CT Scan contrast dye

[Mary Jo]

Hello,

I had my abdominal CT scan with contrast dye today. Tonight I am noticing a rash all over my body. Is this normal? No one mentioned this to me at the hospital today. I did just take 2 Benedryl so hoping that clears it up.

Thanks

Mary Jo

[Becky]

It will clear up. Some people are allergic to the dye. Make SURE if you need the contrast dye again, you mention this rash. Sometimes a second "exposure" can be much worse than the first exposure.

I got the warm feeling and flushed when I got my scans (only got them once when I was one year out for the same reasons you got yours today - I had some rib pain etc which is most likely due to rads but you think its your bones or liver).

[Liz J.]

Hi Marejo,

I have to take a large amount of prednisone and 50 mg. of Benadryl before any scans with contrast dye. The reason being is that I have COPD (better known as emphysema). A payback for too many years of smoking. My lab will not do the test unless I comply and of course I do.
You may have an allergy to the dye. Also, they should ask if you are allergic to shell fish as there is an agent in the dye that will cause a problem with any who has that allergy. I am praying that all your tests come out good.

Sincerely,

Liz J.

[DonnaD]

Mary Jo,
I have had the same test but did not have any reaction. Just wanted you to know you are still in my thoughts and prayers. Let us know the good results.
Donna

[Mary Jo]

It cleared up - Whewwww! Stuff like that always freaks me out.

Enjoy your Thursday. Make it great.

Mary Jo

[madubois63]

Mary Jo - I had the same reaction once and have since had to be pre-medicated before every CAT scan. I take prednisone, tagamet and benydryl the night before my CAT's. Your doctor should give you the proper dosages to take. This should also be noted in ALL your medical files. Becky is right. The next reaction could be worse. If you are in the hospital, you should ask for an allergy band.

[IRENE FROM TAMPA]

I am not able to take the CT's with the Iodine contrast. I get a hive or two whenever they use it and this is something they look for or want to know. I started out ok but the more of them I had caused me to become sensitive to the dye.

I have even tried being pre-medicated with the Prednosyn and Benadril but I still get a hive. They are very careful with this as a person could have a bad re-action to the dye. Just make sure that you mention this to them before you have another one.

Good luck on your scan.

[Mary Jo]

Because of the rash and a few small hives I got the evening of the CT scan I don't think I'd ever let them inject that dye into me again. There has to be other things they can do if I need to be checked on the inside but it won't be this dye again. I'm leary of foreign "crap" going into my body anyway, much less when it causes a reaction.

Mary Jo