky! Anyways, put a little bead on my lump and got the injection of saline, and didn't feel a thing. That red laser they line you up with, I don't think burns or anything like that? I was fine...then he injected the Iodine and I could immediatley feel a difference. It was such an awkward feeling! He told me I was going to have something like a hot flash, but to be able to feel that stuff go all through your body was so weird! I didn't feel like I had to pee, but I definitley felt it down there too lol. I got so hot and I almost started getting worried because I wasn't sure if I was supposed to feel that much anxiety and heat? So I breathed slowly and relaxed and just kept my eyes closed and I was fine. I had it done about 5 hours ago and I am still feeling fine. I am really sorry for everyone that had bad experiences, but I had really great doctors and they weren't busy so they really took their time! I hope everyone finds answers to their problems, and just know if you fill out your medical history correctly and let them know the entirety of your symptoms, they won't do anything to you that is going to hurt you (on purpose at least). Not all experiences with a CT are going to be bad ones, so don't go into the appt. feeling like you are going to get zapped and die or something! You will be fine, just make sure you tell the Doctors everything and let the doctors know if you are hurting during the scan; don't deal with something that you know isn't supposed to hurt that bad because it'll just make it worse!!
I hope my results come back good as well as everyone elses. How long does it take to get these results back, does anyone know?
I had a CT scan about 4 days ago for shortness of breath (turns out the ER doc thought it was a side effect from my new med, Vyvanse, but the doc who gave me the med said it was an anxiety attack). But, they did an EKG, blood work, and the CT scan. They told me it was going to burn, so, I expected the worse, and hoped for the best. I obviously didn't know what "the worse" was going to be. I was ok at first, because i was just hooked up to the Oxygen...which was amazing. But, then they connected the Contrast to my IV port... As the machine told me to breath in, i started screaming, yelling, and crying. It took about 10 seconds for the tech/nurse to come in and unhook me. The test kept going. I was pretty much having another anxiety attack on the table. I wasn't staying still, I wasn't holding my breath like I should of, nothing. It was HORRIBLE. I've never been in SO much pain. After the test was over, the severe pain went away. I apologized profusely to the ladies who were in the room with me. A little bit of pain still resided in the upper part of my arm right afterwards. i NEVER cry during medical procedures. The test was done Thursday morning, around 3AM. It is now Monday morning, at 121AM. my arm still hurts to stretch it completely out, or to carry something heavy. It's a little swollen, and it "tinted" pink where the pain hurt. My mom said it infiltrated...when I was first given the IV, the nurse took the blood test, and then hooked me up to the fluids. But, she somehow managed to hit the needle. That caused a bunch of pain, too. So, we've come to the conclusion that when she hit the needle, she either went through the vein, or almost did, and the contrast caused enough pressure to go through.
I hurt :(
I'm sorry to see all the negative posts on here. I can certainly understand everyones frustrations, anxiety and nervousness over a CT scan. Not only are most of you worried about the possible outcome of the test, but the test itself. I have been a REGISTERED CT Technologist for over 14 years now as well as a recipient of a couple of CT's with contrast. Contrast reactions are relatively low, but are still possible. Everyone that is upset that they got one needs to rethink things. If your DR. prescribed an antibiotic and you had a reaction its the same thing. We do not know how you will react until you receive the medication. As far as the Extravasation (contrast going into the soft tissues vs in the vein) that is a whole other story. I emplore you to do a little research as you are getting tests done. Ask the XRay tech or the CT technologist or the Nurse if they are registered in their field. (Not all CT Techs are registered) Ask them how long they have been doing there job. They should not take offense to these questions. This should help to give some more comfort and trust. You wouldn't feel as comfortable with a plumber who has 1 year of experience as you would with one that has several references and has been doing it for 15 years???? Same thing here.
This is your body you are dealing with. I'm so happy that all of you put your trust and faith in us, I'm sorry that there are individuals or organizations that have let you down in that respect. But please do not shame a potent, well researched, safe, and extremely effective treatment/diagnostic tool on the basis of some idiots. If that were the case, I would never go to a Mcdonalds drive through again.
I had a CT scan with contrast two days ago. Other than a hot flash that lasted less than a minute it was no big deal.
On a Thursday I had 2 CT Scans at 10:30 a.m., one of which was with contrast. Later that same day at 6:00 p.m. I had a MRI with contrast. My face started itching about 12 hours later. Itching turned worse Friday evening and all Saturday. Sunday seemed to be a little better. Monday at work people comment how blotchy my face looks. Itching gets worse as the day progresses. Thought this was the body soap I started using. Realized later that I must be reacting to the double dose of contrast. This didn't happen to me with two past MRIs two and three years ago. Did not see the doc. Hoping this reaction will past tomorrow. If not I'll probably go see the doc.
