Tips for CT scan contrast???

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WaveWhisperer
WaveWhisperer Member Posts: 898
edited June 2014 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)

Given all we've been through, this may seem like a minor concern, but here goes: I'm having a CT scan and have been given these two HUGE bottles of yukky, thick contrast to drink before the scan. I'm more afraid of that than all the invasive biopsies and surgeries. Because of colon cancer a decade ago, I've had to have annual colonoscopies, and just the thought of that particular pre-procedure drink makes me gag. I'm afraid I won't be able to get this contrast stuff down. Anyone have tips on ways to drink this stuff without gagging?? 

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  • MiniMacsMom
    MiniMacsMom Member Posts: 595
    edited November 2011

    If you have gotten your RX for zofran take one.  I am also a "gagger" but I was able to get it down (barely) with the help of a zofran.  i took it about an hour before.  I also used a straw and just held my nose, I got almost all of it down. 

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  • WaveWhisperer
    WaveWhisperer Member Posts: 898
    edited November 2011

    MiniMacsMom, thanks for the tip, Do they routinely offer Zofran to help with this? I'll definitely ask about it. (First, I'll look up Zofran to see what the heck it is!)

    Thanks again! 

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  • PlantLover
    PlantLover Member Posts: 622
    edited November 2011

    When I had a CT they put the contrast in me via IV.  Is that a possibility for you?

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  • MiniMacsMom
    MiniMacsMom Member Posts: 595
    edited November 2011

    I think the two types of contrast look for two different things.  I had both on my Cat scan yesterday.  I had to do the barium, half right away, the other half 1/2hour later, then the scans a half hour after that.  I did scans without the IV dye and then they did scans with the IV dye also, so I was glowing yesterday :)

     I had already been given the Rx for zofran from my Onc for the nausea I would experience during chemo.  I also had some left over from my very sick pregnancy :)  Anyway, Insurances only usually cover so many a month, so they gave me the Rx early to start bulking up on it.  I also have a problem with not eating anything when I am anxious and the zofran helps with that too.  It pretty much just makes it so you don't throw up. There is a generic called Ondesterone (SP) something like that.  My Barium was orange and coconut flavored, I have heard the strawberry/cherry is better, so it might help if you get a choice :)

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  • WaveWhisperer
    WaveWhisperer Member Posts: 898
    edited November 2011

    Thanks. Like you, MMM, I'm having both the barium mixture and the dye -- one scan without dye, one with dye. I heard that they might offer me flavors for the ingested stuff, so I was debating with myself whether I would choose chocolate, strawberry and vanilla. I showed up to get the stuff and they said, "We have 3 flavors. Do you want citrus, mocha or berry?" What???

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  • rosie06ct
    rosie06ct Member Posts: 220
    edited November 2011

    YUCK  i had the berry berry and  i was so sick to my tummy .then they wanted me to drink another when i got there and i refused! then had the contrast iv................... i was sick feeling all damned day . next time hoping the insurance will pay for the PET scan ...

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  • BlueCowgirl
    BlueCowgirl Member Posts: 667
    edited November 2011

    You guys got flavors? No fair! I just got "nasty" flavored, only choice. 

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  • tarry
    tarry Member Posts: 156
    edited November 2011

    So suppose you can't get it down. It certainly won't be the first time. Surely they can find a solution.



    I'd go with mocha. Who wants to vomit berry!?!

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