I have to go for a CAT scan :(

Teri Posted: Apr 14, 2003 08:49 PM

I have to go for a CAT scan :(

and I'm already nervous!!
Can anyone who's had one before explain what happens? Is it like one of those open MRIs I see advertised?

kptoys Posted: Apr 14, 2003 08:56 PM

Re: I have to go for a CAT scan :(

The one I had was for my kidney stone and the machine looks like a square donut and you lie on a bed and they insert you in the middle of the donut. You hold your breath and this thing takes pics of your insides and when its done you breath. Dont worry completly PAINLESS!!!!!

jennbaby Posted: Apr 14, 2003 09:06 PM

Re: I have to go for a CAT scan :(

I had 2 MRI's.
One for my knee & one for my neck (herniated disc)
They aren't so bad.Mine had heaphones with music & when they told you they were taking an image it came through the headphones & the music stoped then returned.
It took about 30 minutes. You have to remove all jewlery.
Do you have claustophobia? (sp?) Ask if the one you will have will be an open one

shelzyp Posted: Apr 14, 2003 09:14 PM

Re: I have to go for a CAT scan :(

CAt scans are different they are more open than an MRI and there is a big circle things that goes around you. It is less claustophobic than and MRI.
I ahve had both and I would go back for a Cat Scan anyday of the week, just not an MRI.

drjenn10 Posted: Apr 14, 2003 09:14 PM

Re: I have to go for a CAT scan :(

Ct scan is very different from an MRI. You don't have to worry if you are claustrophobic, it is just a ring shaped machine and only the specific body part that is being checked is basically in the machine. You should not feel enclosed. Good Luck. Depending on the body part, you are lying on the machine for about 10-25 minutes, and you will not feel anything, you just have to lay still.

Teri Posted: Apr 14, 2003 09:33 PM

Re: I have to go for a CAT scan :(

good - thanks guys

I am clausterphobic - It's for my sinuses, so hopefully the machine will only be around my head.

dgtlsunshine Posted: Apr 14, 2003 09:39 PM

Re: I have to go for a CAT scan :(

Don't know much about cat scans. I just want to say God bless you while you go through this.

yabbobay Posted: Apr 14, 2003 09:45 PM

Re: I have to go for a CAT scan :(

I had a CAT scan for my nose...deviated septum...

from what I remember...you have to be REALLLY still...but its not bad at all

JennRenee Posted: Apr 15, 2003 07:26 AM

Re: I have to go for a CAT scan :(

It's not so bad. Try to think of other things to get your mind off of it, so that you stay still. I know, easier said than done, but it really does help.
Good luck!

Valenia Posted: Apr 15, 2003 07:30 AM

Re: I have to go for a CAT scan :(

I've also had both CAT scans and MRIs. CAT scans are much, much easier and more comfortable. You do have to stay still, but you are not confined to a small area.

Rob-luvs-me Posted: Apr 15, 2003 08:26 AM

Re: I have to go for a CAT scan :(

Don't give it a second thought Teri. Back in Nov. I have MRI's and CAT scans for my sinuses - I have polyps and almost blocked openings that I have been told I MUST have the sinus surgery eventually.

They are NO big deal. You just lay then close your eyes and relax.

WishCandy Posted: Apr 15, 2003 08:30 AM

Re: I have to go for a CAT scan :(

Teri Posted: Apr 15, 2003 09:47 AM

Re: I have to go for a CAT scan :(

I feel much better now!

Thanks everyone

stacedz Posted: Apr 15, 2003 09:52 AM

Re: I have to go for a CAT scan :(

Good Luck Ter!

Suzanne Posted: Apr 15, 2003 09:54 AM

Re: I have to go for a CAT scan :(

Teri,
I have had one done of my head and im claustrophobic to, can you take someone with you, my dad went with me and talked to me the whole time and even though i wasnt able to talk back it was soo comforting!

Good luck!

Marnles Posted: Apr 15, 2003 10:08 AM

Re: I have to go for a CAT scan :(

Good luck Teri - hope all goes well!!!!

Teri Posted: Apr 26, 2003 10:55 AM

Re: I have to go for a CAT scan :(

Thanks again ladies

I had it done this morning, and I'm glad it's now behind me!

The technican asked me about 100 times if I was pregnant, so much so that I started to get paranoid wondering what if I was?! Who needs that stress?!

The scan wasn't clausterphobic at all, but more annoying than anything. Obviously, I couldn't move at all, which when you're concentrating on it all you want to do is then start moving around! LOL If anything the noise was scary - I heard the machine moving all over the place but I didn't want to open my eyes. So I started visualizing our HM to Hawaii - that made me relax

allure Posted: Apr 26, 2003 10:58 AM

Re: I have to go for a CAT scan :(

Glad everything went well for you

Betty Posted: Apr 26, 2003 11:07 AM

Re: I have to go for a CAT scan :(

I had an MRI and a CAT scan.

I HATED the MRI. It was enclosed and you are in there like 20 minutes. You do get headphones but I was still freaking!

The CAT scan was NOTHING!!!!!! It's exactly what kptoys described..an open donut hole. I had to get mine with contrast so I need IV and I'm not good with that so it was a bad experience. Before they put the IV in though they did some test without it and it was NOTHING!!! YOu just had to hold your breath. DOn't worry and GOOD LUCK!!!

edited to say: I just read your post and i'm glad all went well