Is there a prep for CT scans of abdomen, pelvis and chest??

Smethport
Smethport Member Posts: 15
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
I have seen where some people have prepped for their CT scans? When I had some CT scans prior to surgery, the only thing I was told was not to eat for 4 hours before the scan. Is there anything else that I am missing? Everyone have a blessed Easter.
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Comments

  • maglets
    maglets Member Posts: 2,576 Member
    #2
    prep
    no smethport I have never done anything except the four hour fast....

    a joyous Easter to all

    mags
  • PhillieG
    PhillieG Member Posts: 4,866 Member
    #3
    Scan Prep
    I only have to do a 2 hour fast, then drink a mixture made with crystal lite.
    Easy peasy.
    -p
  • abrub
    abrub Member Posts: 2,174 Member
    #4
    Prep
    My instructions from Memorial Sloan Kettering is a 2 fast prior to arrival. Then spend an hour downing either the crystal lite mix (gastrografin) or a barium shake. Most people tolerate the crystal lite better; I do better with the barium.

    Expect diarrhea post scan.
  • chicoturner
    chicoturner Member Posts: 282
    #5
    ct prep
    prior to a scan I too fast, but the night before and then finishing 2 hours prior to my appt. I drink the contract. I like mine with lemonade flavor. I usually drink a cup during the scan also. It's so easy compared to the prep. for colonoscopy.....! You will do great!
  • RickMurtagh
    RickMurtagh Member Posts: 587 Member
    #6
    next scan
    If your scan is "with contrast" there is some rather nasty stuff they might make you ingest prior to the scan. I have a CT scan tomorrow and begin the prep tonight with a lovely (disgusting) Barium Sulfate Suspension. Smells like pina colada, tastes like, well NOT like pina colodas. I drink another bottle a couple of hours before the scan.
    I am a bit nervous about the scan - not sure why - this nasty stuff (drinking it right now) will take my mind off it for a short bit, then bed.
    I hope your scan goes well, as I know they can somewhat consume your thoughts.
  • HollyID
    HollyID Member Posts: 946 Member
    #7
    RickMurtagh said:

    next scan
    If your scan is "with contrast" there is some rather nasty stuff they might make you ingest prior to the scan. I have a CT scan tomorrow and begin the prep tonight with a lovely (disgusting) Barium Sulfate Suspension. Smells like pina colada, tastes like, well NOT like pina colodas. I drink another bottle a couple of hours before the scan.
    I am a bit nervous about the scan - not sure why - this nasty stuff (drinking it right now) will take my mind off it for a short bit, then bed.
    I hope your scan goes well, as I know they can somewhat consume your thoughts.

    So true...
    I really hope your scan is uneventful, clear, and whatever other adjectives I can think of!
  • k1
    k1 Member Posts: 220 Member
    #8
    ct scan with contrast prep
    When I get my CT scan of chest, abdomen and pelvis, I have to fast for four hours first and then arrive one hour ahead of the actual scan so that I can drink a bottle of contrast fluid first. It really, really helps if you drink the stuff through a straw, but they never give you one. So now I take my own straw. My med center has a choice of flavors. I always go for banana if they have it-- it's less nasty than some of the other flavors. Once all they had was vanilla -- ugh, I did not think I was going to make it through that one.

    K
  • abrub
    abrub Member Posts: 2,174 Member
    #9
    k1 said:

    ct scan with contrast prep
    When I get my CT scan of chest, abdomen and pelvis, I have to fast for four hours first and then arrive one hour ahead of the actual scan so that I can drink a bottle of contrast fluid first. It really, really helps if you drink the stuff through a straw, but they never give you one. So now I take my own straw. My med center has a choice of flavors. I always go for banana if they have it-- it's less nasty than some of the other flavors. Once all they had was vanilla -- ugh, I did not think I was going to make it through that one.

