OT: CT Scans

[o_tacodawg]

Had my first CT scan yesterday. Woke up this morning and my face is swollen greatly, chest is blood red and itchy. ER doc gave me Benadryl and Pepcid- assuming its an allergic reaction to the contrast dye used.

My question is, has anyone here ever experienced the facial swelling and have any tips on how to get it to go down? Doc didnt go into great detail when I asked about it.

 

[Herbert Nenninger]

If the dual histamine blockade isn’t helping, u may need some steroids.

 

[tired]

My mom had a bad allergic reaction to it. It shut her down, and was in the hospital for a couple days, which is rare, but I'd take it serious. Her symptoms started out same as yours.

 

[o_tacodawg]

My mom had a bad allergic reaction to it. It shut her down, and was in the hospital for a couple days, which is rare, but I'd take it serious. Her symptoms started out same as yours.

Thanks. I immediately went to the ER rather than work today.

 

[o_tacodawg]

If the dual histamine blockade isn’t helping, u may need some steroids.

Started on the Pepcid. Swelling is gradually going down but man i look and feel rough

 

[Trojanbulldog19]

i had a bad allergic reaction to a wasp sting one time that wouldn't go down from normal benadryl. steroid shot improved it within a few hours.

 

[CochiseCowbell]

i had a bad allergic reaction to a wasp sting one time that wouldn't go down from normal benadryl. steroid shot improved it within a few hours.

I'm willing to bet that was the last time you pissed on a wasp nest.

 

[desotodawg]

If he is physically able to hit one in the corner of the gable from the ground ...
View attachment 15467

 

[Trojanbulldog19]

if the swelling doesn't go down in 4 to 5 hours, call a doctor and then everyone you know.

 

[o_tacodawg]

if the swelling doesn't go down in 4 to 5 hours, call a doctor and then everyone you know.

Well that sounds promising****

 

[Felonious Junk]

Unfortunately the contrast is poison and you’re going to have some reaction to it depending on your kidney function. Did you have a CTA instead of a CT due to arterial disease? Arterial disease will exacerbate your reaction due to less efficient circulation.

 

[40 acres and a mule]

Unfortunately the contrast is poison and you’re going to have some reaction to it depending on your kidney function. Did you have a CTA instead of a CT due to arterial disease? Arterial disease will exacerbate your reaction due to less efficient circulation.

No, contrast is not poison. All present day contrast is much safer than those used 30 to 40 years ago and have undergone rigorous safety trials by the FDA. Reactions are much more rare today, but do happen. Some people have an adverse reaction to it, just like some have an adverse reaction to certain drugs, food, or insect bites. Furthermore the type of reaction described has nothing to do with renal function or atherosclerotic disease. The described is a hypersensitivity reaction mediated by the immune system, but is poorly understood. Too much contrast or contrast in a patient with poor renal function can exacerbate or cause renal failure, but this is a separate issue.

To answer the original posters question, ANY swelling around the neck or face must be taken very seriously and a follow up visit to the ER or personal physician is indicated. I suggest avoiding IV contrast in the future.

 

[o_tacodawg]

No, contrast is not poison. All present day contrast is much safer than those used 30 to 40 years ago and have undergone rigorous safety trials by the FDA. Reactions are much more rare today, but do happen. Some people have an adverse reaction to it, just like some have an adverse reaction to certain drugs, food, or insect bites. Furthermore the type of reaction described has nothing to do with renal function or atherosclerotic disease. The described is a hypersensitivity reaction mediated by the immune system, but is poorly understood. Too much contrast or contrast in a patient with poor renal function can exacerbate or cause renal failure, but this is a separate issue.

To answer the original posters question, ANY swelling around the neck or face must be taken very seriously and a follow up visit to the ER or personal physician is indicated. I suggest avoiding IV contrast in the future.

I also take an immunosuppressant drug every day via injection. My rheumatologist is the one who ordered the CT scan due to shortness of breath. I last had a steroid and Benadryl at 6am today and am feeling light headed now. Swelling has gone down in my face though.

 

[40 acres and a mule]

I also take an immunosuppressant drug every day via injection. My rheumatologist is the one who ordered the CT scan due to shortness of breath. I last had a steroid and Benadryl at 6am today and am feeling light headed now. Swelling has gone down in my face though.

I am assuming you went to the ER this morning.

The more time that passes from the contrast injection, the less likely your symptoms will worsen. You should gradually improve. The only other suggestion I can make is to have someone around to keep an eye on you.

 

[o_tacodawg]

I am assuming you went to the ER this morning.

The more time that passes from the contrast injection, the less likely your symptoms will worsen. You should gradually improve. The only other suggestion I can make is to have someone around to keep an eye on you.

Yes I went at 6am today. I can’t back because I’m having dizzy spells. Doc wants fluids and more steroids

 

[Ibdancin]

Had my first CT scan yesterday. Woke up this morning and my face is swollen greatly, chest is blood red and itchy. ER doc gave me Benadryl and Pepcid- assuming its an allergic reaction to the contrast dye used.

My question is, has anyone here ever experienced the facial swelling and have any tips on how to get it to go down? Doc didnt go into great detail when I asked about it.

I have no tips, but my father had the same reaction to contrast dye. Make sure that you tell the dr next time, they can prep you for that and not get that reaction.

 

[CochiseCowbell]

Yes I went at 6am today. I can’t back because I’m having dizzy spells. Doc wants fluids and more steroids

I hope the Diamond Dawgs comeback helped you, Taco. Get well soon.

 

[o_tacodawg]

I hope the Diamond Dawgs comeback helped you, Taco. Get well soon.

Thanks a bunch. I had it on my phone while laid up in the ER.

 

[AROB44]

Don't know what immunosuppressant you are taking, but I am one as well (cyclosporine - kidney transplant) and the CT scans I have had are without the dye as a precaution against damage to the transplant.

 

[o_tacodawg]

Don't know what immunosuppressant you are taking, but I am one as well (cyclosporine - kidney transplant) and the CT scans I have had are without the dye as a precaution against damage to the transplant.

I’m on 100mg Kineret daily injection (Muckle Wells syndrome.) I don’t imagine my rheumatologist thought I’d have complications with it or else she wouldn’t have ordered it. It’s good to know for future tests.

 

[bbqbully]

I had that happen after a heart cath. Face swelled, eyes swollen shut, red and blotchy. Doctor gave me steroid shot and Benadryl. I was fine in a couple of days.

 

[o_tacodawg]

Day 3. Swelling is nearly gone but face is still blood red. So this is fun.