Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support Group
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I just wanted to post this in case anyone needs a CT scan in the future.
I worked myself into such fear before going in and put it off for four months. I finally went today.
The CT is not ONE bit claustrophobic. It is wide open and short. If you needed to, you could scoot right out on your own.
When I scheduled it, I told them I have PTSD and they made sure I got the CT machine with the widest opening and a very kind tech.
To help me feel better, the tech manually did the IV and it was NOT AT ALL bad. It was like a blood draw really - but easier and less scary because they're not taking blood.
The IV contrast they put in half-way through (after less than 5 minutes) gave me a warm sensation but not even as warm as a hot flash. More like having the lowest setting of the heating pad on your body. It's nippy outside so it actually felt good. Sort of like when you eat nice hot soup.
The bed moves in and out of the donut but it's SUPER quick. The whole thing start to finish was about 10 minutes - less than 5 minutes total in the CT. "In" is a misnomer really because you're hardly inside of it.
They can put something over your eyes or not - it's up to you. And that was good to know. I felt in control the whole time.
It also helped a LOT to have my son with me. I felt like he'd look out for me if there was any sort of an issue. Hugely reassuring.
I am also enormously thankful to have health insurance so I could do this. A CT is over $5,000! FIVE thousand dollars! Holy cow.
Overall, feeling really glad I did it, very proud of myself, blessed that this technology is available and happy to be able to get some answers soon.
I worked myself into such fear before going in and put it off for four months. I finally went today.
The CT is not ONE bit claustrophobic. It is wide open and short. If you needed to, you could scoot right out on your own.
When I scheduled it, I told them I have PTSD and they made sure I got the CT machine with the widest opening and a very kind tech.
To help me feel better, the tech manually did the IV and it was NOT AT ALL bad. It was like a blood draw really - but easier and less scary because they're not taking blood.
The IV contrast they put in half-way through (after less than 5 minutes) gave me a warm sensation but not even as warm as a hot flash. More like having the lowest setting of the heating pad on your body. It's nippy outside so it actually felt good. Sort of like when you eat nice hot soup.
The bed moves in and out of the donut but it's SUPER quick. The whole thing start to finish was about 10 minutes - less than 5 minutes total in the CT. "In" is a misnomer really because you're hardly inside of it.
They can put something over your eyes or not - it's up to you. And that was good to know. I felt in control the whole time.
It also helped a LOT to have my son with me. I felt like he'd look out for me if there was any sort of an issue. Hugely reassuring.
I am also enormously thankful to have health insurance so I could do this. A CT is over $5,000! FIVE thousand dollars! Holy cow.
Overall, feeling really glad I did it, very proud of myself, blessed that this technology is available and happy to be able to get some answers soon.
I also had an MRI and that is claustrophobic. I would suggest preparation for that.
((hugs))
This is off topic but I love watching those little donut machines make the tiny ones and they float/bob or whoosh down the grease river.
Sorry, had to post that since we are on donuts
The doctor told me my prolactin was astronomical and we have to address this immediately - which freaked me out. Then they said they couldn't get me in for four months. And here's the thing - prolactin goes UP with stress and they were COMPLETELY stressing me out!
So I chose a different doctor who got me in right away and they said - "Your numbers aren't that bad" and "A CT is fine. We just need to see if this is a big tumor."
They called today with results - of course it was the ONLY 10 minutes I didn't have the phone with me all day. Sort of hoping and dreading a call tomorrow. Thoughts and prayers are really appreciated.