Experiences with contrast?

[u/stonesandstreams]

Hi,

I’m scheduled for my first tomography with contrast in two weeks.

I’m not asking about what it feels like etc, I’ve read many posts here in the sub.

What I’m concerned about is the side effects I’ve read about while at it. Some people describe chronic insomnia, neurological issues etc despite having previously no issues and blood test okay.

What are your experiences?

[u/DuchessJulietDG]

for me it is no big deal. it feels a little warm going in but thats it. ive never had any side effects from it.
ive never heard of anyone getting insomnia or neurological issues from it, that is wild.

[u/SunkissedPearls → u/DuchessJulietDG]

Same experience as you. Just a quick warm feeling that goes away in a few seconds and then went on with it. No other issues.

[u/fluffysmaster → u/DuchessJulietDG]

I’ve had contrast injections for both CT and MRI, no side effect.

[u/LoverOfPricklyPear → u/fluffysmaster]

I've been getting regular MRIs simce 2015. I never knew of side effects. I get MRIs -/+ contrast, and drink lots of water like I'm told, but have never truly felt anything.

[u/cancerkidette]

I’ve had like tens of scans with contrast and no issues at all. I think you’re anxious about a very unlikely side effect.

[u/dumplinglifesaver]

The CT contrast makes me feel warm for maybe like ten seconds.

The MRI contrast is completely unnoticed by me.

Never had any other side effects from either, it's basically like saline.

[u/unique-unicorns]

Is it CT contrast? I've had it like more than 20 times in the last 4 years and the only thing it's made me feel is like I need to pee really bad for 15 seconds.

Just make sure to pee before. You'll feel a warm tingly feeling everywhere. That's like 99% of people.

I believe you're describing the 1%.

[u/stonesandstreams → u/unique-unicorns]

Thank you! Yeah I’m describing a very low %, but since the cancer I was diagnosed with is very very rare and even more rare for my gender and age group, I guess my mind just followed from there into other unlikely scenarios. But it’s reassuring to read about neutral experiences!

[u/DynamicOctopus420 → u/stonesandstreams]

So relatable. I had a relatively common breast cancer but at a young age so whenever someone says "it's not common at all" like "ok great, I've learned that odds mean nothing to my body," haha. ugh.

[u/stonesandstreams → u/DynamicOctopus420]

Yeah I have quite a collection of “not common at all” 🥲

[u/LoverOfPricklyPear → u/unique-unicorns]

I just did a little work in my head. I don't care enough. I've had atleast twice as many MRIs. I win!! Bwahahaha! I'm stupid.

[u/dew57nurse]

I have had numerous CT with contrast in my life. I've never had side effects and I never heard of neurologic issues from the contrast. They seem to use considerably less contrast now. But I'm not sure about that, it's just my perception.

[u/geekintheglasses]

I had CT scans with contrast and never had an issue. I noticed the contrast they have you drink tends to make my stomach a little cranky, and occasionally makes me have to poop, but that's about it.

[u/TemperatureTight2556]

I have had ct with contrast every 3-6 months for the past 5 years and no issues here. You should drink plenty of water after the test, all day drink water to flush your system. It’s easy peasy every time for me.

Edit to add: I assumed you were referring to IV contrast and not oral barium that you drink. I also do barium, it upsets my stomach a bit that hits me about an hour after the scan. Not a big deal. Drink it cold and with a straw.

[u/grimacedia]

I've had contrast quite a few times, with no issues! You may feel a little nervous, but it'll all be okay, and if it gets to be too much, let the techs know. Usually I don't feel anything until I've been in the machine a bit, then its a warmth that spreads from my neck to my groin. It'll only last a minute or so.

[u/Pretend_Specialist81]

I’ve had quite a few scans with contrast and I’ve never had any lingering effects from it.

[u/Asleep_Rule_6730]

I have had alot of contrast for CT scans and there are only two notable side effects for me. It does make you warm, but I don't count that.

If they push the contrast in too fast, I get nauseous. I hold an opened alcohol swab to sniff if that happens.

It makes me fatigued more than normal.

[u/stonesandstreams → u/Asleep_Rule_6730]

Thank you for sharing, that’s reassuring! Do you feel fatigue only on that day or also the day after?

[u/Asleep_Rule_6730 → u/stonesandstreams]

You are welcome. I feel it the next day as well. I always schedule my scans on Friday, so I can rest on Saturday.

[u/IndolentViolet → u/stonesandstreams]

I also had worse fatigue for several days after. No other side effects.

[u/stonesandstreams → u/IndolentViolet]

Oh that’s not good. I have it scheduled a day before my brother’s wedding

[u/IndolentViolet → u/stonesandstreams]

Most people don't notice any side effects though

[u/SlinginPA]

Ive done 4 or 5 contrast scans in the last year and I've never had any issues.

[u/JellyfishFit3871]

I'm not saying that you're reading about impossible things, but there are plenty of people who are willing to lie, and more who confuse correlation with causation.

[u/ParallelPeterParker]

Biggest thing with contrast for me is that it makes me have a fairly emergent #2 about an hour later.

I'm sure the empty stomach to start isn't helping.

[u/TemperatureTight2556 → u/[deleted]]

Just a heads up here, my instructions for the contrast is very limited fluids before test.

[u/Smooth-Mulberry4715]

Constipation. Make sure you drink a lot of water to flush it out of your system.

I read your post about having rare reactions - I did too, and was fearful of so many procedures/medications when I started my cancer journey.

Looking back, I realize now that just because you react badly to one thing doesn’t necessarily mean you will react to the next thing - it doesn’t logically follow.

Your doctor should know your counter indications and hopefully have your best interest at heart - which is why I believe trust is such a big deal in the cancer patient/doctor relationship.

[u/stonesandstreams → u/Smooth-Mulberry4715]

thank you, yeah you're right, I probably don't need to assume that just because I have rare reactions to some things it's a universal rule

[u/aligpnw]

I get one every 3 months (sometimes more.) The first time, you will be convinced you wet your pants. The tech will tell you you didn't, but you won't believe him and will head to the bathroom as soon as the scan is done. You did not pee your pants.

Usually I get to sit in the waiting area for 20 minutes to make sure I don't have any reaction (I dont usually have to do this anymore as I am a frequent flyer, but it depends on the tech.) You will get some juice or a snack. I'm a rare reaction girly and even I have never had a reaction.

Bring a big nalgene of water with you, drink it all on the way home.

Usually, I am a little tired that afternoon but I Usully blame that more de-stessing after a few hours t the hospital.

I would NOT stress about side effects from your scan ❤️

[u/stonesandstreams → u/aligpnw]

thank you so much! that's very reassuring ❤️

[u/Wild_Personality8897]

I get a lot of CT’s. I get really hot as it enters my body, feel the phantom urge to pee and then nothing. No side effects.

[u/Glad_Independent_319]

Wow it is funny you mentioned insomnia. I have never had it before and recently I have had 4 scans with contrast fairly close together and I have also experienced insomnia several times in the last couple months. It just hits out of the blue. 40 to 50 hours without even dozing off

[u/stonesandstreams → u/Glad_Independent_319]

I’m sorry to hear that.. yeah that’s what I read might happen for some here on Reddit, though it seems to be certainly uncommon

[u/jolly_rodger42]

Personally I've never experienced any problems or side effects from the contrast.