Update to neck lump and two questions

gymnst1013 · November 2009

Just got a call from the lab where I was going to have my u/s. They talked to my doc to clarify and he changed it to a CT scan. Should I be worried that it might be something more serious because of this? A CT scan sounds more intense than u/s to me. Also, they said I would need a contrast something or other injection. Anyone had this done? Has the injection caused any problems for you reaction-wise? A co-worker of mine has them on a regular basis and they make sick. Hoping that's a fluke and it doesn't happen to everyone!

ETA - oh and they can get me in on Friday now!

Temp356619000002780 · November 2009

They may need the CT because of the location. I have no idea about the shot! GL I hope it doesn't make you sick and I hope it's nothing!

rebelina1 · November 2009

Oh, I am so sorry! Try not to worry about the CT scan. I have had it done before and I never had a reaction. I just remember that the dye made me instantly want to pee. GL!

Mrs.Johns · November 2009

I'm not sure why they changed it but I think it's better b/c they can be more sure than with an u/s. I think I had the contrast injection. I had some sort of contrast that was weird, it felt hot all over for just a second and then went away, no bad reaction.

I am glad they can do this sooner than later so you don't have to worry as long. I'm sure it's nothing but it's best to have it checked like you are doing.

Lacey711 · November 2009

When I had my CT scan for my endo, they did a two hour scan without dye then a two hour scan with dye. I didn't have any reaction besides that I couldn't walk after my hips popped out of socket from laying flat for so long.

I wouldn't be worried about the CT scan... it's a completely different imaging system... he probably just wants to get a real good look at it

gymnst1013 · November 2009

Mrs.Johns:

I'm not sure why they changed it but I think it's better b/c they can be more sure than with an u/s. I think I had the contrast injection. I had some sort of contrast that was weird, it felt hot all over for just a second and then went away, no bad reaction.

I am glad they can do this sooner than later so you don't have to worry as long. I'm sure it's nothing but it's best to have it checked like you are doing.

Now that you mention it, I think DH made a comment about feeling hot when he had his back in Sept. I'm just glad I don't have to drink the nasty liquid he had to.

I'm so glad you all are saying it's not common to get sick. I was freaking out

FlgBride · November 2009

I have had a CT scan with the contrast dye before with NO reaction to it whatsoever. As the contrast is injected, you feel as though you've peed yourself. Rest assured that you have not! I'm glad the tech warned me about that feeling. Good luck!

gymnst1013 · November 2009

Lacey711:

When I had my CT scan for my endo, they did a two hour scan without dye then a two hour scan with dye. I didn't have any reaction besides that I couldn't walk after my hips popped out of socket from laying flat for so long.

I wouldn't be worried about the CT scan... it's a completely different imaging system... he probably just wants to get a real good look at it

Two hours?? Are you serious?? I'm praying mine doesn't take that long!

gymnst1013 · November 2009

FlgBride:
I have had a CT scan with the contrast dye before with NO reaction to it whatsoever. As the contrast is injected, you feel as though you've peed yourself. Rest assured that you have not! I'm glad the tech warned me about that feeling. Good luck!

Bahaha! Fabulous! lol. Thanks for the info!

Mrs.Johns · November 2009

gymnst1013:
Mrs.Johns:

I'm not sure why they changed it but I think it's better b/c they can be more sure than with an u/s. I think I had the contrast injection. I had some sort of contrast that was weird, it felt hot all over for just a second and then went away, no bad reaction.

I am glad they can do this sooner than later so you don't have to worry as long. I'm sure it's nothing but it's best to have it checked like you are doing.

Now that you mention it, I think DH made a comment about feeling hot when he had his back in Sept. I'm just glad I don't have to drink the nasty liquid he had to.

I'm so glad you all are saying it's not common to get sick. I was freaking out

lol I got all hot in the hooha.

I am sure you will be just fine

GBW · November 2009

Hi gymnst - It's GBW... I haven't been posting for awhile over on TTC after 35, but I've been out and about reading and posting the last week or so.

