Abdominal CT Scan...?????????????Please answer..:(

[LisaMom]

I am having an abdominal CT scan next monday. I have been having pain on my right side under my rib, on my side where my figure goes in and it radiates to my back. I have been diagnosed with IBS and am on medication that is not helping with the pain at all. I feel so hopless and I can't continue to put my life on hold much longer. Please can someone tell me what the CT scan will be looking for? Is it a realiable test?? If they don't find anything...what should I do next?? Desperately seeking help Lisa...I appreciate all replies..

[Graduate]

I had a CT scan this morning.  I had to drink a fluid and they injected a small amount of die, which made me feel warm, but otherwise was painless and uneventful.  The scan is apparently a wonderful device for looking inside without cutting.  It is very reliable and coupled with an ultra sound can offer a complete picture.  I was told that my doctor could have the results verbally within one hour, or a faxed copy of the report in 3 hours.  Ask your doctor to get you the results due to the pain you are enduring and the mental anquish (which is often not a consideration, yet certainly should be).  My scan looked at all organs but specifically the liver.  I wish you the very best.  Just try to hang in there a little longer.

[sinnequan]

i have the same problem and my doctors don't believe me either.  i have been diagnosed w/ ibs-- and now have pain in my upper right quadrant-- they did an ultrasound of my gall bladder and won't do anything else.  my amylase was elevated, i was told by an ER doc-- but my PA says it is w/in normal limits.  i am tired of living this way too and i am running out of money.

[LisaMom]

Thank you both for your responses. I appreciate your time and efforts...Right now I am praying that the doctors find something next week. I don't know how much longer I can take the pain. The doctors don't seem to belive me at this point. L.G.

[Dr. Erik]

The Gallbladder and the Liver are behind the right rib cage. The CT Scan will be looking for any abnormal masses or problems with any of the organs.

[Nanny]

Lisa,

Two organs they could be looking at would be the gallbladder or the pancreas.  Pain as you describe that is located under the ribs and radiates to the back is common with problems with both of these organs, and perhaps others?  What does your doctor tell you they are looking for?

CT scans are usually very reliable, especially if the radiologist knows what areas need to be fully reviewed.  They are relatively painless, you may just feel minor discomfort when the contrast solutions pass through your body, and this doesn't take long.

I hope they find what they're looking for so your doctor can recommend appropriate treatment to allieviate your pain. It sometimes takes a day or so for the CT scans to be read and interperted to your doctor, that just depends on the hospital. Good luck on Monday.