To many of you, I am a CT tech and for the 99 per cent of the time your reactions are just a mild side effect. Most reactions to the contrast today are very mild and resolve within minutes. Allergic reactions can occur up to 1 week after, hives, blistering is conseiderd in the hive family of reaction. Swelling of the throat, shortness of breath are more serious, but rarely occur with the new non-ionic contrasts. Just like buying any of the over the counter medicines we do not know what your allergies are and this is a very small risk for the life saving benefits of this exam. You all need to realize that if you have certain complaints your doctor is trying to figure out the problem and must diagnose that some how. A CT is an excellent and most of the time the best way to visualize this. If you have or had a very serious health problem, you better thank God for the ability to diagnose illness today using a CT Scanner. Ultimately this will enable you to receive immediate diagnosis and treatment so you can get well again. Thirty years ago we did not have this modality in radiology, and I myself as well as my closest family members have had this exam done with excellent outcomes and treatment. Choose the Radiology department like you would a doctor with a little research and conversation with others who have been there. Choose one that has a long standing reputation and an office who cares about your feelings. Our goal is to provide you with good quality care and a pleasant outcome.
If you have had a reaction to dye you can be prepped with steroids and benedryl, I have done many scans where patients have had this prep and I have never seen a patient have a reaction, I am not saying it is impossible but I have not seen a break through reaction. I will say though if I myself had an anaphylactic reaction where I had trouble breathing, and or my throat closed type of reaction, I would not have the IV dye, I would not take the chance of that.
I have also had many many patients who had reaction to the dyes years ago and now do not have any problems, that is because in the last 10 years they have developed non ionic dyes, and patients that have iodine allergies, or shellfish allergies do not react anymore, so just because you had a reaction 20 years ago does not mean you do not have an allergy to the dyes that are made today.
The contrast will not cause post test palpitations, heart issues, or heart pain, the laser light definately does "NOT" ever cause pain, nor will it cause hoarsness, dry lips or any of the things Cayla talked about....get a grip!!! To the person who only wants to sue...shame on you get a life and work for a living, you have to answer to the man above on judgement day....
Just remember we are here to help you, certainly not to hurt you!!!!
It is very reassuring to read the comments on this site from the CT techs. I had a bad experience during my last CT similar to what some of the comments posted describe. I am scheduled for my annual CT scan with contrast on Monday, February 15th. This is the fourth February that I have had this procedure (to check on the changes in an AAA). I am dreading it because last year the needle infiltrated and my arm swelled up with dye. I didn't know what was happening. It had never hurt before. At some point the technician noticed my arm was changing colors (I couldn't see it of course) and asked me if it hurt. By then I was in agony and screamed that my arm felt like it was going to explode!!! They turned off the CT and removed the needle. My arm was a lovely bright orange color. They had a nurse check me out and let me go home. She said if I had any problems that evening to come to the ER. My husband is going with me this time, just in case.
I had a two CT scans yesterday because I am being screened to see if I can donate part of my liver to a friend in need of it. [it's so cool that my liver will grow back to its normal size and the piece my frind recieves will grow into a whole new liver!]
This morning, there is a mild rash over half of my body, but it doesn't itch much. My bigger concern is that my face looks like I've been sunburned and feels very hot. I called the hospital to ask what they gave me that would have caused this. They said that if the reaction was from the iodine, it would have happened right away. From reading these comments, that doesn't seem true. They gave me a different injection for each scan. For the second one, they first put benedryl into the IV and then for 30 minutes, had to do a slow drip of a different agent. After that the scan had to be done within 15 minutes before the agent dissipated from my system. Does anyone know what that substance would be. I have no desire to sue them. I only want to know what to do about it. So far, they seem to be denying it could have even been from the scan. I so want to help my friend, but am a little concerned about their reaction to this. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to handle this?
I had a CAT scan today (02-15-10) with and without contrast.. I was a bit apprehensive after reading this forum. It was very uneventful. I felt a warm sensation in my arm and that was it. I have not had any adverse effects. I hope this helps out.
Sharon, they would have no reason to keep the name of the contrast from you. You just have to talk to the right person and ask the right question...just be honest and explain the procedure you had and tell them you would like to know the name of the contrast for this other CT "for your personal records", or just out of curiosity, or you Mom wants to know...I wouldn't tell them you want to know because u think it caused a rash. However, you may get ahold of a tech like these good ones who've posted here, and they'll be glad to help you stay informed about what substances are put into your body...for whatever reason! It's your body, your right to know!
Good luck!
I'm scheduled for a CT scan Thursday 2/18 of my pelvis and abdomen. I'm a little nervous because when I had an IVP in 1986 (quite a while ago!) I immediately went into uncontrollable shivering! I felt no heat at all, but it scared me. This time I'm a little scared because I'm afraid I might have a worse allergic reaction. My dr has prescribed prednisone and benadryl to be taken the morning of the scan. I hate to take these things, especially prednisone (I'm sensitive to meds that get you hyped up), but I guess I will because I don't want to take a chance on having a bad reaction. Wish me luck. I will report on it afterwards. Barbara
The adverse reaction I had was agonizing gut pain throughout the entire night. The relatively frequent urination was to be expected as I've been hydrating my body to get rid of the dye. BUT, that pain from my diaphragm and whole thorassic area including headache and jaw pain were not! I am very unhappy about the use of a CT scan w/without contrast in lieu of an MRI (because of the cost!) and esp in light of the fact that I told all that I had had adverse reactions in the past including vomitting and sneezing. I had 4 tests of the abdominal region after an US found "something" in the right horn of the bladder. I have been suffering from uretria for about 8 months off and on, trying to treat this homeopathically. On Unia de Gato, the bleeding actually stopped for about three months and then began again after a "healing" done by a well-meaning friend. At this point, I went to my doctor...sigh.
