Its a thick solution which I believe is flavored in their version of "pina colada". It is not consumed all at once but part about 3 hours before then another 2 hours before then the remainder an hour before. Personally, I think it is much better than the prep for a colonoscopy. The iodine is put into your body through an IV during the CT scan (assuming you are not allergic to it or seafood). It is important after having this test to drink water throughout the day to flush out the iodine. It's an easy test & not too disruptive to your day. Praying for you to have good results. The test itself is nothing to be worried about.

ooppps, Not April 1st, but April 9th. for the scan.
Pmaggie, you talked about taking the drink in 3 sessions an hour apart. They told me to come in at 9:00am to drink the stuff at one time, then scan will be at 11:00, so some difference there. Thanks for your info, I will try not to worry too much about it all.

I've had numerous CT scans and there is nothing to fear. The liquid they gave me to drink tasted like lemonade - there was a lot of it but really it wasn't bad. The IV solution is no big deal either. Most important - drink lots of water before your test so that the IV goes in without a problem. If not, the solution may burn. The strange part about the solution is that it makes you feel warm - hate to put it this way but it feels like you pee'd your pants. Only lasts a second though and once it's over, you'll chuckle about it. The scan itself doesn't last anywhere near as long as a PET - maybe 10 minutes at the most. It's a breeze!

Good luck and stay positive!

GG, the stuff I got tasted okay. I chilled it and drank it like a milk shake. This time they've given me a orange smoothie type. I think they let me choose way back when....

My CT 'push' was given by a computer. They warn you that you'll think you've wet your pants. It's weird! LOL I do remember that. There's something else about back of your throat or ???? Anyhow, I have had 2, one without contrast, and mine are done in the donut style machine. I prayed the whole time during the first two, thanking God for healing me.

Nothing by mouth for 4 hours prior to my CT other than the solution! Be sure to read YOUR directions. Seems like they all differ!

Hi GG.... I m sorry you re not feeling well. CT is a bit unnerving, but honestly nothing compared to what you've already been through. I had mine last Monday. Ask for a straw! The stuff is like Milk of Magnesia with a twist ... a bit yuck toward the end ..
The push of Iodine is a little scary the first time and by the time you have time to freak out about it they are shoving you and your purse out the door and reminding you to drink a bunch of water!!!!
Apparently it is hard on your kidneys, so drink the h20.
I m praying you get a clean bill! MPNC

I hope your scan turns up nothing! I drank the stuff pretty quickly if I remember, maybe only 30 minutes apart. I don't remember it taking that long and I've done it twice now. It's cold, looks like milk, tastes fruity (mine was orange). Gross, but not horrible. And yes, the iodine makes you feel warm in the groin which is weird, but nothing painful. It's actually a relief because you know they can see just about anything inside you! Good luck. Hope you are well.

GG, I've had CT scans every 8 weeks for the past 2 years, and many over the past 7 years. I had one today. Nothing to eat 4 hours prior..then drink a cup of "stuff" Sometimes it's chalk like, sometimes it's fizzy like alkaseltzer, some even had a pina colada taste, I've had it all!. Usually I have to drink 1 cup wait an hour then drink another but today it was something new I only had to drink 1 cup.. wait 20 minutes then got scanned. They do start an IV for the contrast die, that gives you a warm feeling. If you don't want to have to change into a gown just wear things with no metal (underwire, zippers,snap buttons) It's really nothing to worry about..I would rather get a CT than go to the dentist! V

GG nothing more I can add to what others have said, agree that is not a big deal.

So will have you in my prayers that the CT scan is all clear and you feeling unwell is just coincidence.

G8

GG, I had mine a couple of weeks ago. Full torso CT. I asked about fasting, and they said it didn't matter. The liquid I had a glass every 15min in the hour prior. Tasted okay. I was thirsty anyway lol. They injected the dye into my arm and there was a warm flush feeling for a few seconds, and yes, felt like I pee'd my pants. Took 10mins. I did have diarrhoea for the rest of the day though. Must be why they suggest fasting over there lol.

Good luck, GG. Praying for a good result.

As everyone has said, the CT scan is a breeze. And Diane is right - every prep is a little different. I also think it might depend on what part of the body they're scanning. The iodine push gets me a weird hot feeling, but I think it feels good. I'm allergic to the contrast dye (iodine) so I need an extra prep with Benadryl the day before, and they watch me like a hawk for an hour after the scan, but it's still a breeze compared to other things we've been through. I'd trade 1 colonoscopy for 10 CT scans!

I thought of something else. My first CT, the machine stopped and they waited a few minutes, then began again. My mind was screaming 'they've seen something... closer look...' so I asked the guy when we finished. He said the dye has to leave the kidneys and go into the bladder so they can see those clearly so they always wait that few minutes to get a good look at them, too. I'm so glad I asked because I would have been terrified during the wait for results period.


GG, just to reassure you.... when I was having the 'same symptoms' and went for the x-rays I noticed a whole bunch of posts on www.colonclub.com where people were saying they had the same symptoms as pre dx. NONE had anything wrong. Me, a good few days of Wheaties cleaned me out and I've been perfect ever since.

When I had my ct scan done, the drink was thin and tasted like grape koolaid. The iv push bothered me, no one explained to me what to expect and I thought I had wet myself....lol...had to check when they got done. Its pretty painless....I just close my eyes and think of something else....I wish some of the technicians would explain things better to give us a better idea of what to expect....

Thanks to all of you for your help, don't know what I would do without you all. They will be taking pictures of my chest, abdomen & pelvis. I have a few weeks before the test on the 9th to try to get my mind off of it. And also worrying about why I've been sick for a month (and still sick today, stomach & intestinal) Well, onward we go.

Hi GG...I always picked up my contrast several days before and drank it as cold as I could about 30 minutes before I got to the x-ray dept...(my hospital is only 5 minutes away)I chose the berry flavor...not too bad if it's really cold...drinking it at home saves alot of "waiting time". Besides, then the others in the waiting room will have to go elseware for their morning entertainment. In my prayers for a super good report. And special prayers for you feeling better soon : )