After my colonoscopy, my doctor recommended I get a CT scan to provide an imaging of my lower intestine. Since they didn’t find any major during my colonoscopy, I figured it would’t hurt to get more information.
I didn’t realize the intensity of the CT scan procedure, which is probably a good thing because if I would have known, I would have been more hesitant.
So, you may be wondering…
What Is a CT Scan?
A CT scan, also called a CAT scan, is a computerized tomography that uses a rotating X-ray machine to create cross-sectional images of the body.
The images are highly detailed and can be used to examine the head, shoulders, spine, heart, knee, chest, and in my case, the stomach. For more information check out Healthline.
How A CT Scan Works
A CT scanner uses a motorized X-ray that rotates around the circular opening of a gantry (bagel-shaped structure). During the scan a patient lies on a bed that slowly moves in and out of the gantry while the X-ray rotates around, shooting narrow beams of X-rays through the body. The images are sent to the computer which takes a two-dimensional image slices, ranging from 1-10 millimeters. You keep doing this until they collect the desired number to get a good reading. The images slices are either looked at individually or created into a computerized 3-D image to see if there are any problems.
For more information check out the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering.
History of CT Scan & Relationship with The Beatles
There is a rumor that Electric and Music Industries (EMI), which owned Abby Road Studios, used the money directly made from the Beatles recordings, such as, “Twist and Shout” and “PS I Love You,” to fund the research behind the “EMI Scan” or CT Scan.
If it’s true… How cool is that?
British engineer Godfrey Hounsfield created the first scanner with EMI, and it was available for commercial use in 1972. His initial work with EMI was with radar and advanced weaponry.
Check out Catalina Imaging to learn more.
Preparing for My CT Scan
The prep for the CT scan is much easier than the Colonoscopy, in fact I didn’t have any distinct directions. Or if it did, I didn’t remember them. Seems to be a theme for me. Thankfully I don’t plan on going skydiving anytime soon.
I did have some foresight though… If they’re looking at my stomach, I should probably fast to keep it clean.
I arrived at the clinic and they were running late. Kevin, my technician, prepped me. I had about an hour prior to the imaging where I had to drink a solution called NeulumEx. Actually, 3 Gatorade-sized bottles of it. Each bottle had to be finished every 15 minuets, which would have been fine if it was more appetizing than it’s name suggests… It tasted terrible. One of the worst things I’ve ever tried, and I drank a lot of it.
NeulumEX is a Barium Sulfate that works as a contrast agent. It coats the inside of the stomach so it’s easier to see on the CT scan.
If you’re wondering… Yes it did make me run to the restroom, which is a common side effect. It felt like I had purposefully given myself food poisoning.
After about an hour of pacing myself through the drink solution, I was able to get started.
CT Scan Procedure
I was able to stay awake and keep my clothes on this time!
Before the scan itself, I was injected with an iodine-based contrast which is used to enhance the imagining of the stomach. Kevin mentioned that the solution has some side effects including: heating sensation all over the body, feeling like you are going to pee or poop yourself, and a harmless, yet itchy, rash. As far as side effects go I was nervous. He mentioned the most common is feeling like you just got home after drinking too much on your 21st birthday. I was more concerned with the hot feeling. I was like, “men aren’t supposed to get hot flashes!”
That’s a joke, men can. For more information check out Spartan Medical .
I didn’t quite get a hot flash but my body felt like it was covered in hand warmers.
Then it was time to start up the machine. Laying down I was put through a a scanner that looked like it was part of the spaceship in 2001 A Space Odyssey.
Kevin went into the other room and gave me directions basically telling me when to breathe and hold my breath.
It felt like a bad Disneyland ride as I kept going forward and back through the hole as it spun around taking pictures of my abdomen.
The procedure itself was painless. After about 10 minuets of going back and forth, it was over.
Kevin mentioned that the solution is dehydrating so I had to make sure to drink a lot of water and abstain from alcohol and caffeine for the next 24 hours.
Post Procedure
Though there wasn’t a limit on what you can eat after the procedure, I experienced food-poisoning like symptoms due to the drink and solution they gave me.
I got home and ran back and forth from the bathroom. After the worst of it, I passed out. Which was… Unexpected.
After a few hours of rest I started to feel more like myself and was able to eat dinner.
What’s Next?
Waiting for the results, which I will receive soon, finger’s crossed.
Thankful to Kevin and the medical team at Scripps for being incredibly professional throughout the entire processs.
Stay healthy everyone!
Ariel