I said I'd report on my CT scan so here it is: I sneezed twice right at the end of the procedure. Then I broke out in hives all over my face and chest and in the roof of my mouth. Lasted for about 30 minutes and gradually the swelling returned to normal so I walked out of there looking like myself! No trouble breathing, but a slight feeling of fullness in the center of my chest, which went away. I feel back to normal now, but I don't think I would have another one. If I did, would follow the drs instructions for prepping to the letter. Maybe I didn't do enuf.
i had a CT scan Friday 2/19 of my pelvis and abdomen due to stone in Kidney.now i have dark red spot on my left arm where i was injected the med.what should i do?give me quick reply,m waiting.
I had the CT with contrast on abdomen yesterday-02/23/2010. Had reactions not really mentioned on this site.While the "cocktail" they gave me to drink wasn't really bad at all upon finishing it I immediatly began to feel nauseous although it seemed to come and go. I had to wait for an hour before the procedure began. While during the test I had the typical reactions which included hot sensations and metallic taste. (Which by my description I say it taste like rubbing alcohol in your mouth, smells like it and thats what it feels like shooting thru your veins). Once the test was over I felt "ok" just slightly off kilter. About 20 minutes after the test I began to get a dull headache (something I never get) and felt fatigued. Went home and immediatley fell into a deep sleep. Woke up 2 hours later with my stomach making very loud obnoxious noises. What followed was about 4-6 hours of hot flashes, chills, vommitting and diarhea. At one point I became so weak I felt like I would pass out. I called the "on-call" doctor who seemed baffled at my reactions and said he felt like I had a "bug" instead of a reaction (although I told him I researched it online and have found other reports of these reactions)he basically told me "to get some rest and if I wasnt feeling better the next day call my doctor. Well today is the next and feeling "some better", still not up to par. Still suffering with explosive bouts of diarhea, dizzy spells and cold chills but feel tons better than yesterday. I pray I continue to see the effects subside.
I had ct scan with contrast 10 days ago. This is the sixth since having a kidney out through cancer, no problems with them but this one burned all through my body especialy my grion. Next day had pain in both sides of grion and under left armpit and pain in my kidney.Day 10 still got all the other pain plus its now its under my right armpit and one of my lower ribs is sore to touch. I have been to my GP 3 times and seen the surgoen who took the kidney out. He said i have had a reation to the dye.I have been Given no medication.In agony
I had a cat scan with contrast last week for abdominal pains and bowel issues. The drink was not to bad. The tech that inserted the IV was excellent! Felt no pain at all. As the dye went in, just a warm flush, and a feeling of needing to urinate. Afterward, just a headache which did not last long.
Carrie,
Like Catherine said things DO go wrong sometimes. If you have over 70 cc of contrast dye pumped into your arm, not your vein, your arm! You develop compartment syndrome, and have to have emergency fasciotomy then I'd say someone wasn't doing their job!
Shame on so many of you. I came to this site and everyone on here is so selfish. MOST of you just ask a question and very few people actually provide feedback OR updates. A blog is like this should be mutual in that you GIVE and TAKE information. Updates on a blog like this are very important as well (not just when you were not feeling good and came here to post, but a follow up). I am sadly disappointed in the level of selfishness on here.
I have been meaning to give an update. Sorry, Jim, I didn't mean to be selfish. I posted back in Feb. and had a somewhat mild reaction at the time [a rash that didn't itch, face was puffy and looked sunburned. I was worried about the hospital's reaction to my asking what I was injected with.] As for my symptoms, they continued to get worse- the extreme itching began the next day, the rash spread to my whole body and got very red and hot. The pharmacist said to take benedryl [my doctor later told me I could have taken another anti-histamine that didn't cause drowsiness] and to rub hydra-cortisone cream on the rash. I did that and it did make the symptoms tolerable. The treatment would last about six hours and would then need to be repeated. After seven more days, and about 15 large tubes of the cream, the rash and water retention went away. Hallelujah! My skin was left very dry and sensitive, but I'm hoping that will eventually go away, too. I realized the one nurse I talked to was not the whole hospital. The liver donation is still on and scheduled for 4/12.
The doctor said that next time he will send me to get an MRI w/o contrast. I hope this was helpful to any of you with similar symptoms.
Jim, I would not say that we are selfish. At all. We want answers. and by coming to a forum about medical procedures, we wanted answers, which means that we are (more than likely) not qualified in this field. Some of us are getting our questions answered, and some of us can relate to other people. It's awareness that we are posting about. Every medical procedure has it's own side effects, but I had NO idea about infiltration, and now I know. Had I read this website before I had my CT scan, I would of told the lady doing it, "hey, my IV was bumped, is there a possibility that the contrast might infiltrate and cause me severe pain?".
We're just searching for answers, but it seems that the most common answers are: these are all side effects/reactions, and to ask the tech doing the procedure what the side effects are.
