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200828 tn?1209917975

What do you guys and gals think?

I just wanna thank those people who offered words of support, I really appreciate it.  And I know I probably have valid reasons for getting medical attention.  So I'm not arguing that.  

However, I just wanna draw everyone's attention to a comment written by "lifetime07" titled "Are too many X-rays dangerous" posted 4/14 in the "Doctor-to-Patient" forum (Family Practice).  She was also an anxiety sufferer who went to the ER every time she thought there was something wrong with her and now she regrets getting all those x-rays and CT scans because of the radiation dangers.  I understand that people with anxiety are always concerned with their health and they need answers to calm their fears and anxiety.  That's how I used to be but after my CT scan last summer, I read up on the radiation dangers and got really concerned about the radiation exposure so now when I get a physical symptom I try to avoid radiation exposure as much as possible.  I would rather wait it out and see what happens especially if the symptom is characteristic of anxiety.  You can go to the doctor but if he orders an x-ray or CT scan right away, you might wanna get a second opinion or wait.  

Really the decision is up to you, I just think that we shouldn't let our fear and anxiety take over and need an answer to our health problems right away.  

Please let me know what you guys think.

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200828 tn?1209917975
It's the CT scans that I'm afraid of.  I think x-rays are relatively safe unless of course you're taking one everyday.  

I read an article written by two Harvard radiologists who were basically recommending a full body scan for people over the age of 45? (I think it was)  every 2 - 3 years to detect cancer in it's early stages.  But even they didn't think it was a good idea to get a ct scan every 6 months unless there was a life threatening emergency.  I don't think my situation qualifies as a life threatening emergency.  I have 3 doctors and a radiologist telling me that what they found in my lung was most likely caused by a previous illness.  One thinks that it "might" be chronic.  If I take a chest x-ray, it may lead to a CT scan, that's what I'm afraid of.  And I'm afraid of what they will actually see of course.  I'm trying to work up the courage to do this x-ray.  I think I should get another consult from the pulmonary spec I saw last summer cuz he actually looked at the CT images.  The one I saw a couple of weeks ago did not, he only read the report.  


    
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Avatar universal
Ok, my husband is an x-ray tech and ct tech.  He said the ct is much more radiation than the x-ray.  I always worry about him being exposed to radiation at work.  They wear a radiation badge that monitors the amt. they are exposed to. If it gets to be too much - they remove them from the area for a while.  However, he has never seen any of the badges read too high and they work in it for 12 hr shifts.  I don't know how safe that is, but worth putting down I guess.  I have had several x-rays and I don't worry about it - even though I worry about everything else.  I guess it's just not a big deal since my husband works in it.

Perhaps you could request an MRI - it involves no radiation - just a magnet.  Don't quote me on that, but I'm pretty sure.  I have had several.  Of course, it is up to the doc whether that type of radiology exam is what he needs to see your particular issue.  
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Avatar universal
I definitely agree about the radiation exposure and many times, we (anxiety people) get way too many because of our fears.  I feel, though. if you explain your situation to your doctor he or she will make the necessary judgement call if it is important enough to have the test.  As far as your situation, since you have a history with a lung problem, it is wise to have it checked!!!!   That is just my two cents!!!
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