Just saw your post above. First, I hope everything will be okay for you. Don't be worried! A CT scan will just give a better image to the doctor to determine what is going on. A u/s isn't as informational. I had a different issue a few years ago where I started with the u/s and then moved on to a CT scan.

The contrast dye that is used should not make you sick, but it is possible that it can. My own personal experience was a little queasiness and upset stomach. Advice: do not go out to eat after having it done. I met a friend for dinner after my CT scan to take my mind off of it and my stomach was a little too upset for dinner. And be sure to drink a lot of water afterwards to flush the contrast out of your system. I'm sure they will tell you to do this.

Also, the facility where you have this done should test your kidney function before they do a CT scan with contrast. If they do not bring this up to you, ask them to do bloodwork to test your kidney function.

And finally (sorry this is getting long) - when they inject the dye, it is an odd feeling - so just be prepared. You can feel it going through yoru veins and it feels warm. It also causes you to feel like you are possibly peeing your pants (just very odd feeling!)

gymnst1013 · November 2009

Mrs.Johns:

lol I got all hot in the hooha.

I am sure you will be just fine

I am so glad my office door is shut right now - I can't stop laughing at that.

canthardlywait426 · November 2009

FlgBride- they rarely use that type of contrast anymore. The old contrast was definitely interesting and you definitely though you peed yourself, but in the last 2 years, most radiology places have changed the contrast.

Gym- you have nothing to worry about. I do CT scans and MRI's with contrast every 6 months because of my Trigeminal Neuralgia. They will inject you with contrast midway through. The whole thing can take from 30 minutes to an hour and a half depending on how many images they need.

cutebride73 · November 2009

I had a CT scan when I had this extremem pain in my abdomen a few years back. I had no problems with it, it wasn't a big deal (other than lying still on a small flat board and the machine lifting me up in the air). I didn't have to be shot with any dye, so I don't know about that part though.

I hope it all goes well for you!!!

gymnst1013 · November 2009

GBW:

Hi gymnst - It's GBW... I haven't been posting for awhile over on TTC after 35, but I've been out and about reading and posting the last week or so.

Just saw your post above. First, I hope everything will be okay for you. Don't be worried! A CT scan will just give a better image to the doctor to determine what is going on. A u/s isn't as informational. I had a different issue a few years ago where I started with the u/s and then moved on to a CT scan.

The contrast dye that is used should not make you sick, but it is possible that it can. My own personal experience was a little queasiness and upset stomach. Advice: do not go out to eat after having it done. I met a friend for dinner after my CT scan to take my mind off of it and my stomach was a little too upset for dinner. And be sure to drink a lot of water afterwards to flush the contrast out of your system. I'm sure they will tell you to do this.

Also, the facility where you have this done should test your kidney function before they do a CT scan with contrast. If they do not bring this up to you, ask them to do bloodwork to test your kidney function.

And finally (sorry this is getting long) - when they inject the dye, it is an odd feeling - so just be prepared. You can feel it going through yoru veins and it feels warm. It also causes you to feel like you are possibly peeing your pants (just very odd feeling!)

Hey!! It's been a while! How are you doing? The lab (West Hills Open MRI) did ask about my kidney and liver function. I told them I don't have any problems with it. I'll be sure to mention it again on Friday though. Thanks so much for the info - this should be quite an experience!

Lacey711 · November 2009

gymnst1013:
Lacey711:

When I had my CT scan for my endo, they did a two hour scan without dye then a two hour scan with dye. I didn't have any reaction besides that I couldn't walk after my hips popped out of socket from laying flat for so long.

I wouldn't be worried about the CT scan... it's a completely different imaging system... he probably just wants to get a real good look at it

Two hours?? Are you serious?? I'm praying mine doesn't take that long!

There's no reason yours should! The first ct lasted two hours, then they injected me and did the whole thing again. Boo. They had a ton more stuff to check out... You will def. be fine!

FlgBride · November 2009

canthardlywait426:
FlgBride- they rarely use that type of contrast anymore. The old contrast was definitely interesting and you definitely though you peed yourself, but in the last 2 years, most radiology places have changed the contrast.

