42 CT SCANS IN 3 MONTHS

[shaggy29]

I started having abdominal pain and no doctors could diagnose me, then I drove around to 5 different states to 45 different hospitals and all except about 3 either told me I needed a CT scan or gave me one when I asked, well now I've had 42 abdominal CT scans in 3 months and I'm seriously worried I'm going to die from radiation.   What do you think is going to happen to me???  Aside from my lack of insurance and the 1/2 million dollars I'm going to owe?

[shaggy29]

by the way i finally got my diagnosis...anxiety...i take xanex now and my symptoms went away

[hatgal]

Where did you find these doctors to perform all of those CT's??? Especially with no insurance???? There is something very wrong with that situation and, I don't really know, but I would also be worried about the side effects of all those CT's. Did each doctor know that you had CT's before that??!!  I just don't understand how you managed this.

In any event, glad to hear that your anxiety is under control now.

[Raine9]

I had a chest CT last summer and I got really paranoid about the radiation.  I read so many articles on the radiation levels.  My doc reassurred me that the newer CT scanners are quicker and the radiation levels are minimal. But I agree with Hatgal, I don't understand how you got all those docs to perform all those CTs.  Did you tell the docs about your previous CTs?  

Eventually, I let it go and decided that my CT was for a valid medical reason. I learned from my experience.  AND THAT'S WHAT YOU NEED TO DO.  When I get a physical symptom now, I don't go rushing to the doc.  I will wait it out a few days and see what happens.  If the doc says I need an x-ray or ct, I ask questions like... "Is this really necessary?"  "Is there an alternative test I can take that does not involve radiation?"  "Can I wait a few weeks to see if my symptoms improve?"  Make sure you have a good doctor.  All docs have degrees and licenses but they don't always know what they are talking about.  Ultimately, however, you may need to do these tests.  I just had a chest x-ray last week.  After thinking about it for a long time, I felt it was necessary. Turned out fine, thank God!  But I need some more tests :(  

So I guess that's my advice to you.. learn from it, and try your best to just not worry about it and move on with your life.  The next time you see a doc, make sure they know about all the previous tests you had done.  Try to stick with one good doc.

As far as the Xanax is concerned, I'm glad it's working for you.  My doc prescribed it to me as well but I researched it and found out that stuff is highly addictive and can have bad withdrawal symptoms, in case you didn't already know.  If you continue taking it, don't stop cold turkey. That can be very dangerous!  You need to taper off slowly under the direction of a physician. I read that Klonopin might be a better choice.  It's less addictive and lasts longer.  Xanax should really be only used on an as needed basis from what I understand.  Maybe you can talk to your doc about switching.

Best wishes!

[hatgal]

I am also a firm believer in klonopin. I've taken it only when needed and have never had withdrawal or and addictive feeling from it. It's a wonderful med for anxiety. Best..........