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5 CT scans in one month, help please!

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Posted 3/12/2014 9:43 PM (GMT -5)
I've had 5 CT scans, two xrays and 1 MRI done in the last 35 days, I'm worried I could maybe die from too much radiation. I've never had any prior to this past month and I've been feeling really lousy since I've had them. My blood work came back good, and I have no fever or anything like that. Just a lot of chest pain, dizziness and fatigue. My oxygen levels are at 99% and my blood pressure is normaly 116/65 these days. I would greatly appreciate any input!
Posted 3/13/2014 12:42 PM (GMT -5)
That certainly is a lot of exposure in a short amount of time. I really don't know much on the subject.....how much is too much. At one point I had several ct scans and X-rays lumped together but not quite that many. Have you expressed your concerns with your doctor?
Posted 3/13/2014 12:52 PM (GMT -5)
There's no radiation dose from an MRI. They're more expensive and take longer so if you go to the ER you will almost always get a CT or flat x-ray instead, but if you stick with your doctor you should be able to push for MRIs from now on to minimize your radiation exposure.
Posted 3/13/2014 3:06 PM (GMT -5)
I've had similar exposure in a short amount of time. I've heard that each CT scan increases your cancer chances by .1%. The amount an xray increase the risk is negligible. The problem is, it's either the CT to look for something that could kill you or avoid the cancer risk.

The other things you are experiencing are NOT from the exposure from the CT scan.

Whenever possible, ask about having an xray or MRI (or another test) instead of a CT scan. For instance, to look for blockages in the ER they can just xray you. This decreases your long-term cancer risk.

As weird as it sounds, the other symptoms you are experiencing can be attributed to anxiety/panic attacks. However, don't ignore this stuff. Has your primary said anything about it? Have you talked to him/her about it?
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