Worried about CT CONTRAST

[lele19]

Has anyone ever had a CT scan with contrast? I had a plain CT of my kidneys in September and they found calcium deposits in my left kidney (it was my right that was painful) and so the kidney consultant suggested I have a CT contrast scan. I decided to refuse the scan due to my asymptomatic in my left kidney at the time and not wanting radiation or radioactive dye (I'm 25!) and have lived happily with no problems for the last 6 months.

The last few weeks I've been having similar pains in my left kidney to those experienced in my right. My GP has said that it would be reasonable to wait and see if the pains go but I'm getting quite concerned r.e. these calcifications. I've tried to speak with the specialist but he said you either want the scan or you don't basically and to let them know.

I'm worried about the amount of radiation. I'm worried about having a fatal reaction to the dye. I'm worried about having heart arrhythmias due to the dye. I'm worried about what the contrast liquid will do to my body, my kidneys failing etc and how will it will stay in my body.

I'm also worried these calcifications means some kind of tumour.

I CANT WIN!!! I cant make a decision. Please help!

[Ronan23]

Don't they just use iodine in these scans? I had one when I was 17 and apart from a slightly uncomfortable sensation of heat it was fine. I'd rather get the scan and now exactly what was wrong than be kept in the dark. Also, if it was that unsafe, hospitals wouldn't perform it in the first place.

[Fishmanpa]

My GP has said that it would be reasonable to wait and see if the pains go

I had a CT with contrast. The dye made me feel warm and like I had to pee but that was it. Anyway... I would listen to your GP as opposed to your anxiety.

Positive thoughts

[Leslie735]

I had one last April, it was quick and no big deal. The dye made me feel warm all over, kinda heavyish feeling and like I had to pee. It wore off quickly after it was over.

[lele19]

Okay so after ringing the hospital it turns out that 3 different consultants have advised I have a CT Contrast of my Kidneys and Bladder. I've left a message with my GP surgery to go ahead and book me in for this.

I'm extremely scared. Both of the contrast and what the results may show.

[lele19]

I can't stop thinking about being allergic and dying from the contrast or dying from possible kidney cancer that I may have left too late to get picked up :(

[NessMonster]

I had to have a CT with contrast last year and was as equally as terrified about the dye as I was about the injury I was getting scanned for. My fear was that I was also allergic to it but I was honest to the guy who was doing the scan and injecting the dye. He told me that if I did have a reaction that it would happen pretty much immediately and that they were prepared should anything like that ever happen. I realised then that if I did have a reaction, then it would be fine because I was in an hospital surrounded by nurses and doctors who did this everyday and were prepared for every situation. I was still pretty anxious afterwards thinking I might have a delayed reaction so I hung around the hospital for about half and hour afterwards, then tried to stay busy and drank plenty to flush the dye out of my system.

Get the test done and whatever the results, cross that bridge when you get to it. Break it down, one thing at a time.