I too came here to read about others' reactions if any and am scared to death now. I had a CT scan with contrast in 1992 and although I felt no warmth, I did have the sensation of my throat closing up...almost as if I had a large ball of plegm in my throat. I could breathe but I was shaking from nerves. The symptoms started to subside even before they removed the I.V. I had no after-effects.
My issue is: I need a CT scan w/contrast on the abdomen/pelvic area and since I had a previous reaction, the radiologist wants me to have it at the hospital. That scared me too!
Now, from this forum, I've learned that they use a different contrast than they did 1992 and that I can take meds beforehand to minimize reactions so what is the real likelihood that I would have an adverse reaction. I would like the answers this test will give but am very apprehensive about the risks.
Jim, I'm so sorry you are disappointed in all of us scared people. What is it you want? We are describing our symptoms and reactions and sharing what information we have. That is what this forum is about. Most of us don't have (or have been denied by the medical community) any valid information about after-effects of CT scans. By linking with others who have been through the same test, we are at least comforted by knowing we are not alone. That's the value of this forum.
I'm supposed to go in on April 1st for CT scan with and without contrast of my brain then an EEG of the same. I guess they are looking for TBI and Brain seizures. I have other health problems and am 47, I am to afraid to have the contrast done after reading these posts as I have bad thyroids and high blood pressure. Please someone reply...
vickie,
you will be fine. these reactions only happen, literally, less than 5% of the time. i think someone said it best earlier: people dont get online to report the good things that happen; they report the bad things to warn others of what COULD happen.
you'll be fine, and everything will be ok :)
good luck! let us know what happens
Attention: Before any of you agree to 1 more CatScan you have to read this article that was printed yesterday. Type in "Scientist: FDA suppressed imaging concerns". Maybe somebody can link it on here.
This article is blowing the roof off of CatScans. Even 1 CatScan!!!!!!!! Do not do it, ever!!!!!! It is not worth it. You are setting yourself up for issues down the road. Get an MRI or Ultrasound instead.
You can't blindly trust Doctors, their assistants or CT Techs because they either do not know the truth or will not tell you you the truth. Like the old saying goes " You don't ask a barber if you need a haircut."
Remember, the old days of Nice Doctors who are out for your best interests are GONE!!! Todays Doctors & their staff are SALESPEOPLE, PURE & SIMPLE! Do not blindly trust them 1 day more!!! Just say No to CatScans!!!
This is a link I found in regards to the posting above, concerning CT scans and radiation.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100330/ap_on_bi_ge/us_radiation_scans_fda
I gad a CT Scan/contrast, and I had to drink an iodine solution before. I have had these several times with no problems. This time, I got a lump in my throat when they injected the dye, not bad, so I didn't say anything. When I sat up they ask me how I felt and I said my throat felt funny, the Dr. came in and I had started to get flushed. They immediately hung an Iv solution on me. Since I had gone by myself they couldn't give me benadryl, but I had to hang out for about an hour before they released me. He said it's not uncommon to have many contrast scans with no reaction, then suddenly start to have them.
3 months ago i went in for ct scan w/contrast for suspect nodules in my lungs
i felt the usual flush sensation. i have had cts before.
i also had an mri of my lower back immediately after ward and they stuck me in the machin head first. i wonder what the long term effect of the mri with the contrast in me will be. and shouldnt i have been put in the m r i feet first for a lower back scan. any one who has any ideas please let me know
I had a CT scan with contrast just two days ago, and ended up in A&E. I was in agony all through my back and especially in my kidney area. I kept going into spasms and felt like my back was going to snap. I had trouble breathing and terrible tight pain in the left side of my chest and arm. In A&E they gave my an injection of steroid and antihistamine and paracetamol for my awful headache and pain in my eyes. I needed the lights off for quite a while. Today I feel as though I've been hit by a train and still have dull pain in by body and still cant get shut of my headache.I feel really weak too. Has anyone had this happen to them? I would appreciate a reply .thanks
Hi all..it's not so bad.
Wow, if I read these posts before I did the scan on Wed., I NEVER would have gone thru w/ it. I just want to assure people that it is not all that bad. I did have a terrible experience in there with the techs trying to get a vein. Then they sent me to a lady who supposedly knew what she was doing, it hurt like heck when she put the needle in. When everything was over, my hand was super swollen. It didn't really hurt though, just a little tender. I called my aunt who is a radiologist and she said that it was very normal and it will go away. I wrapped it up to put pressure on it and meditated on it that it would go away in the morning and it was totally fine by then. If it was painful then that wasn't normal. Did anyone feel like they had a low grade cold or flu after. I am getting chills w/ no fever. I was coughing a little before the scan was done, so I am hoping this is something related to that.
I had a CTA done as well with the contrast. One key element they told me was very important was when they inject sayline ( ya I dont know how to spell that)to tell them if I felt ANYTHING, All I said was oh, you did that already. I think the key is if you feel anything, this means the IV is not done properly.
It was injected by the machine as a test, I would assume for the rate of injection that can be used for the contrast material.
They told me what to expect, and that is all I felt. It was the tingling of the tounge, and a warm, well, it actually was really warm feeling that went from my head downwards, and YES, it does feel like you pee'd your pants. They told me it would feel like I needed to go to the bathroom, but it actually feels like you DID, but when you get up you see that your still dry.
