Hello
Its a while since I have posted on here. I’m just wondering if anyone else has had a head ct scan where it wasn’t possible to have the contact dye? I’ve been having a few symptoms that gave the onc cause to want to ‘rule out’ spread. I completed treatment for primary dx 3 years ago.
I’m just back from the hospital, having had the scan, but without the IV contact dye they intended to use. They made several attempts (arm in hot water, lots of goes, drinking-the usual!!) but the veins kept collapsing so eventually went ahead without it. I always have problems with anything IV since chemo, but they can usually get a line in somewhere. I did ask them to keep trying as I was concerend that anything of a small volume in the brain wouldn’t show up without the dye. They explained that the results can be read, it’s just harder and doesn’t always show up very small areas. They said if they did see something they would want to investigate further, so I’d need another scan/MRI (I’ve alawys needed IV for all scans, so I’m assuming they’d get one in at some point). I suppose my concern is that if-as I hope- nothing shows up, it can’t really have done the job of ‘ruling out’ any very small mets.
Any similar experiences or anyone who knows a bit more about ct’s?
Thanks
C
Just bumping as this didn’t post properly yesterday.
Hi cupoftea
Whilst you are waiting for the other users to reply with their experiences please do give the BCC helpline a call and talk this through with one of the trained members of staff here, they will be able to give you information about CT scans. The number to call is 0808 800 6000 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9 to 5pm and Saturday 10 to 2pm.
Best wishes Sam, BCC Facilitator
Hi Cupoftea,
I needed a scan some time back of my head because of suspicious symptoms. Unfortunately I am allergic to the contrast dyes but my onc sent me for CT without realising that. When I got to CT Scanning and told them, they sent me back to onc who immediately arranged for an MRI instead. But I did not have contast for this one. Not sure if that is helpful to you. It must be so frustrating and horrid really having to let them poke around so much to find a vein. Why don’t you ask if they can give you a port. I think the newer ones can be used with contast dyes as well.
Dawn
xx
Hi Dawn
Many thanks for your response, that is helpful and useful.
I think it also confirms my suspicions that I may well need another appt for an MRI!
C xx
Hi cupoftea, I have no experience re brain scan but I do have a port which is meant to be able to be used for contrast but the radiographers at my hospital won’t use the port as they are not sure they’d get the right pressure and because they are afraid they’d break the port!! So although it is useful it might not solve the problem. Good luck and do let us know how you get on, Julie x
Hi
I had a head ct with contrast a couple of months ago. I was concerned that even with contrast it wouldn’t be enough and I would end out needing an MRI anyway. I was told that in my authority ct was the protocol first and they wouldn’t even agree to a referral for one privately ( I would have to persuade my gp for that). My hosp team said that a ct would most probably show a problem if it was there, but an MRI might be ordered after to show more detail and clarify exactly what the problem was.
They also said that possibly if the symptoms persisted/ worsened an MRI may be ordered after,but a ct was always the first step. So it may be worth contacting them again if you are not happy.
Just to say aswell when being cannulated in hosp they asked me if I was likely to be having a ct and put one in capable of injecting the dye, so there must be something specific they need to account for. I really sympathise as it always takes them ages to find a vein on me.
Good luck.
D
Thanks Julie and Midge for your replies,
That’s interesting to hear the difference between ct and MRI- I’ve had breast MRIs, but not a ct scan until now. If I do need another sounds like I may need to ask to be cannulated in an onc ward where they are used to damaged veins. Mine are so much better than they were a few years ago, so I’m sure there’s a way in!
I’m waiting at the moment- I wasnt sgined off by onc at last six monthly check-who is awaiting these results before writing that appt up. I’m so lucky with the team, so once he has the results back I will trust what he says and go with that, it’s just always that whole bit in between that’s tricky!
Best wishes to all
C
Hi cup of tea,
Back in January this year whilst attending a rads appointment I suffered a severe migraine, my onc decided to do an emergency ct without contrast due to it being an emergency went in had all the usual without the dye and within the hour they had had a look at the results, my onc concluded that as it was an emergency it was 99% accurate and did not show up anything sinister on the scan, if there was anything it would of showed up please feel confident that they are looking after you, I know I certainly did on that day in Jan when I was throwing up walking all over the hospital with a migraine worried sick that it was mets on the brain, turned out it was not and I was surprized that they could see the scans that quickly and advise me of the outcome immediately.
Hope this helps settle your mind hun
Sending you lots of love and light
sarahlouise xx
Thanks sarah Louise
That’s really helpful-very reassuring to hear that they could read your scans so quickly without the dye. I’m glad your outcome was a good one.
Very best to you
C x
Hello
Thanks to everyone for the responses-as always really helpful to get others’ experiences and support.
CT results back-all clear, and as you said sarahlouise they could see what they needed to without the contrast.
Very best wishes to all
C x