Full Body CT Scan what to expect.

Hi, I’ve had 2 or 3 full body Ct scans, the latest being last week. If your appointment letter says ‘with contrast’ then you will be given a litre of special drink. I believe it’s what used to be known as a barium meal. Mine last week was milky looking and was flavoured lightly with orange. It’s not too horrible. I was given an hour to drink it, then was called in. You may be given an injection so first they put a cannula in and ask you a few questions. Then you go in to the scan, which only takes a few minutes. When you are on the scan table they give you the injection. A warm flush comes over you and you feel a bit as though you are wetting yourself, but you’re not!!!! To do the pictures they tell you take a breath in and hold it, then you breathe out again when they tell you. This happens 2 or 3 times, then it’s over. I was put in a side room after for about 15 mins to make sure I was okay, then they removed the cannula and you go home. The first couple I had I was absolutely fine afterwards, but with this one I didn’t feel very well the following day, in the morning. I was better in the afternoon though. I was in the department for just over an hour and a half altogether. The scanner I would think is the same as you had - just a round ring, much better than the MRI scanner. I close my eyes once I’m on the table and keep them closed till they say they’re done.

My  granddaughter was born while I was having chemo, and I was terrified that I wouldn’t live to see her. If will give you something to focus on and look forward to. Good luck

I've had quite a few CT scans - usually chest, abdomen and pelvis as this is the area where there is more likely to be spread of the cancer. The 'contrast' is usually the iodine injection through the cannula - I've never had a barium meal as part of the scan, that must be an extra pleasure!!! If you're having your abdomen scanned, you'll be asked to drink 1-2 litres of water 2 hours before the scan (you may also be told not to eat for 3 hours before the scan)  and some more just beforehand. However, I've always been told that you can use the loo normally so you don't have to try and hold it in!!! 

The procedure that kateandbiz described is exactly right - it's not very enclosed and is pretty quick, unlike the pesky MRI! 

Sorry that you're going through the wringer again with the recurrence - good luck with the scan and hopefully they'll come up with a good plan of treatment .

Thanks that’s helpful.  I had a Chest CT and was afraid that the full body one was like the MRI tube. Agree with you about the injection and thinking you have wet yourself a strange sensation indeed.

Yes my Grandchild is the thing that keeps me fighting and light at end of this dark tunnel.

Thanks Cathy,  I had a MRI prior to shoulder surgery and was thinking that the full CT Scan machine would be like that did not like the enclosed space.  
info has been helpful and hopeful for once the results will not be as bad as my mind is thinking.