Someone else posted that it made them feel better, I ahve to admit, after waiting in the hospital for 12 hours to get this test, I was all tired, but it actually woke me up and I felt great.
The only side effect I had, if it was even from the contrast was my left arm that had the IV in it, seemed to get cold, and tingle a bit, as if you fell asleep on it and there was less blood circulation. This happened about 2 hours after the test and it concerened me a bit becuase they told me about every last possible reaction that could happen, naturally I wondered, is this a start of a reaction.
The entire procedure ( less the IV ) was painless, quick and exactly as they described.
However, they did say that they do Hundreds a day at the hospital, they have had very few that have had any reaction, but they also said they had one person die on the CT table as a result from the contrast. ( they made note that the peron had other medical issues) I wonder if they injected air? hmmm
My situation, I got rear ended at 50Km/h, and I kept falling to my right side at times, they wanted to check to see if I had an airtery that got damaged from the whiplash.
Had 4th CT with contrast in 2 years, absolutely no problem, had usual sensation of peeing. If you think you will have side effects, then you probably will
Hi everyone, I just had a CT scan done and was reading up on the procedure because of shortness of breath and pain in my arm where they injected me. Doctor said shortness of breath was anxiety, and pain/swelling in my arm, was normal. Also had my stomach making some loud noises the next day and having diarrhea. Hope all of this goes away. Thanks for the information, good and bad, anyway it's more then the doctor's tell you. Getting answers sometimes is like pulling teeth. Good luck to everyone that posted, past and future.
My mother was a sever diabetic and was given contrast dye before a catscan without any of us or her being told the risks. She died 3 days later after contrast-induced renal failure set off a series of problems including, what looked like a heart attack. It seems criminal that a hospital could give this dye without notifying patients of the risk. This all happened a 1 1/2 weeks ago. Still in shock. Makes you wonder if the person who scheduled the test even checked to see if she was diabetic.
I am going in for a CT of the chest thursday the 29th, I have scheduled it for early in the morning being as I am a type 1 Diabetic, they are running some extra labs on me before hand (ba and creatinine) I guess I am more afraid of the results then the test itself, They are thinking it is either sarcoidosis or lung cancer. Well from everything I read 80% of sarcadosis sufferers are sympotmatic and I show none, temp98.5 no lymph node swelling no nausea. I am scared s__tless, but I am finding the strength to get through this being that I recently (even before all of this) found God again. Im not a preaching type of person just saying that having the faith has helped be alot recently.
Guess everything is just going so fast , this all started on Monday because I was needing a refill on my Insulin, weird...
In 1997 I was involved in a hit & run while driving my motorcycle. A lot of damage was done.
My husband told me my left side look like I had broken every bone, It was swollen that bad.
To make a long story short, I lost my left kidney, my spleen, broken ribs, torn liver and a head injury. From May 15th to July 12th I had 9 CT scans most with contrast and 4 MRI's..When I would get real bad off my hospital in Sal. NC would transport me to Baptist Emergency Room where they would automatically send me for a CAT scan even after I expressed to them my concerns and condition of my kidney. I let them know that it scared the crap out of me to go through another scan... of course they say to me "we do hundreds of these a day, you'll be fine".."it's either the scan so we can see what's going on in there and we treat it or you can go back home without treatment". I bet I heard this at least 4 times if not more.
I know my body has been affected by this but the hospital in Winston Salem N.C. claims different. At first it started as convulsions. My body (felt like it was in my bones) would contract then release in a few minutes. Then my hair started fallen out. I had it cut short hoping this would help. It didn't. My back felt and still feels like its being wringed out like a shirt. I ache all the time. I started having pains in my left arm, from my elbow to my wrist, sometimes it runs down my hand. Here it is almost three years later and I've gotten worse. The clinic here in HI is horrible, the hospital is just as bad. They shoot me up with pain medication and send me out the door. I have abdominal pain, fell sick a lot, dizzy when I stand,sit and bend down. I hurt in both areas of my kidney, even the left one that they let shrink like a raisin. I have severe headaches and blurred vision that I never had before.. I ache all over most days, I forget things REALLY bad. I have these scaly like spots on my skin that I call alligator skin because of the way they feel. I can scratch them off but it seems like two come back in its place. My hair just started falling out again one day last week. Oh, I forgot, I had blood clots in my chest that wasn't found until seven CAT scans later on July 7th '97. I still have then today...
I take 18 pills a day one of which is warifin a blood thinner, three pain pills, two muscle relaxers (that don't help).
Let me remind you that until my wreak the only thing I have been admitted for were to have my tonsils removed and to give birth.
No one wants to take a step up and see what is going on in my body because they are worried about a law suit or malpractice.
I JUST WANT MY LIFE BACK!..I JUST WANT MY LIFE BACK!
Had CT w/contrast of Neck,
April 26, 10. The morning after, upon waking up my entire face was swollen. Made appointment with my ENT and he confirmed that I had a reaction from the dye. My salivary glands are swollen. He put me on cortisone orally for 6 days to reduce the swelling. My doctor also stated that it may take up to 3 weeks before my face is back to normal. This is the first and last time that I will be agreeing to a contrast CT.
