LymeNet Flash: CT with contrast

This is topic CT with contrast in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by orrn71 (Member # 50137) on :

My cardiologist wants me to have a CT with

contrast of my heart. I am very afraid of the

contrast. I cannot do a physical stress test and

I had a horrible reaction when they tried to do a

chemical stress test. He said this is what we

can do instead. I had an

echocardiogram(ultrasound of my heart) that was

normal. My symptoms are generalized swelling,

shortness of breath and very weak and tired

muscles. At this point I can't even take a

shower myself. I feel like this is all due to my

Lyme and/or coinfections, but can't see a LLMD

right now as I don't have good insurance, because

I am not working. Am I wrong for being this

nervous about the contrast they will use? I have

cancelled the procedure twice already. I'm not

sure what to do. Thanks for any help or thoughts

about this.

Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :

I would be totally freaked out and would definitely try to say NO!

I have MCAS and react so easily. Besides that, the contrast stuff hangs around in the body far too long.

Maybe you could find out more about it? What the ingredients are? Is it radioactive?

Posted by Bartenderbonnie (Member # 49177) on :

This is a personal decision you have to make.
I believe an educated patient will access the pro’s and con’s and do what is right for them. I found this for you;
https://www.itnonline.com/article/debate-over-gadolinium-mri-contrast-toxicity

I have had contrasts and I have refused contrasts.
When I was feeling poorly, I refused.
Radiologists can still read tests without them.

Also, drinking lots of water before and after contrasts help eliminate them from your system. Research specific ways to detox contrasts. So very important if that is the way you choose to proceed.

Hope you find answers.
But it does sound like Lyme and company.

Posted by orrn71 (Member # 50137) on :

Lymetoo - This is what I've heard and why I am

freaking out. Regular doctors don't get it though.

Bartenderbonnie - Thanks for the article. I have

been doing poorly and I feel like it's because I

can't detox very well. This is why I am so

hesitant. Of course they say they can't read the

CT without the contrast. I don't want to get any

worse.

Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :

They CAN read it .. it just takes the radiologist longer to analyze it....so they risk our health to save time and money.

Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :

By the way .. just in case .. Research Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. Many Lyme patients get it from Lyme.

Posted by orrn71 (Member # 50137) on :

Lymetoo - I believe my child has MCAS, so I have

read a lot about it. I do want to have a

thorough heart exam, as my mom and her side of

the family have quite a long history of heart

issues. I was reading that they use iodine

contrast with the CT and not gadolinium(used in

MRIs). I am having such a hard time deciding

what to do.

Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :

At least iodine would not linger forever. I personally would be nervous about it.

Talk to the Dr again. Tell him/her that you absolutely do not want the contrast. Ask him respectfully if it would be useless without it.

I hope he will answer truthfully.

Posted by Garz (Member # 52095) on :

i have had a full torso CT scan done without contrast and the radiologist and gastroenterologist agreed it was sufficient and readable.

the contrast agent they wanted to use was a iodine compound - but the dose of iodine is very large indeed - and since i have lyme and Hashimoto's ( thyroid condition) i explained i had severe reservations about taking a large amount of iodine - as there are plenty of studies showing issues for people with hashimotos and large iodine doses.
so in my case, this was the reasoning.

if i did not have a pre-existing thyroid condition i would be less concerned - but in any reactive state, i would be cautious to put anything synthetic into my body.

there are several / many different contrast agents - the doctor will have a patient leaflet giving information on the specific contrast agent they are suggesting - you can start with that and do your own research.

Posted by orrn71 (Member # 50137) on :

Lymetoo-I am extremely nervous about the contrast

and have cancelled the procedure twice already.

I don't have an appointment with him. I was

supposed to get the CT done and then his office

would set up an appointment to go over it.

Garz-I know he wants to look at the vessels in my

heart since I can't have a regular stress test

done or a chemical stress test. He said this

would be the next step in this situation. I I

also have Lyme, co-infections and Hashimoto's

like you. I don't know if it's to look at blood

flow in my vessels if that's the main reason they

need the contrast.

Thank you both for your input. It kind of

solidifies what I was already thinking and

feeling.