Breath hold CT planning scan

I had this a couple of weeks ago. The consultant said don't breath in too deep as you won't be able to hold it so maybe practice just holding a normal breath.  Also maybe you are nervous of the scanner so just keep your eyes closed and think about being somewhere else. Hope it goes OK xx

Hi Bobbiboo, thanks for your reply. That could be it, I will try to take a normal breath. I will practice and hopefully it'll be fine.

Thanks so much, xx

Hi B1975, good advice already but just to add, some folk here have simply not been able to do the breath hold but have still had their radiotherapy. I believe that the radiographers can adjust things if necessary so that you’re not at risk. I’m tagging the lovely Exraygirl as she often pops in with her knowledge in this field (hope that’s ok). But in the meantime try the practice, as Bobbiboo suggests maybe not such deep breaths. I seem to remember focusing on various marks and cracks on the ceiling to try to help keep my attention on the breath. Not very relaxing. But I also seem to remember that the actual sessions felt easier than the CT scan. Love and hugs, HFxx 

Thanks for tagging me HappyFeet1. I hope you are doing ok.

Hi to B1975

The main thing to do is stay relaxed. I would start off practicing holding your breath for 10 seconds , then 15 seconds and then work up to 20 seconds.Just breathe in as much as you feel comfortable as the radiographers will be looking for consistency.

If you really can’t manage the breath holding your radiotherapy treatment can be planned so your treatment is given using lead shields contained in the head of the treatment machine to shield out your heart.There are always ways around a problem!

So keep practicing but don’t stress. Let us know how you get on

x

Hi happyfeet1 and exraygirl, thanks so much for your advice. 

I think it must be nerves as I had no problem holding my breath during the practice run. The moment practice was over I seemed to slowly breathe out through my nose. But I wasn't even aware of it. Its weird. Like an airbed with a tiny hole in it,zzzzz.... flat.

But its good to know there are ways around it, that makes me a lot calmer.

Thanks again to the both of you, I'll let you know how it goes, xx

Hi B1975

I was one of those ladies with left side radiotherapy and because I lost my right elbow in a road accident, they said right from the start that they wouldn't be able to position me for the breathe hold technique.  They reassured me that it just meant more calculations for them and not to worry.

I had 10 sessions and one of them, they stopped and started about 4 times to get my position correct (apologising all the time, bless them - I was more than happy that they were being so good!).  I have just had my final annual mammogram and I have had absolutely no side effects to my lungs or heart from not being able to do the breathe technique.

Hope this reassures you, if you aren't able to do it.  If you are, then all well and good, but don't panic

What I actually did when the radiation beams were on - you can tell when you're there - was just hold my breath when I could, so that I wasn't moving as much as if I were breathing normally - so although not doing the breathe technique, I figured if I can hold my breath for any portion of it, to keep my chest still, it must help a little. 

As Exraygirl says, just practice and see how it goes, but don't worry if you really can't do it.

Best Wishes, Lesley

Hi Lesley, thank you for your reply. It does help me a lot and hopefully I won't put myself under too much pressure ( have a tendency to do that). 

I am glad you had no side effects to your heart and lung and your mammogram was clear.

Lately its the little things I find hard to cope with. Like that, or the other day I broke off a piece of my tooth and burst into tears. 

But thanks to all the lovely ladies here I always feel reassured and better.

So thanks again for all the help, sending hugs xx

Hi everyone, so went for my ct scan again today. Did a practice run went well. But when it came to the actual scan I just couldn't do it. Its definitely a head thing. But anyway they consulted the doctor and do it now without breath hold. 

Just wanted to say thanks to all of you for your advice and kind words. Hope you are all doing OK, bianca xx 

Hi Blanca 

Thanks for the update.At least you tried.As I said before the dosimetrists can sort out a plan for you which allows the machine to do the work instead of you and at least now you won’t be stressed when you go for your treatment every day wondering if you can maintain the breath. 
it’s all good

Take care x