I have had itching for around two months. One year ago I had ovarian cancer and took 6 treatments of chemo, then after the treatments were done started having ct scans with contrast. Because of being allergic to ivp dye I take Benedryl and Predisone before the ct scans. I had my first in August second in December and started having itching on my nape area in February now it is on by buttocks, upper legs and I itch so bad I bruise myself. I showed my cancer Doctor and she didn't do anything about it. I have another ct scan first part of May, because they saw something they want to recheck. Has anyone ever experienced itching after having ct scans?
I had a cat scan with IV contrast dye done last Fall. Shortly after it was injected into my arm my throat became very dry and it started closing up. I waved the tech over and he called for help immediately. I was okay after a few minutes but when I looked in the mirror a bit later I was as red as a tomato, and I stayed that way for about an hour. I won't do a cat scan with the contrast dye again.
I had a ct scan a week ago. This was my 4th one in 2 years of my brain. I have never had any problems and kidney function was tested prior to the scan. However, 2 days after this scan, my lower back on both sides started hurting really bad. I developed a headache, dizziness, chills but it is the back pain that is unbearable. I finally went to urgent care yesterday and dr thought I strained my back or I have the flu. He did do a creatine test and it was normal, as was a urine test. Last night in the middle of the night, I got up for an hour because the pain was so bad. I had that warm rush like the injection. I drank alot of water and the pain subsided. Today it is back and I am so uncomfortable. I did not strain my back. Is this reaction unheard of?
I just had this done IV W/contrast- and when I got home my eyelid swelled up -but went down today- the only problem is that I've been having heaviness in my chest and heart pains all day- should I go back to the hospital? I felt the normal symptoms and was ok until I got home-
I would highly suggest that people do not get he contrast- ask for the CT scan w/out contrast-(and you CAN do that)
it's safer and you don't run the risks of having a bad reaction.
I went to the emergency room with back pain in 2004. They did a CT Scan and found that I had a Disected Aorta, pretty severe 9 inch long tear. I had surgery to repair the worst part of the tear. Since that time I have had so many CT Scans that I've lost count but I'm guessing it's over thirty of them, probably twenty plus I received the contrast. I have conveyed my concerns to my Dr. but he doesn't think there is anything to worry about. Still I'm worried because I now know that every time I get a CT it's like getting 445 chest X-Rays and the radiation that goes with them not to mention the contrast and whatever it's doing to me. I've read conflicting accounts of CT's causing cancer and I have a cousin who had the same medical problems that I've had and received many CT scans, he recently passed away from brain cancer. If anyone can answer or give me some guidance I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks Mike
I had a CT with contrast done yesterday and did not experience any adverse effects. When the dye was injected I felt a metallic taste in my mouth and I felt a rush of warmth, but not through my arm and chest, rather I felt the warmth rush through my genital area. Is that weird? I have had no other effects, no swelling, hives, pain, nausea, headaches or anything else thank God.
Was told to drink lots of water to flush the dye out of my system and to eat a lot of high fiber foods to push the barium meal (which I had to drink the night before) out of my system.
Kathy with the 1 yr hx of unilateral headaches- may I ask what your outcome was. I'm curious-b/c dealing with similar issues with my husband who has been rec. to have CT w/ contrast.
I had a ct scan with contrast on May 27, 2010. Today is June 12, 2010. No problems during the test other than the tech having a hard time getting the iv in, however I am a mess with itching rash that goes from one part of my body yo another. Looks like hives, welts and burns all together. Never Again!!
Dot,
It sounds like you had a delayed allergic reaction. You should inform the imaging center and your doctor.
We really should refuse these things. I had a doctor become adamant when i questioned whether I needed one. Then the shift changed & the next doctor told me that the test (d-dimer) that triggered the order for the CT with contrast was very sensitive & was only slightly elevated in my case. He said it could rule things out & that there were any number of benign explanations for the slight elevation. He gave me the impression that he wouldn't have pushed me to take the test. But I did & now I'm nauseous & have a slight metallic taste in my mouth. Best we can do now is a heavy metal cleanse or the like from a naturopath.
I had one a week ago; I HATED it. I am allergic to iodine, and I told them this, and only after protesting/complaining a billion times did they say "Ok, we can give you some benadryl and steroids first". I dislike doctors. The iodine is what I hated, not the CT scan itself. I hated it because I was worried I would have an allergic reaction (despite taking the bendryl, etc) and then even if I wasn't allergic the way it makes you feel is icky.
I have allergies to certain meds & I was wearing a bracelet to taht effect that they put on me - yet I had to question the doctor about possible allergic reactions to the contrast. He basicaly said, "If it happens, we treat it. If someone is allergic & still needs the scan, we give them medication first." No suggetion of not giving the test. Sounds crazy, giving the contrast to people you know are allergic to it. Despite this discussion about my allergies, I had to demand Benadryl beforehand - he never suggested it. They are so determined to do this test, they treat it like it is no big deal. It is a HUGE deal. You should never have this test unless you are obviously in a life-threatening situation. I am so upset that I let the doctor manipulate me into it. I now live in fear of when I'll get cancer from it. I am trying to detox, but I wonder if I will ever enjoy life again.
