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Chronic Illness icon
Chronic Illness 20h
Has anyone had a CT scan before? I want to know what I’m going into in December… also with contrast… idk if I’ll be awake or not for it (my doctor gave me the option for anesthetic incase I want it) I’m nervous about it and also the results I may get…
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Anonymous 20h

They aren't that bad unless you're claustrophobic. I find them relaxing, some places give you headphones and let you pick what music you want to listen to during it. Hope everything goes well :)

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Anonymous 19h

If you’ve ever had an MRI before, it’s kinda like that except way quicker and way more quiet. And also you don’t have to be in a whole tube so I think it’s claustrophobic. Sometimes they give you an IV so if you’re scared of needles that might be the only thing to really worry about. Other than that you just lie as still as possibly for like 10-15 minutes, sometimes with music, and then you’re free

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Anonymous 13h

From my experience with MRI, MRA, CT, CTAs, the actual scan is not too bad. The holding still can be hard and if you are someone who gets claustrophobic, some people have difficulty but depends on the location. CT is a lot better; it’s faster and quieter. Contrast tends to be IV. They put the IV in ahead of time. The contrast will get pushed in the line and it makes you feel like you got to pee (totally normal - doesn’t actually happen).

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Anonymous replying to -> #2 19h

Sorry, I meant I think it’s LESS claustrophobic. It’s not like a whole body thing usually it’s just a donut looking machine so you’re not in a tube lol

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Anonymous replying to -> #2 18h

Never had an MRI done and I can’t since I have metal in my body. Not so scared of needles because I’ve had my blood drawn so many times I’m more scared of the contrast (idk if it will be a drink or an iv) more so scared of being in a slight tube where I have to be completely still. Plus whatever results I end up getting I’m nervous about that too… I got the schedule date in August right before college started and my brain just keeps thinking about it

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Anonymous replying to -> OP 18h

Yeah, I get that. It’s definitely scary waiting for results. I hope all goes well and you get the results you want!

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Anonymous replying to -> OP 16h

What are you getting it done for? I’ve had the if contrast multiple times. The only time I’ve had the oral contrast was for abdomen and pelvis cause they were looking at my digestive track. I’ve also had an arthrogram that they injected dye directly into my elbow joint

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Anonymous replying to -> #4 13h

Serious things they can identify very quickly, but regardless results tend to be back no longer than 1 week (depends on the health system). I’ve gotten some within 72 hours. Waiting can be nerve-wrecking, but the scan itself isn’t bad at all. One of my siblings gets claustrophobic, so she takes an anti-anxiety med before and that helps (obv whatever your doc thinks is best, but it’s totally normal to get anxious)

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Anonymous replying to -> #4 13h

Yeah that’s honestly the worst part of the contrast is how weird it feels because it’s thicker than your blood it feels really warm and weird but it doesn’t last long and like #4 said it’s totally normal, just really weird haha. Then they just tell you to drink plenty of water the rest of the day to flush it out of your system

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Anonymous replying to -> #4 13h

Also like people mentioned too a CT id honestly a lot easier than an MRI for a lot of people because it’s much faster and more of just a donut shape instead of a whole machine that you’re in

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Anonymous replying to -> OP 2h

One thing regarding the completely still part. You’ll have communication with who is doing the test. They’ll instruct you when to be still, but you can also ask for a pause to take a break for a minute. And they’ll be viewing the results as the test happens to ensure the image is clear enough to use. So, if you move too much they can redo that one section.

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