CT Scan: Angry!

I just came off of a huge panic attack.

Fact is, I'm terrified of CT scans--I've had quite a few of them, but only two with contrast. I think I might've had an allergic reaction in the two times I've had contrast (shortness of breath, nausea), but that could also be my anxiety kicking in. I think I'm literally scared of everything to do with the medical profession at this point, so there's a good chance I'll either freeze and be unable to even go in the CT room, or freak out while I'm in the tube.

I haven't been able to communicate my anxiety to my GI doctor. In fact, I haven't been able to communicate with him period. The only people I talk to are his nurses, and we end up playing phone tag trying to figure out what, exactly, he wants me to do. He took me off the flagyl after three days (after I started getting diarrhea) and said that was only a precaution anyway; supposedly, this CT scan is only a precaution too, to rule out ischemic colitis. I asked the nurses if the doc saw anything to indicate that, and they won't tell me, saying only the doctor can answer that question!

I'm supposed to see him on Tuesday, and I'm thinking seriously about cancelling the CT until after I've talked with him directly, rather than playing this game of telephone. I want to know what he saw. I want to know what the biopsies came back with (I was supposed to be notified within a week--it's now been three weeks since the colonoscopy). And I want to know exactly what's wrong with me to the best of his ability, not more "precautions," which sounds to me more like CYA. It's my guts; I don't think that's too much to ask. If he tells me, yes, I saw evidence of ischemic colitis, then I'll take my chances with the contrast. If not, then he's scheduling me for a test I don't need or want.

Am I doing the right thing in considering cancelling the CT scan and waiting to talk to Doctor Incommunicado directly?

I would cancel it and talk with your doc.

q

Also, I'm allergic to the CT contrast. They can do a CT without contrast (that is what they do for me now). I would definitely tell them about your past reactions.

Oh gotcha. So, are you going to get it? I would tell them about your past reactions if you do. That way they can be aware and give you a shot of benadryl as a precaution afterwards, if necessary (that's what they did for me years ago). Keep us posted.

Good. Keep us posted.