Has anyone dealt with serious allergic reation to CT contrast-thank you

[Guest guest]

Thank you ALL, for your support and for the information you've given.

First, we are trying to leave the facility, but have to find another doctor- which is a process for us since we want to be part of the decision making. (luckily we see another oncologist about 700 miles away we visit every 6 months)

The facility in question initially diagnosed my husband. But, for more reasons than just this, and this is enough- and with your comments.. we are done!!

We are 'not' followers and we've carved our own way between conventional and integrative therapies.. using a multi approach to health and healing. But, I have to tell you,

I'm sure there are many people in our position. We just can't cover it all. I thought for some reason the CT scan was needed because of the type of cancer, and my husband, when I asked a bit ago, didn't believe that at all.

I know there is a huge difference in the cost between MRI and CT. The person who said maybe it's about their research may be on the mark. It's a teaching hospital.

We've paid out of pocket for many of our tests- when this institution said absolutely no to tests we wanted run.

We are stronger and hopefully this trend will continue. I certainly do pass on the strength I get from all of you to others who are not connected to a group.

Honestly, we were vulnerable.. I know we give them the power, but when diagnosed.. what did we know, and then when my husband stabilized, I took a good break, I needed to, I was so on edge. Now, I am filled with more energy, ready to first bring the second line hormone therapy papers to this facility and also ask again for an MRI before we move on.

I appreciate you all so much.. and Sammy, it was endearing calling me Gracie... (smile)

Your opinions came loud and clear!!!

It's emotional for me- to know we fight so hard.. put ourselves out there and then the very people who are supposed to be helping us basically are not protecting us.

BUT, I know everything is there for my learning and it just makes me stronger, wiser and more helpful to others.

grace

From: ProstateCancerSupport [mailto:ProstateCancerSupport ] On Behalf Of Harry TrentesSent: Friday, September 24, 2010 3:25 PMTo: ProstateCancerSupport Subject: Re: Has anyone dealt with serious allergic reation to CT contrast

Hi

I am not a physician however, Allergic reaction is a very serious matter and can lead to something called anaphylactic shock which can be fatal. I do not know your husbands condition but it seems to me that you need to consult with an expert. It is his body and his life if you feel he is getting inappropriate treatment, GET ANOTHER DOCTOR!

Harry

Subject: Has anyone dealt with serious allergic reation to CT contrastTo: ProstateCancerSupport Date: Friday, September 24, 2010, 2:57 AM

I need help to understand what we can do in our particular situation.

My husband is allergic to the contrast dye in the CT scan. As he's done each CT scan he's getting more reaction to it. He's taking Prednisone the night before and the morning of plus another drug to combat the reaction. He does this only in a hospital setting because of the seriousness of his reaction. The Prednisone is not doing the job and we are very concerned. He is continuing to need monitoring after each CT scan as a doctor is called in because of his reaction to the contrast.

His oncologist will not allow an MRI instead. We didn't know how serious this could be until we consulted another oncologist who said he could actually die from the contrast at his level of reaction.

We are at a loss. We are at a facility where our medicare pays for the tests. His oncologist still will not allow any other method of testing.

Has anyone else dealt with this. I have to go back to our consultant and find out why he said he 'could' do an MRI instead and advised against another CT scan.

Is there something about an MRI that won't work? Why the insistance of the CT scan.

Any thoughts on this that I might take to our oncologist. I've had conversations with our doctor about this without any consideration of our concerns. I can not push this doctor more than I have, which is actually to explain how my husband feels and how the reactions are getting worse.

Is it money?

I do need information to bring to our doctor to see if we can budge the situation. It is the only time I've seen my husband emotional. He's very upbeat but knows this is detrimental to him in many ways...

thanks

grace