Hi guys...
I’m really anxious over the amount of radiation I’ve received from CT scans, xrays and other radiology tests over the past few years.
The worst part is NONE of them showed anything, so they were essentially for nothing. I felt so pressured by doctors to have them performed “just to be safe” so I did it, but now I’m regretting it after reading how dangerous they are.
I’ve had:
-1 head CT (because of persistent headache)
-2 high res chest CTs (because of coughing blood)
-1 abdominal CT with and without contrast (because of chronic abdominal pain and bloating)
-6 abdominal xrays
-So many chest X-rays I can’t even count
-Plus a gastric emptying test and “small bowel follow through test” which both contain radiation.
I’m 27 y/o and all of these scans have taken place in the last 4 years. I’m also very thin and female which are apparently most at risk. Great.
I feel like I have ruined my body with excessive testing and have increased my chances of cancer. I know there’s no sense in having a mental breakdown over this because I can’t go back in time and change it now. But I truly feel as if I’ve failed myself... I could have said no to the tests.
I guess I’m just looking for a bit of support or reassurance from those who have had multiple tests themselves. I would really appreciate it as this is causing so much stress.
Also, as a side note - does anyone know if it’s common for doctors to have information saved in your record on how much mSv was used in each exam so I could have an accurate figure of my own exposure?
Please help.
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