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Pulmonary CT scan questions.

Posted , 3 users are following.

mark81706
mark81706

I've been told I need a CT scan to rule out the possibility of a pulmonary embolism. However I suffer from severe anxiety and, upon having a cannula fitted to inject contrast dye, I had a severe panic attack and had to leave the hospital.

I was wondering if there was an alternative to a cannula to administer the contrast dye for a pulmonary ct scan? Failing this does anyone have a bit more information, how long the cannula has to be applied etc? The thought of sitting round for a long time with it stuck in my arm fills me with panic. Any advice would be appreciated.

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • paulette_16615
    paulette_16615 mark81706

    Posted

    I really don’t think there is another way only the contrast dye! I’ve had a few contrast scans and I don’t like needles, however it isn’t that bad and it’s only in for about half an hour!! I really suggest that you have this done !! It’s not very nice having blood clots believe me I know as I have several and my husband was told that I was very lucky to be alive!! Half an hour really isn’t so bad considering the consequences!! Lots of luck to you and I hope this is helpful

    Paulette 

    • mark81706
      mark81706 paulette_16615

      Posted

      Does the cannula stay in for the duration of the scan, or once the dye is administered is it removed?
    • paulette_16615
      paulette_16615 mark81706

      Posted

      It stays in during the scan, it’s removed by a nurse when it’s finished! It’s not for very long 
  • Opus2828
    Opus2828 mark81706

    Posted

    I have anxiety too and I had to pre medicate for allergies and was freaked out about the whole thing. I had a panic attack on the table but I went along with it because it really is important to have the test. Panic won't kill you but a blood clot can. The cannula in my arm was there maybe 5 mins. I went in and laid down, they placed it and took pics, injected dye and took pics and it was over. It was really fast. My heart was racing so much it actually made the dye go through faster. Ha ha. If I had to do it again I wouldn't be scared at all. It wasn't bad. I wish you the best of luck. I don't know what state you're in but if you're in Connecticut let me know and I will tell you where I had it done.

    • mark81706
      mark81706 Opus2828

      Posted

      Thanks very much, I'm actually in the UK.

      I'm usually OK with giving blood and have had a cannula fitted before, I just wasn't prepared. I told my doctor I had anxiety and asked what to expect, and he just told me I would lay down and the scan would take 10mins. The surprise of giving blood and having the cannula fitted just pushed me into a panic. If I'd have known it involved all that I would have taken some xanax before, something I will be doing when I re-book my scan, I have also read that the hospital can give you a sedative too.

      I will definitely try it again, with better preparation this time.

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