Gym- you have nothing to worry about. I do CT scans and MRI's with contrast every 6 months because of my Trigeminal Neuralgia. They will inject you with contrast midway through. The whole thing can take from 30 minutes to an hour and a half depending on how many images they need.

Good to know, thanks! It's been about 4 years since I had that CT scan.

GBW · November 2009

I'm doing okay - hanging in there! Thank you for asking! (When I went to vote earlier this month, I thought of you and how you told me you lived over that way!)

I had my CT scan at Magee. They do bloodwork onsite and they tested my kidney function right before I went in for the scan. They explained that sometimes people may have kidney issues of which they are unaware and the dye can affect the kidneys. It's just better to be safe than sorry - that's my motto with CT scans!

If you get the dye, you'll have to drink the gross, chalky stuff. Hopefully they will have flavored versions. I think I had banana. I wanted chocolate, but they were out. Ha ha.

Good luck on Friday and don't worry! Everything will be okay...

gymnst1013 · November 2009

GBW:

I'm doing okay - hanging in there! Thank you for asking! (When I went to vote earlier this month, I thought of you and how you told me you lived over that way!)

I had my CT scan at Magee. They do bloodwork onsite and they tested my kidney function right before I went in for the scan. They explained that sometimes people may have kidney issues of which they are unaware and the dye can affect the kidneys. It's just better to be safe than sorry - that's my motto with CT scans!

If you get the dye, you'll have to drink the gross, chalky stuff. Hopefully they will have flavored versions. I think I had banana. I wanted chocolate, but they were out. Ha ha.

Good luck on Friday and don't worry! Everything will be okay...

I will definitely check on the kidney thing - thanks! I did ask about the chalky stuff - MH had to drink it when he had one in September - and they said I actually don't have to drink anything since they aren't looking at my abdomen. Just the injection. Phew!

canthardlywait426 · November 2009

FlgBride:
canthardlywait426:

FlgBride- they rarely use that type of contrast anymore. The old contrast was definitely interesting and you definitely though you peed yourself, but in the last 2 years, most radiology places have changed the contrast.

Gym- you have nothing to worry about. I do CT scans and MRI's with contrast every 6 months because of my Trigeminal Neuralgia. They will inject you with contrast midway through. The whole thing can take from 30 minutes to an hour and a half depending on how many images they need.

Good to know, thanks! It's been about 4 years since I had that CT scan.

I wish I could go that long. Ever. Freakin. 6. Months.

fatima5968 · November 2009

I've had a CT of neck with contrast- they just inject you with iodine base- you'll be fine- it's all really quick. For an abdominal ct you drink something really pasty for contrast. best of luck to you gym

FlgBride · November 2009

canthardlywait426:
FlgBride:
canthardlywait426:

FlgBride- they rarely use that type of contrast anymore. The old contrast was definitely interesting and you definitely though you peed yourself, but in the last 2 years, most radiology places have changed the contrast.

Gym- you have nothing to worry about. I do CT scans and MRI's with contrast every 6 months because of my Trigeminal Neuralgia. They will inject you with contrast midway through. The whole thing can take from 30 minutes to an hour and a half depending on how many images they need.

Good to know, thanks! It's been about 4 years since I had that CT scan.

I wish I could go that long. Ever. Freakin. 6. Months.

Ugh, I'm sorry....that really sucks!

Unknown · November 2009

This content has been removed.

canthardlywait426 · November 2009

beccaga16:

CT scans are not a huge deal it just gives the doc a better look. There is a chance with u/s that they would need to do a CT anyway so a lot of doctors skip them.

Don't freak out about it! The only thing you need to know is if they use contrast it may make you feel sick, but to be honest most of the time the only side effect is it gives you the feeling that you wet your pants... You don't actually wet yourself it is just a weird and funny side effect.

Good luck and don't stress.

I just commented on this.

MrsC18 · November 2009

I had to get one in the ER a few weeks ago. I told them that dye has made me sick in the past and they gave me an injection to prevent it - and I didn't feel sick. I didn't feel like I peed, but there was a minute where it felt like my crotch was on FIRE! Didn't hurt...but got super hot! DH has several new names for me since I told him that! Wink

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