feeling sick after contrast/ct scan

HMMM
The radiology department probably gave you a form that says you should drink lots of water, etc. but also provide a phone number to call. Seven hours is too long, in my opinion. I'm thinking a phone call sooner than later is a good idea.

foxhd said:

nausea
I find the drink that I have to consume for my scans goes through my system like Draino. I ask them if they would like to perform a colonoscopy while I'm still at the hospital. It doesn't make me feel bad though.

Menu
Rae and Fox, I think I have the answer to the scanner and radiation problems.

What you need to do is locate your menu buttons. I don't believe either of you need to improve your sharpness but obviously adjustment of, respectively, your contrast and brightness controls is called for. Don't be afraid to ask for any further help - always happy to oblige!

On the contrast problem Rae, I imagine you're being given Omnipaque which I gather is the only medium currently used by our NHS. (I don't think that you should allow them to give you Draino, in view of the way Fox says it goes through his system!!) The concentration of the iodine dye is critical for good performance in imaging. I think it's a good idea to make it known that you've had an unpleasant reaction for this reason:

"Delayed Contrast Reactions
Delayed contrast reactions can occur anywhere from 3 hours to 7 days following the administration of contrast. Since patients are generally discharged from the radiology department within 30 minutes of contrast administration, these reactions are rarely observed by the radiologist supervising the contrast administration. These events are often not brought to the attention of the radiologist since the delayed event may not be ascribed to the contrast media and these evens are often self limited. Regardless, it is important for anyone administering intravenous contrast media to be aware of delayed reactions."

This is in an interesting tutorial for the pros in the field and comes from the U. of Wisconsin. I don't know about nausea and headache but for cutaneous reactions they do say:

"Delayed cutaneous reactions are more common in patients who have had a previous contrast reaction .... While the exact mechanism of the delayed reaction is unknown, they can recur if the same contrast medium is administered again."

As against the uncertainty about the mechanism, contrast this:

"It has long been recognized that anxiety plays a role in evoking and potentiating contrast reactions. Therefore, your behavior and conduct become important factors in your ability to successfully manage the patient. You must maintain and display an unruffled, orderly, deliberate, capable, and effective demeanor, one that elicits confidence and promotes a sense of well-being in the patient. These same qualities are also important in coordinating the activities of staff members assisting you. You must be able to take charge, assign tasks, monitor activities, reassess the patient, and make effective decisions as circumstances change.
Those assisting should execute their duties quietly, minimizing anxiety-provoking conversation."

I guess you will do yourself some good by telling your radiology team about your reaction so that they can plan accordingly and give you the necessary reassurance to minimise anxiety on your part.


Thanks a bunch for the Vitamix recipes - can't wait to try them out - they sound right up my street. I love spinach and broccoli and also kale. I'll probably use watercress as well - another favourite, unless anyone advises against.

Thanks for the good info
Rae -

I hope you are feeling better now. Thanks for bringing this up. I just finished follow-up CT #2, and while I didn't get sick from the contrast, I was completely ready to barf after it took 5 people an HOUR to get my IV in!! I've been hydrating tons since my surgery, but I guess next time I will spend the day before my CT drinking even more.

I have seasonal and pet allergies, so I could well be one who develops a reaction over time. Thank you for bringing this issue to our attention - I will keep it in mind.

Minnesota Girl said:

Thanks for the good info
Rae -

I hope you are feeling better now. Thanks for bringing this up. I just finished follow-up CT #2, and while I didn't get sick from the contrast, I was completely ready to barf after it took 5 people an HOUR to get my IV in!! I've been hydrating tons since my surgery, but I guess next time I will spend the day before my CT drinking even more.

I have seasonal and pet allergies, so I could well be one who develops a reaction over time. Thank you for bringing this issue to our attention - I will keep it in mind.

IVs, labwork, etc.
My wife and I always seemed to get stuck (pardon the pun) with the same guy at our HMO lab every time we needed bloodwork done. Our arms were sore for days and black and blue for weeks after each visit. We hesitated to say anything because it was embarrassing and we didn't want to get him into trouble. Finally we had enough and started telling them who we would allow to take our blood and who we wouldn't. They didn't like it because it interfered with their procedures, but they had no choice and now we allow only those we know who are good at their jobs to poke us. Unfortunately, we don't know who's good and who's not in all of the departments so we have to put up with incompetence sometimes. But we take note and remember their faces when we return.