Any advise before PET scan?

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

devotion10 said:

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

 

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

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.

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!