Hi again.
Just wondered if all CT scans are with the contrast dye or not? I’m having one on Friday to check for mets. Letter says 1 litre of water in the hour before and no food for 3 hours before. No mention of dye.
Thank you
I had 2 CT scans, both requiring the water and fasting beforehand and I had dye for both of them, so I suspect that you will too.
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Hi, Ive always had the dye and water for all my CT Scans.
Good luck
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Thank you @pat and @Anjuli. What I’m worried about is having to drink the dye. Hoping it is intravenous. Did you have to drink it, or was it a drip? Thank you.
Its generally iv…i had a scan without dye …it lasted around 20 to 30 mins…then someone came through and put the dye into the cannula and they did the 2nd part of the scan …i remember beeing told that you might feel as if you had passed urine…and that was exactly the sensation…i actually had to feel my clothing to make sure u hadnt! …there was no pain…i did have to drinks loads beforehand
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Both of mine were iv. It was exactly as @cat15 described. They put in a cannula, did a CT scan, then injected the dye having warned me of the weird feeling - like you’ve wee’d yourself feeling, that only lasts seconds - then they did the CT scan again. They took out the cannula and that was it - whole thing was over and done with in about 20 mins.
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Thank you @cat15 and @pat. Hopefully itll be the same for me. I can cope with an IV, just will struggle to drink a yucky drink! Thanks.
Hi bluesatsuma
Thank you for your post
As @cat15 and @pat have said, for most CT scans you’ll have the contrast dye to help show up your body tissues more clearly.
Usually, the contrast is given through a small thin tube (cannula) into your arm. You can read more about the different types of CT scans and how the contrast dye may be given here.
As you’ve said you feel you may struggle if you need to drink the dye, you can always give the CT unit a call to check what type of CT scan you’ll be having, whether you’ll need to have contrast dye and if so, how this will be given. Your appointment letter may have the contact details at the top or alternatively, you can go through the main hospital switchboard and ask to be transferred.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, (Relay UK -prefix 18001).
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Best wishes
Heidi
Breast Care Nurse
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