Any advise before PET scan?

lp1964
lp1964 Member Posts: 1,239 Member

Ill have a PET scan on Wednesday to check some abnormality in my seminal vesicle ( a gland behind the bladder).

Any advise before the Scan?

Thank you,

Laz

Comments

  • devotion10
    devotion10 Member Posts: 623 Member
    Laz … you should sail through the PET easily ...

    if it the same type as my husband, he preferred them to the CT scans because he did not have to drink that awful fruity concoction before the procedure. The injection of the radioactive material that they will give you does not make you feel any differently, but you may experience some itchiness afterward. The machine is usually larger than an MRI and much quieter ... he definately appreciated that.

    Has your doctor asked you to following diet protocols before like a low-carb diet the day before and then nothing but water-clear liquids 6-8 hours before the procedure?  That may be the roughest part ... and then of course the waiting for the results.

    Peace. ~ Cynthia

     

  • Lisa2012
    Lisa2012 Member Posts: 142
    I was wondering this myself

    I have my first PET in a week.  I was told  only protein the night before, which I don't understand.   Thanks for posting.

  • Lisa2012
    Lisa2012 Member Posts: 142

    Laz … you should sail through the PET easily ...

    if it the same type as my husband, he preferred them to the CT scans because he did not have to drink that awful fruity concoction before the procedure. The injection of the radioactive material that they will give you does not make you feel any differently, but you may experience some itchiness afterward. The machine is usually larger than an MRI and much quieter ... he definately appreciated that.

    Has your doctor asked you to following diet protocols before like a low-carb diet the day before and then nothing but water-clear liquids 6-8 hours before the procedure?  That may be the roughest part ... and then of course the waiting for the results.

    Peace. ~ Cynthia

     

    Curious

    Cynthia, did you ever get an explanation about the dietary requirements?   Curious, was your husband a diabetic?

  • karguy
    karguy Member Posts: 1,020 Member
    I am

    I am diabetic,and only had to stop taking my pills the day before.I would eat lightly the day before,nothing heavy.Drink alot of water before,and after.I like the pet scan better then the ct scan.The stuff I have to drink for that gives me the runs.I go some where to eat after the scans.Good luck on your scan,I see my doctor soon,and i'm going to ask for a pet scan this time.Good luck. 

  • PatchAdams
    PatchAdams Member Posts: 271
    YES!

    I've had numerous PET scans for over 2 years now and got info on how to get the best reading.

     

    First, be very careful what you eat the day before.

    Second, limit activity to nothing strenuous because muscle activity can give a false positive reading. 

    Since your test is in the groin area, NO SEX. 

    Patient Preparation

    Day Before Exam
    • No strenuous exercise
    • Drink at least three to five glasses of water
    • Eat a high protein/low carbohydrate dinner
    • Continue all medications unless notified by your doctor, and consult your physician if you have questions
    • No food or drink, other than water, after midnight
    Day of Exam
    • Drink at least three glasses of water
    • Wear comfortable clothing free of metal (snaps, zippers), and sweat clothes are ideal

     

     

    PET SCAN PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS

    Due to the expensive and individual nature of the medicine used, cancellations MUST BE made by 5:00 the day before exam.

    IF YOU ARE A DIABETIC AND ARE INSULIN DEPENDENT PLEASE CONTACT THE NUCLEAR MEDICINE DEPARTMENT HERE AT THE RADIOLOGY CLINIC YOU CAN SPEAK WITH PAULA, JAMES OR ROBERTA (345-7000)

    PREPARING FOR A PET SCAN:

    • Expect to spend approximately two hours at the clinic

    • Please bring your insurance cards and a photo ID

    PREP INSTRUCTIONS FOR HIGH PROTEIN / NO CARBOHYDRATES DIET:

    THE HIGH PROTEIN DIET ALLOWS THE REDUCTION OF CARDIAC UPTAKE SEEN NORMALLY ON A PET SCAN

    Main course: Vegetables: Dessert: Drink:

    Beef Broccoli Peanut Butter Black coffee

    Fish Asparagus Cheese Unsweet tea

    Chicken Cauliflower Cottage Cheese Water

    Eggs and bacon Zucchini

    Tuna Spinach

    Mushrooms

    Each patient needs to avoid the following foods the night before the PET Scan:

    All carbohydrates and sugar Breads

    Potatoes Beets

    Rice Pasta

    Corn All fruits

    Carrots Juices

    Crackers

    THE DAY BEFORE EXAM:

    • Drink 80 ounces of water (just through the day)

    • Do not do any strenuous activity

    THE DAY OF THE EXAM:

    • Drink 20 ounces of water

    • You may take your medications prescribed by your physician (unless you are a diabetic and are insulin dependent)

    • Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing and avoid wearing metal or jewelry

    THE DAY OF THE PET SCAN - THE PATIENT DOES NOT NEED TO EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING (EXCEPT WATER) FOUR HOURS PRIOR TO THE TEST.