I have Crohn's Disease & am having my 3rd CT done. I am definitely NOT looking forward to it. I always have to drink the large quantities of contrast & also have it injected into my veins plus have it administered anally. Not pleasant. The worst is drinking 3 containers of that awful liquid. The first time, I was already in the hospital. The liquid gave me the worst diarrhea in the world - over 20 trips in a 1 hour period. I started convulsing & was wrapped like a cocoon in heated blankets. The IV felt hot but left no lasting problems. The 2nd time, the liquid made me vomit so much they thought they would need to put a tube down me to help keep it in. I'm now wondering whether to cancel the whole thing!
I had a CT scan yesterday and have been in agony with low acute bladder pain and terrible pain in my urethra and feeling extremely nauseus, I have now developed pain in my left upper thigh...Pain killers are not helping. I had no idea I would be suffering like this
Jean,
You need to keep drinking fluids and get your kidney function checked.
I had a CT scan with contrast of my abdomen Friday to look at my pancreas. I coulnt believe how well everything went. All went as advertised and I was very pleased. I just hope the results go as well.
i had a scan w/contrast on Friday. It is Sunday now and my eyelids and below my eyes are swollen so badly that I can hardly see. I look like Herman Munster. Also, the skin on my face is red, dry and flaky. It's not all that painful, and other than that, I feel fine. But if it's not better tomorrow, I'll have to go in. Never get medical proceedures done on a Friday!
Had a CT done this morning with contrast due to kidney stones.
It went fine...no pain at all..it was uncomfortable for about 10 seconds when the dye went in..just felt hot inside..didnt last long.
When I left I drank tons of water, went to work and am fine. No rashes no pain..it was an easy test for me..and I'm 43 ,not young.
I recently was involved in an auto accident and had to CT Scans done (CT SCAN/BODY AND CT SCAN/HEAD) but I'm confused because when I received my bill it indicates I had a CT Scan with no contrast but I remember when I got the CT scan done they put stuff through the IV i had in my arm. When I went to the hospital to obtain my medical record it indicated no contrast too but I know I did get the dye. Is it possible for the hospital to be lying on what was really done? This is my first CT scan since then I've been experiencing some pain in my ribs and feel a lump that hurts when I press on it and now scared because after reading the side affects of contrast that there can be possible blood clotting.
I had a ct with contrast yesterday at the ER. Ive had this test done before years ago and everything seemed ok. When the contrast went in, everything seemed ok. I knew there would be a warm feeling and so on. We left hospital and came home and i didnt feel well at all. The next day i felt really bad. I slept for about two hours and when i woke up, i thought i was going to die. My husband called and i told him how bad i felt and he came home. I am so sick to my stomach but that is not the only thing. I feel so much pressure in my head like my skull is fixing to explode. My husband and i cant figure out what has happend. I took some aleve to see if that would ease up some. Its now day two and im very sleepy and still very sick. Im trying to ride this thing out, but i do feel different and like something has happend to me. I will never have this done to me again.
I hope that my comment will be REASSURING to many. I had read all the scary stories posted above and I was pretty nervous when I went for my scan with contrast dye (36 hours ago). As with Janet (above) the test was quite unremarkable. The technician did a good job of finding my vein and, after getting the needle in, the sharp tip was withdrawn leaving only a blunt tube inside (a neat trick). In this way extravasation due to a 'knocked needle' is avoided.
A minor warm feeling from the dye (not really unpleasant) was all I felt. The new dyes are apparently much less annoying than the previous type.The only side effect was a slight feeling of weariness
(nice to bedriven home). Once home,I read a book & snoozed for a couple of hours and then was OK.
*** NO OTHER EFFECTS ***
I post this note to counteract some of the bad press given to the contrast dye; it scared me UNNECESSARILY. The dye is IMPORTANT to get a good image for diagnostic purposes. Don't worry too much -- most people don't have issues. If,like me, you also have an unremarkable CT scan, please post here in order that others will not be scared.
I had a CT Scan with contrast 24 hours ago of the abdomin and pelvic area. I drank a liquid beginning 4 hours prior to the test and also a small amount once in radiology. The nurse explained the procedure to me, asked if I had any questions and the procedure began. Prior to injecting the contrast she explained that I would receive saline via the INT prior to the contrast. Once the contrast began flowing she stated I would feel a "warming" sensation and that it was normal. The procedure went as predicted without any problems.
Once completed, she explained that the contrast used in the scan pulls "water" from the blood and that it could cause dehydration and that I should double up on liquids for the day.
Other than feeling really washed out and sleepy, all was fine.
