cat scan

[kudos132]

has anyone had a cat scan recommended with contrast,  after treatment with alpha 2a & ribavirin?  i do not want any contrast medium injected into me & i don't want all the radiation of 3 yrs of background exposure.  i am considering a fibroscan.  my dr says without using the contrast dye,  the ct is worthless.
i had 11 months of treatment for 1b hep c.  i had 2 blood transfusions in 1982.  had a liver bx 2007 under general, before my treatment.  it showed mild inflammation & fibrosis,  without bridging or cirrhosis.  my liver enzymes have always been normal & my hep RNA has been 400,000to 800,000 before treatment.  my RNA level during treatment was undetectable.  i am due more labs 3/23 with an RNA repeat,  which will be about 1 month post treatment.  
i could only give my injections in my abdomen,  where i had the most fat.  i got a bad itchy/red reaction at the shot site when i gave it in my legs.  also my treatment plan was to drink 1/2 my body weight in full or clear liquids daily & i took a benadryl & extra strenght tylenol 1 hr before my weekly shots.  my dermatologist recommended CERAVE lotion & cleanser for my body rash on my back/arms etc.  it works!!  no script needed.  costs about $12 a bottle & i found it at riteaid drug stores.  
thanx,  kudos132

[Bill1954]

What is the indication for CAT scan? What are they trying to detect?

[jdwithhcv]

Yes, I had CT scans with contrast last week.  I completed tx with Peg/Riba in August.  I had no problem with the test.  If your doctor needs a scan with contrast, go ahead and do it.  You will be fine.

jd

[kudos132]

the dr wants to see the morhology of my liver.  the entire year nothing was mentioned about the ct scan,  until i was finished with treatment. thanx,  kudos132

[kudos132]

thanx for the advice.  how often & why did they recommend you to have ct scan?  an mri has no radiation exposure--did they suggest this?  kudos132

[Bill1954]

The reason I asked is that they don’t typically require follow up imaging for HCV treatment unless the patient relapses, or if late stage disease is present; in that case, ongoing monitoring for HCC (liver cancer) is often recommended.

I’d go with the scan, as JD suggested; the benefits generally outweigh any risks.

Bill

[jdwithhcv]

I have annual CT scans (abdomen, shest and pelvis) for colorectal cancer follow-up.  Would not dare skip them.  MRI does not permit them to properly visualize the area.  After months of daily radiation treatment I already follow-up with radiation oncology, and will for life, and they order these tests.  I believe they know what they are doing, and I want the earliest possible warning of any recurrence, so I have the tests.  By the way, CT scan is how I first discovered damage to my liver, and that led me to be tested for Hep C, so I consider it worthwhile.

jd

[kudos132]

i have had no relapse yet of hep c & have no cancer or cirrhosis per 2007 liver bx.  i still am not sure i want the radiation exposure unless my hep c returns.
kudos132