    K

    If you're getting the barium
    Make sure that they keep it cold. Then the barium isn't bad, even in the vanilla.
  • Smethport
    Smethport Member Posts: 15
    #10
    k1 said:

    ct scan with contrast prep
    When I get my CT scan of chest, abdomen and pelvis, I have to fast for four hours first and then arrive one hour ahead of the actual scan so that I can drink a bottle of contrast fluid first. It really, really helps if you drink the stuff through a straw, but they never give you one. So now I take my own straw. My med center has a choice of flavors. I always go for banana if they have it-- it's less nasty than some of the other flavors. Once all they had was vanilla -- ugh, I did not think I was going to make it through that one.

    K

    CT scans with contrast
    Thanks everyone for your advice. You all are so awesome.
  • maglets
    maglets Member Posts: 2,576 Member
    #11
    Smethport said:

    CT scans with contrast
    Thanks everyone for your advice. You all are so awesome.

    scan
    my scan is tomorrow too Rick and I am sooooooo scared.

    if you drink it with the koolade stuff and they are also scanning the chest, I have to eat a really thick pudding stuff right before getting on the table
  • greybeard64
    greybeard64 Member Posts: 254
    #12
    maglets said:

    scan
    my scan is tomorrow too Rick and I am sooooooo scared.

    if you drink it with the koolade stuff and they are also scanning the chest, I have to eat a really thick pudding stuff right before getting on the table

    scans
    Well this must just be scan week! I have one scheduled for weds morning. It will be the one year mark for me as NED, a goal I have yet to attain since or DX almost 5 yrs ago. I am trying to keep my mind occupied with other things, ha ha ha yeah not a chance!
    good luck mag I'll be thinking about ya!
    greybeard
  • greybeard64
    greybeard64 Member Posts: 254
    #13
    RickMurtagh said:

    next scan
    If your scan is "with contrast" there is some rather nasty stuff they might make you ingest prior to the scan. I have a CT scan tomorrow and begin the prep tonight with a lovely (disgusting) Barium Sulfate Suspension. Smells like pina colada, tastes like, well NOT like pina colodas. I drink another bottle a couple of hours before the scan.
    I am a bit nervous about the scan - not sure why - this nasty stuff (drinking it right now) will take my mind off it for a short bit, then bed.
    I hope your scan goes well, as I know they can somewhat consume your thoughts.

    good vibes
    Good luck tomorrow Rick hope all goes well for you too!!
    I'll be thinking about ya and sending good thoughts your way!

    I jus thave to drink the "cocktail" right before the scan then get the whatever it is pumped in through IV. I always feel like I just wet my pants when they start pushing that stuff in! very warm sensation. Still much better then bowel prep though.
    greybeard
  • greybeard64
    greybeard64 Member Posts: 254
    #14
    one other thing
    It was probably after my third scan before I remember the technician telling me to make sure I drank ALOT of water, juice etc..after the scan is done. The idea is to get rid of that "stuff" as soon as you can. As with so much of things we put into our bodies to fight this it isnt good for the rest of you. so remember FLUSH, FLUSH, FLUSH!
    Good luck to you, hope all goes well!
    greybeard
  • maglets
    maglets Member Posts: 2,576 Member
    #15
    greybeard64 said:

    scans
    Well this must just be scan week! I have one scheduled for weds morning. It will be the one year mark for me as NED, a goal I have yet to attain since or DX almost 5 yrs ago. I am trying to keep my mind occupied with other things, ha ha ha yeah not a chance!
    good luck mag I'll be thinking about ya!
    greybeard

    oh thanks hon
    ok it's a deal.....think of me tomorrow at 1030 I start drinking....scan at 12 noon...how bout you Greybeard....what time on Wed.....want to be thinking about you

    mags
  • biglaur
    biglaur Member Posts: 72 Member
    #16
    greybeard64 said:

