Bone Scan Next Week-Injection

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Katiejane
Katiejane Member Posts: 789
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

  I'm having a bone scan next Wednesday and they tell me I will be injected w/ contrast. My question is--is this a running IV injection, is it just a needle/syringe injection into a vein? I have already told them it can't be my arms(bilateral LE) and I need lidocane for a foot stick. I was told they will not use lidocane as it causes the veins to constrict but that they work with cancer pts. all of the time and not to worry, they'll find a place to inject me!! Well, that put me off just alittle and I am concerned!!!  Anyone ever have this done?? Where did they inject you and how much fluid was injected? Is this a radioactive solution? Any info you can share would be appreciated!

Thanks!   katiejane

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  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited February 2011

    KatieJane, I had a bone scan prior to surgery,  they injected the isotope solution into my arm, and it was a relatively big syringe, and it made my vein a little sore. Then, I got kind of achey. Then, it settled down, and I had the scan--and the kind technician told me it was okay as she helped me off the table.

    So, it's an injection, and they made need a "decent" vein.

    Working with cancer patients doesn't equate to working with people with bilateral LE.

    Let us know how it goes.

    Kira

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  • Katiejane
    Katiejane Member Posts: 789
    edited February 2011

      Thanks Kira,    My thoughts exactly. The gal I was speaking with had NO IDEA what I was talking about!  I guess if I get in there and they can't use my foot then I'm S.O.L. My L side isn't my worst side and the LE is mostly in the armpit around to my back. I do allow occassional blood draws on that L hand but just not sure about an injection. It's probably between 30-60 mls of fluid. What do you think?  I'm worried half sick about this!   Thanks,   katiejane

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  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 8,543
    edited February 2011

    When I had my bone scan 3 weeks ago, an IV was inserted in the top of my hand and the isotope soluttion was inserted with a syringe.  They used the smallest needle possible.  It is radioactive and will be out of your body in about 24 - 36 hours.  I was told to drink lots of water to help flush my system out.

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  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited February 2011

    KatieJean, with bilateral LE, I'd be very reluctant, to the point of refusal, to let someone inject a possibly vein irritating isotope into either of my arms.

    Could you get the supervisor or head nuclear medicine radiologist to back you up?

    New page on stepupspeakout:---

    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/essential%20informat%20for%20healthcare%20providers.htm

    For patients with bilateral lymphedema or bilateral risk, learn how to take leg blood pressures, foot blood draws and foot or neck IV's if necessary. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/471829

    Concerns have been raised over the safety of intravenous lines in the lower extremity: they have been associated with a higher risk of infection, should be avoided when artificial joints are in the limb and this author could find no study that documented increased risk of deep vein thrombosis. The higher risk of infection needs to be weighed against the risk of exacerbation or triggering of lymphedema with the use of an IV in a limb with compromised lymphatic function.

    You're going to be worried enough about the test, you don't need to worry about your LE also. IMO.

    Kira

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  • Cat123
    Cat123 Member Posts: 296
    edited February 2011

    KatieJane, I just had a needle injection....no biggie then the bone scan.  The anticipation was worse than the test!

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  • Katiejane
    Katiejane Member Posts: 789
    edited February 2011

      Ok ladies......I spoke with nuclear medicine today(where bone scans are done)  & exchanged info with one of the gentlemen who actually does the injection/scan. He was very kind and addressed my concerns with the injection. He acknowledged that my LE was a big concern and said he/they will not inject into either of my arms or hands. I do have a decent vein on my ankle and he was pleased to hear that!  He also said they have had to do the injection in the neck as well but preferred to save that one for in patients. He was very reassuring and thanked me for giving them a "heads up". It was so nice to speak to someone who has some knowledge of LE!

    Thank you all for your input and support!  Also, the amount of fluid injected for the scan is 1 ccor ml!!   Katiejane

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  • BoobsinaBox
    BoobsinaBox Member Posts: 550
    edited February 2011

    Wonderful news, Katiejane!  I love to hear about those folks who do take LE seriously and accommodate your needs!  Thanks for letting us know!

    Dawn 

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited February 2011

    Oh, Katiejane, what a gift! Bless him!Smile You must feel so much better. So glad you persisted in the face of such an intimidating situation. Brava!

    We're all with you on this, and we'll be keeping you in our thoughts for next Wednesday. Looking forward to good news!
    Binney

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  • Katiejane
    Katiejane Member Posts: 789
    edited February 2011

      Thanks to all of you for your support and kind words!  I will post results as soon as I have them! You know, words cannot even begin to voice what is in my heart for all of you.. :)  Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!!!  Many Hugs!!!     katiejane

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  • Katiejane
    Katiejane Member Posts: 789
    edited February 2011

    Well, I had the bone scan today and the scan itself is a piece of cake!!  And the guy who did my injection used a vein in my ankle!  :)  There were absolutely no problems! I was even able to watch the screen as the results(films) materialized. Very interesting!! I did have to do two follow up x-rays-one on my neck where I've had arthritis for years and one on each tibia/fibula. I have seen results of cancer + bone scans and this didn't appear to look anything like those but I am anxiously awaiting the "official" word from the radiologist. Keepin' my fingers crossed!

    katiejane

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  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited February 2011

    KatieJane, so glad it went well, and my fingers are crossed for some arthritis, and a good official report. I'm so glad they used your ankle, and now it's just a short wait (I hope) before it's fully behind you.

    Hugs

    Kira

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  • Katiejane
    Katiejane Member Posts: 789
    edited February 2011

       Thanks Kira!  Still waiting!

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  • BoobsinaBox
    BoobsinaBox Member Posts: 550
    edited February 2011

    Glad to hear they did the job well, Katie Jane!

    Dawn 

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited February 2011
    Waiting with you KJ -- looking forward to that all-clear whistle!
    Binney
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  • Katiejane
    Katiejane Member Posts: 789
    edited March 2011

      Hi all !   Here it is, 8:45 pm and I just received a phone call from my Internal Med. Doc with the all clear on the bone scan!!!!  YAY! I guess the radiologist discovered bone splints (bilateral) in the tibia/fib area. Certainly not what I expected but certainly a very welcome diagnosis!!!!!!  And guess what caused these shin splints????  New custom orthotics(sp?) that I have been wearing on my 12 hours shifts! All I could do was laugh!!!! I've never heard of such a thing!  Anyway, thanks for all of your support!   Katiejane

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  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited March 2011

    Yeah!!!

    12 hours shifts--that's a long time to be on your feet!

    So glad it's over and and it's all good!

    Kira

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited March 2011

    Katiejane, I LOVE good news!Kiss Hooray! Do something chocolate!
    Binney

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  • Katiejane
    Katiejane Member Posts: 789
    edited March 2011

        Thanks ladies for all of the support!  Binney, something chocolate is right up my alley!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Katiejane

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