CT scan with iodine IV

[Tana]

Hello –

I had a CT scan of my bladder and kidney area after my first cystoscopy and before my first Turbt/ surgery.

Maybe I haven’t looked far back enough on the forum on the topics but I didn’t see any mention of getting iodine IV injected into the body before the scan.

Holy Toledo- what a surprise that was- I had no idea of what to expect- and the nurse attending to me did not ask if I’d had one before.  I guess it’s buyer beware- It’s up to me to ask  what happens!

I felt it heat in my throat and controlled myself not to be startled ( I felt I would throw up)and then the heat went throughout all my body down to my genitals and oh my goodness I swear I was peeing right there on the table. I laugh now but I must have been in shock as I stayed silent and then when the nurse said it’s in I asked; “what the heck was that stuff; is it bad for the body; is it a poison; is it radiation? Why is it needed?”

I googled Iodine injection soon as I got home. I can’t remember the details of it now – sorry- I’d have to look it up again-

But in case you get one – yes- it feels like you are peeing!

So the second CT scan I had a couple of months later wasn’t so startling as I knew what to expect.

Just wanted to include this piece of experience I had.

Thanks; Cheers;

Tana

 

 

 

[SJay]

Hi Tana

Not sure where yours was done, but I’ve had several CT’s with the contrast dye done at VGH in Vancouver. They have always been careful to tell me to hydrate well the day before and the day of, no caffeine and to drink lots of water afterwards to flush out the dye. It is apparently hard on your kidneys. Each time they warn me about the warm feeling and the sensation of  urinating. At least now you know what to expect.

Just got the results of my 4 year CT today and all is well.

Sjay

[Tana]

Hello Sjay,

Thanks for your reply.

Mine are at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver. I’m curious now- were you informed of what to do/ expect verbally in person or from a paper and by whom- the doctor/ urologist/ nurse? And when? As in days before( at time of the given appointment?).

I didn’t want to say anything to the nurse at the time of getting it and I don’t like to think this but I kind of wondered that he smirked when after he said it’s done ( the injection part) and I exclaimed that I felt like I peed but upon examining myself I knew I hadn’t.

Not to complain at all but all this stuff going on so fast; a more detailed information pamphlet would be a great idea. All tests and details of! I got handed the Bladder Cancer Patient Guidebook for NMIBC from my urologist after the diagnosis came in.

But took me awhile to get on the forum though I got connected to a one on one support and the support group leader answered the other questions I asked more concerning to treatment plan but no details and I never thought to ask ( prob not thinking clearly ) . And maybe thought I would be given them step by step from the medical professionals?

Thanks again Sjay and congratulations on All is Well on your 4 year CT scan! That’s so awesome!

Cheers;

Tana

[SJay]

Hi Tana

I was told about hydration at the time the appointment was made. The tech mentioned the warm feeling and urinating feeling before the dye injection. I think they mentioned it every time.

Sjay

[Joe]

Hi Tana,

When I went to ER with gross hematuria, the ER doctor called the urologist and the urologist suggested CT scan with Iodine IV.  I understand it is supposed to highlight tumors for X rays so it makes easier for a radiologist to identify the tumors.  Luckily or unluckily, the CT scan showed a mass in my bladder and I was diagnosed with bladder cancer a week later by the same urologist by cystoscopy.    I did not feel like I had to pee when it was injected to my vein, but rather simply felt that something was going into my body.

Best wishes

Joe

 

 

 

 

[Tana]

Hi Joe;

Thanks for your info! I am learning I certainly can’t assume how anything will be!

All the best Joe.

Thanks- Tana

 

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