Pancreatitis Support Group

Chronic pancreatitis can present as episodes of acute inflammation in a previously injured pancreas, or as chronic damage with persistent pain or malabsorption. Patients with chronic pancreatitis can present with persistent abdominal pain or steatorrhea, as well as severe nausea. Some patients with chronic pancreatitis often look very sick, while others don't appear to be...

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now at CT Scan

sohurt62
sohurt62
Well, now I lhave to go Wednesday for a CT Scan of the abdomen. They are looking at the pancreas . . . said there is a slight abnormality in the head of the pancreas. They do not see any lesions or cysts. I had an MRI done of my lower lumbar spine and this showed. Last time, it was a cyst on the kidney. I had an ultrasound done and the place also recommended this CT scan. I am flipping out because of the contrast dye - last time I had a bad pain between my shoulder blades. They are going to give me predisone and benadryl before, but I am so claustrophobic and dread going in the donut. Anyone out there that can make me feel better, please do so. I have faith that everything will be o.k., but they keep scaring me with all these tests. Anyone else out there had a similiar problem. My medical doctor does not seem concerned, said my pancreas may have always been that way. I am having no problems, other than the sciatia that I was tested for. Please keep me in your prayers. Thanks and hugs to all.
deleted_user
deleted_user
You are in my prayers. CT scan less scary than MRI. Goes way quicker. And you may not be in a doughnut for it. Really, it will be okay. Good luck with all of it. Hope they declare you very healthy !! Let us know results.
sohurt62
sohurt62
Janey,
Thanks so much for your thoughtful reply. I have to take predisone 50 mg. 13 hrs. before procedure, another 50 mg. 7 hours before procedure and then another 50 mg. an hour before the procedure. Also have to take 50 mg. of benadryl. This is to counteract an allergic reaction to the contrast dye. I am concerned about taking the pred. on a empty stomach. What do you think? The pharmacist said it would be alright and I have no other choice b/c can't eat or drink after midnight. I will be so glad when it is all over. Thanks for your prayers.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Well, of course we are all different but I know 2 people that have taken prednisone on empty stomach with no problems. I have given it to my dogs in the past on empty stomach and no vomitting. SOOO, hopefully you will be fine. I hope you smile over my dogs doing all right. I love my dogs and would never do anything to make them feel bad. You will be okay. I will keep you in my thoughts and hope for no reaction due to contrast dye. I also have cyst on a kidney to add to my pancreas cyst problems. I also have almost constant shoulder blade pain. I hope yours is just some weird abnormality with no disease dx. Good luck to you and let us know !!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi - I've had 2 CTs and been fine with the dye. I had one on Friday which I was worried about as had an acute attack on Monday and was worried it would kick it off again. But it didn't. Try not to worry. I don't find the doughnut claustrophobic - in and out and plenty of room really, not enclosed.

Good luck x
sohurt62
sohurt62
Thanks Janey and Darbs - I have 3 (50 Mg.) predisone to take before the procedure and 1 (50 mg.) tablet of benadryl. I have to take the predisone 13 hours before, then another 7 hours before, and then 1 before the procedure. I take the benadryl 1 hour before the procedure. I know I sould like a big baby, but I don't take a lot of meds. , I am not as young as I used to be (62 yrs. 0ld) and it just seems like so much. You all are wonderful and have made me feel better. I will let you all know how things go. Hugs to you all.
drf0001
drf0001
Hello.I have had c.p since 05 and It seemed as though when i was sick and go to the e r the first thing they would do would be a ct scan with contrast.Last yr,the specialist that i see at M>U>S>C told me last june that every time i have a ct with contrast that my pancreas was having a bad reaction to the dye and it always seemed to land me in the hospital for several weeks.Ever since then when i have an attack i opt out of the dye on the ct scan and it does'nt send me into a 3 week.flare up Hope this helps.