  • alphagam
    alphagam Member Posts: 5
    Pet Scan

    I've had four. I am not diabetic nor pre-diabetic

     

     for all four, not strenous activities for 48 hours prior. That meant for me, no swimming (Masters) nor workout.  Everything else was normal as I drink tons of water every day anyway.  You get the shot of glucose and lay in a recliner for an hour. My first was so boring and so long.. I could watch daytime tv which I Hate.  Following three I brought a book.  After, I felt fine, minus the anxiety of waiting for the results. I'm allergic to contrast, either oral or I've, so I only get PET.  It's a breeze!

  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,796 Member
    My advice

    GO TO THE TOILET.

    They have you go to the loo right before the procedure. When I had my scan, I went in to the loo but I was too nervous to go. Oh, my oh my, did I regret that. The PET scan is about 45 minutes long, and halfway through I wanted to go to the loo. I wanted to go bad image . How I didn't wet myself while lying there, I don't know. I prayed, I talked to myslef, I prayed some more. 

    So, if you're one of those who can't go on demand, no matter how long you're in their bathroom, make sure you empty that bladder. 

    Good luck! I pray that all will be well. 

  • Cathleen Mary
    Cathleen Mary Member Posts: 827 Member
    Trubrit said:

    My advice

    GO TO THE TOILET.

    They have you go to the loo right before the procedure. When I had my scan, I went in to the loo but I was too nervous to go. Oh, my oh my, did I regret that. The PET scan is about 45 minutes long, and halfway through I wanted to go to the loo. I wanted to go bad image . How I didn't wet myself while lying there, I don't know. I prayed, I talked to myslef, I prayed some more. 

    So, if you're one of those who can't go on demand, no matter how long you're in their bathroom, make sure you empty that bladder. 

    Good luck! I pray that all will be well. 

     
    Hi Laz,
    I have had 4 PET

     

    Hi Laz,

    I have had 4 PET scans and have not minded them. I am a tad claustrophobic so was concerned but it wasn't a problem. Much prefer them to MRIs. 

    I will be thinking of you on Wed and praying that all goes well. Waiting is so hard.

    Strength and Hope.

    CM

  • PatchAdams
    PatchAdams Member Posts: 271
    No reading or TV

    My unit says no reading (eye movement can cause false positive) or watching t.v.  Since my PET/CT *w/o is top of  head to to mid thigh, they insist on no extra brain stimulation. I'm put in a dark room for the hour wait. Longest hour ever! 

  • Lisa2012
    Lisa2012 Member Posts: 142
    Trubrit said:

    My advice

    GO TO THE TOILET.

    They have you go to the loo right before the procedure. When I had my scan, I went in to the loo but I was too nervous to go. Oh, my oh my, did I regret that. The PET scan is about 45 minutes long, and halfway through I wanted to go to the loo. I wanted to go bad image . How I didn't wet myself while lying there, I don't know. I prayed, I talked to myslef, I prayed some more. 

    So, if you're one of those who can't go on demand, no matter how long you're in their bathroom, make sure you empty that bladder. 

    Good luck! I pray that all will be well. 

    ****smile*****

    You make me laugh, thanks for that!

  • UncleBuddy
    UncleBuddy Member Posts: 1,019 Member
    Trubrit said:

    My advice

    GO TO THE TOILET.

    They have you go to the loo right before the procedure. When I had my scan, I went in to the loo but I was too nervous to go. Oh, my oh my, did I regret that. The PET scan is about 45 minutes long, and halfway through I wanted to go to the loo. I wanted to go bad image . How I didn't wet myself while lying there, I don't know. I prayed, I talked to myslef, I prayed some more. 

    So, if you're one of those who can't go on demand, no matter how long you're in their bathroom, make sure you empty that bladder. 

    Good luck! I pray that all will be well. 

    Trubrit

    Your post actually made me laugh out loud. My dogs were looking at me as if I'm crazy. Thank you for that. I needed it today.

    Lin

    PS Laz,I'm glad to see everything is looking good for you. Keep fighting! You have a lot to look forward to with your beautiful wife. :)