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.
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.
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!!!