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Rectal contrast trauma!

Right section? I hope.

So, I'm scheduled for a CT scan on Friday. We're checking out my TI. My doc ordered oral and rectal contrast. I've no problem with the oral, but the rectal is a different story. I've had rectal contrast before, and it was HORRIBLE! Needless to say, it was uncomfortable, but it was also painful. Like the 'I was in tears' kind of pain. :cry:

I'm afraid that if I wimp out and say no to the rectal the scan might not be clear enough, and a)it will have to be redone b)my insurance won't pay for the first one. I've had multiple scans of my TI before with just oral, and the scans were just fine.

I guess that I'm just lost on whether or not I should go through with it. Will the Ct techs call the whole thing off if I don't do rectal, or will they let me do just oral?

Anyone have a similar experience? If so, please help!
 

Trysha

Moderator
Staff member
Hi X
Have you thought of asking the GI why the rectal contrast has been ordered.
You should also mention your previous experience and also the fact of your insurance not covering it. Perhaps your GI will order some pain coverage during the procedure.
It may be that you crohn's is in more than one place in which case you will need the scan as ordered.
The radiologist is supposed to carry out the GI orders and it may make for an awkward
moment in time for everyone if you refuse it.Usually they ask you to sign consent for the procedure.
The previous experience I have had has been with rectal air contrast with virtual colonography--- that I found painful and having to lie on my stomach as well as sides and back .Manageable---just--- but glad when it finished.
The other experience was with barium enema---- very painful, don't think I could go through that again.Although its amazing what we can do when we have to.
Sorry I can't be more helpful.
Feel better soon.
Hugs and best wishes
Trysha
 
Hi Trysha!
Actually, a urologist is ordering the scan. I had a fistula attaching my bladder and TI late last year. It hasn't communicated since November. I was told the rectal contrast is required in order to provide a better image. Not sure how rectal contrast will help with a TI/bladder scan. I guess if the contrast traveled all the way through the large intestine and reached the TI it would help? But oral contrast would reach the TI as well. Sigh..I don't know. It could be much, much worse I 'spose. I did mentioned my previous experience, but to no avail.

Is a barium enema kind of like a colonoscopy? I can't imagine being awake for that.
 

Trysha

Moderator
Staff member
Hi X,
Do you have a diagnosis of crohn's?
If so I would have thought you would also have a GI specialist as well..
Makes sense for the urologist to be looking after the bladder side of things though.
Maybe the rectal contrast will be easier on you this time.Hope so.
Sedation is usually given for colonoscopy exams.
A colonoscope is a lighted tube with a camera at the end of it,and apertures which allow for instruments to be used inside the colon to take
biopsies, another for removal of polyps etc.
The colonoscope requires very specialised training and expertise as you can imagine.
The colonoscope is introduced through the anus into the rectum and forwarded through the length of the colon and reaches as far as the terminal ileum.Usually aGI does the exam although some surgeons will also do the procedure.
A barium enema is where barium solution is introduced into the colon through the anus
and followed by the radiologist to cover the colon.
There is no sedation or anesthetic---just have to bear with it.
it ranges from discomfort to painful depending on what is wrong with the patient.
Fortunately my current GI disapproves of barium enemas for crohn's patients.
Hope these descriptions are not too graphic for you----but you did ask---
Good luck with the procedure
Let us know how it goes.
Hugs Trysha
 
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