Hi everyone who has had to have a ct scan with contrast!! I have had it done several times without any problems except the normal feeing hot flashes and feeling like I'm gonna pee my pants. Everything went fine...until after. I left immediately after the scan with my two boys in tow. We went to do a little shopping as they are about to start school again, well about thirty minutes after the test I felt like a wall came up in fromt of me. I felt so weak and tired. So i said we had to go home. We had about an hour drive to get home. I was feeling so tired and kinda scared to drive. My left arm, where the njection was done kept falling off the steering wheel and I was so exhausted. Well, we did make it home okay, but I was going to just lay down for ahile, but I passed out for 6 hours. I don't even remember falling aseelp. I had the worst night, of not being able to get confortable and bad hot flashes, which is kinda normal for me, but at 100 times what it normally is. When I woke up after the deep sleep, I felt like I was waking up with the flu. A full 24 hours later and I'm still feeling extremely tired and flu like symptoms. I really didn't think it was a reaction to the contrast as I've never had a reaction before, but I was reading over the comments on here and feel a little better knowing that someone else had the same fatigue feeling. I know the symptoms are scary, but the stomach pain I've had for the past five years needs to be dealt with and if I have to have a hundred tests done to get it resolved..I will!! I'm lucky I didn't have as bad reactions as some of you have had. Good luck to all of you on the results of your tests!! Jamie
Friday-10am-Dr.Harry Punjabi-said I might have Kidney Stone,and he was right,which he usually is!was having some pain.which got worse by sunday morning.
Sunday-7-11-2010-2:30pm- Emergency Room-Abdominal Pain- Had CT Scan with Dye Contrast.All went Well. Franford Hospital-Frankford Ave, and Harrison Street,Philadelphia,Pennsylvania.Acceptance Nurse-very detailed in getting all right symptoms-as I had 3 possiblities as to what pain was,kidney stone,lifting too much weight,infection or other organ failure.
Dr.Glenn Merewitz,RN-Barabara Gelenberg,CT Scan Operator(name?-was not on my Treatment Page)All were very professional! Explained Every Step of Proceedure.Explained even that saline solution was to clear and test if IV inserted right. CT Scan Guy-was very professional-explained every step in full detail. Dr.Glen Merewitz took his time to make sure which proceedures to do first.I was Hydrated for 2 hours first, checking vital signs during this time.
Thank You All for your Kindness,Caring and Professional Service.
PS - read some of negative comments-
1)can they administar-benadryl or claritin-to stop allergic reaction,even if person does not have history of allergies? would this make good sense,what are the reasons and percentages-plus and minus-treatment wise and insurance claims wise.
2)IV Insertion-can x-ray ,MRI, CT Scan be done first to check IV insertion? which would stop-body damage and piercing thru vein,compartment syndrome.
3) Doctors,Nurses, CT scan Operators-please post comments about-above items-let your hospital and insurance adjusters-know percentages,may save lives and insurance claims.
Editor please add to my previous post-3)If nurse thinks she pierced thru vein,or to much pain,should CT Scan or MRI be done to check insertion and move IV Insertion to other arm or other Vein?
make Item 3 to Item 4
I have been reading these articles on contrast. I had a ct-scan with contrast done 2 weeks ago. The test went fine but the next day i awoke with lower back pain and leg pain in the backs of my legs. I am still having it i can hardly stand to put my feet flat on the floor could it be from the gases associated with the contrast?
I had a head CT with contrast on July 12. I felt all of the instant side effects, such as rush of warmth to the head and groin. I also had the metallic taste in my mouth and also some nausea. It all went away rather quickly, but felt generally unwell for the rest of the day. Other than that, everything went fine. Still waiting for results though!
I'm having a Chest CT Scan w/contrast on Thursday 7/22. My question is from walking in to walking out how much time will elapse? Also if I could get a sequesnce of events for the procedure, it would be awesome.
I had carotid CT angiogram and after 2 weeks I was advise to undergo another CT angiogram of the head and neck both with dye contrast. The technician had difficulty in inserting the IV,I had 2 vein piercings before he finally made it through. I didn't experience notable side effect except that the IV insertion was painful and itchy and took 3-4 weeks before it was totally healed. I have had 3 CT scans in 6 months. I learned that CT Scan radiation is 500x as much as ordinary xray. I am worried about the risk and effect of too much exposure to radiation due to CT scan.
for Christina...and all of you scheduled for ct scans...take someone with you to the scan!!!You need an advocate with you in case you have a reaction or they have an accident! Insist that this person be able to stay with you ALL THE TIME! What happened to me might not have gotten to this extreme and damage if I'd had someone with me to reiterate my plea for the tech to stop the injections! EVERYONE NEEDS A PATIENT ADVOCATE TO STAY WITH THEM DURING AND AFTER THE TEST!! Switch to MRI if you can...radiation is too intense in a CT scan!
I had my first CT Scan 7/22 and I was a little scared, but I ended up having the best nurse in the world his name was Greg he was a trauma nusre 31yrs...he was Phenomenal....Did the IV Perfect no pain what so ever, made me laugh the entire time..when they went to do the Contrast portion of the test they explain I would feel a very warm sensation going through my body and in seconds that feeling was there..Honestly felt like I pee'd my pants after the test was over he came back in asked how I felt I just laughed and asked him if I had pee'd my pants...he laughed at me and said no you didnt that was the warm feeling I told you, you were going to feel....Overall it went Perfect! No side effects...But I am sorry for everyone else who had to go through a nightmare getting this procedure done!
I had a CT w/contrast a week ago on my head and lower back. Everything went well, until I got home. From that night on, I have been losing control of my bladder. Has this happened to anyone else? It is embarassing and I am sooo depressed about it!!