CT Scan with contrast

Hi,

I have to have a ct scan with contrast on my pancreas.  I am alittle concerned about the procedure.  Can anyone give me some insight as to what to expect?  Also, has anyone had any severe reactions to the contrast?  I think that concerns me the most!!

Any help will be much appreciated....Thanks....

[patient915]

The procedure is a very common procedure that is very easy.  You might be told to not eat or drink anything before the procedure, but not necessarily (ask your doctor).  You will usually be asked to change into a gown they provide or just to remove any clothing containing metal.  They might have you drink a couple glasses of this special liquid (it doesn't taste too bad) but I don't believe this is the case for a pancreas CT scan.  Then they will probably bring you into a room and put an IV in your arm.  IV's sound scary, but if you relax and are well hydrated from the day before then it should be easy.  When they are done putting the IV in, there is no longer any needle in your arm, just a tube.  Then they will connect a tube to your IV that goes up to a contraption above your head.  Then you will put your arm above your head and the test will start. You will be laying on on table and there will be a circular ring around your feet.  You will be asked to breathe in and hold your breath for a couple seconds and the table you are laying on will move into the ring.  The contrast will go into your arm then.  You probably will feel funny from the contrast but this doesn't mean you are having an allergic reaction.  You might feel a burning in your arm where it is going in, you might have a metallic taste in your mouth, your body might suddenly feel really hot, and the coolest one is that you might feel like you are peeing (even though you aren't).  It feels really weird (especially for things like CT's of your lungs where the contrast has to go in faster).  I even feel a little short of breath when I am getting contrast.  This doesn't mean you are having an allergic reaction!!!  It is very very rare to have an allergic reaction to the contrast.  I have never known anyone to have a severe allergic reaction.  Let me know if you have any more questions.