    one other thing
    It was probably after my third scan before I remember the technician telling me to make sure I drank ALOT of water, juice etc..after the scan is done. The idea is to get rid of that "stuff" as soon as you can. As with so much of things we put into our bodies to fight this it isnt good for the rest of you. so remember FLUSH, FLUSH, FLUSH!
    Good luck to you, hope all goes well!
    greybeard

    one tiny point
    the ct scans are a snap...just the worry that makes them tough. I've had 21 ct's so far (since 9/11/06) I developed an allergy to the iodine contrast on scan 13. Eyes reddened and swelled. They whipped me into the ER in a hurry, but a benadryl took care of things. I now have to premedicate before each scan...ugh...13 hours, 6 hours and 1 hour ahead I take prednisone and two benadryl an hour before. I always have my barium at home in the refrigerator so I can start drinking it on the way to the hospital (saves waiting an hour there) I feel like a pro at this :) And greybeard is right...drink drink drink afterwards...flush all the ick out. My point...pay attention to your body after your scan...any funny feeling could hint at reaching your tolerance for the dye.
  • bdee
    bdee Member Posts: 304
    #17
    CT Scan
    All I have to do is not eat 3 hours before the scan and drink 32 oz of water one hour before the scan. Then at the center, they give me a glass of water (at least it tastes like water) right before the scan. They do a scan, then give me the contrast through an IV and do another scan. Yes it makes you real warm and feel like you have peed your pants but they always warn me about that.

    Good luck every one with their scans, mine will be the last of this month.

    Debbie in Arkansas
  • polarprincess
    polarprincess Member Posts: 202 Member
    #18
    bdee said:

    CT Scan
    All I have to do is not eat 3 hours before the scan and drink 32 oz of water one hour before the scan. Then at the center, they give me a glass of water (at least it tastes like water) right before the scan. They do a scan, then give me the contrast through an IV and do another scan. Yes it makes you real warm and feel like you have peed your pants but they always warn me about that.

    Good luck every one with their scans, mine will be the last of this month.

    Debbie in Arkansas

    prep
    in my local cancer center i have to drink a nasty barium that gives me terrible stomach pain and diarrhea. when i go to mayo clinic i fet a clear tasteless drink that doesn't affect me at all. i have one coming up in may, and i am excited that my local hospital and mayo clinic both now have the siemens flash ct scanner which is the new big thing and can scan your entire body in 4 seconds, you dont even need to hold your breath, and the best part is you get way less radiation with it than from a standard scan which i am very happy about as i was getting very concerned about that amount of radiation i have gotten. keep on the lookout for these great new scanners. it is supposed to be so good that i may even be able to avoid a pet according to my DR.
  • jillpls
    jillpls Member Posts: 238
    #19
    no fasting or drink for me
    I go to UCSF and every three months I have a CT with contrast. The contrast is given IV. I have to premedicate myself the night before with pills and also in the morning before the scan. I don't have to fast. this is just for a CT, not a PET/CT.
  • greybeard64
    greybeard64 Member Posts: 254
    #20
    maglets said:

    oh thanks hon
    ok it's a deal.....think of me tomorrow at 1030 I start drinking....scan at 12 noon...how bout you Greybeard....what time on Wed.....want to be thinking about you

    mags

    time
    thx,I am scheduled for 9am so I should be getting scanned at 10am. IA imagine you
    are at the doc's right I am sending all the right energy your way mags!!
    grey
  • lizzydavis
    lizzydavis Member Posts: 893
    #21
    jillpls said:

    no fasting or drink for me
    I go to UCSF and every three months I have a CT with contrast. The contrast is given IV. I have to premedicate myself the night before with pills and also in the morning before the scan. I don't have to fast. this is just for a CT, not a PET/CT.

    Before my recent MRI, I had to prep by enema 1 hour before....
    Before my recent MRI, I had to prep by enema 1 hour before.... When I arrived the staff gave me 2 enemas with some sort of gel. I have never had a prep before a CT.

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