Re: Has anyone dealt with serious allergic reation to CT contrast

[Guest guest]

Why does your oncologist order so many CT

scans for your husband?

Perhaps if you give us a bit more

background information we might be able to make some suggestions.

All the best

Prostate men need enlightening, not

frightening

Terry Herbert - diagnosed in 1996 and

still going strong

Read A Strange Place for unbiased information at http://www.yananow.net/StrangePlace/index.html

From: ProstateCancerSupport [mailto:ProstateCancerSupport ] On Behalf Of Genie

Sent: Friday, 24 September 2010

4:57 PM

To: ProstateCancerSupport

Subject:

Has anyone dealt with serious allergic reation to CT contrast

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

[Guest guest]

Why does your oncologist order so many CT

scans for your husband?

Perhaps if you give us a bit more

background information we might be able to make some suggestions.

All the best

Prostate men need enlightening, not

frightening

Terry Herbert - diagnosed in 1996 and

still going strong

Read A Strange Place for unbiased information at http://www.yananow.net/StrangePlace/index.html

From: ProstateCancerSupport [mailto:ProstateCancerSupport ] On Behalf Of Genie

Sent: Friday, 24 September 2010

4:57 PM

To: ProstateCancerSupport

Subject:

Has anyone dealt with serious allergic reation to CT contrast

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

[Guest guest]

Gracie,

P.S. FIRST. 'Scuse any typos. I am using an old puter/keyboard.

There is no reason why you should not simply use an MRI scan. MRI is far

less invasive than CT, but equally good technically for imaging tumors -

some would argue better.

The oncologist insisting on CT must have an agenda of his own. If

Medicare is paying the bill he may be squeezing the system for maximum

profit. I fail to understand the medical justification fo continuing

with such a damaging procedure to your husband. The oncologist may be

covering himself by having some kind of 'CT research' going on. Who

knows !!

On purely compassionate grounds you should be able to ask for and get

MRI. Can't you change your oncologist ?

Best wishes,

Sam

>

> 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

>

> _____

>

[Guest guest]

Gracie,

P.S. FIRST. 'Scuse any typos. I am using an old puter/keyboard.

There is no reason why you should not simply use an MRI scan. MRI is far

less invasive than CT, but equally good technically for imaging tumors -

some would argue better.

The oncologist insisting on CT must have an agenda of his own. If

Medicare is paying the bill he may be squeezing the system for maximum

profit. I fail to understand the medical justification fo continuing

with such a damaging procedure to your husband. The oncologist may be

covering himself by having some kind of 'CT research' going on. Who

knows !!

On purely compassionate grounds you should be able to ask for and get

MRI. Can't you change your oncologist ?

Best wishes,

Sam

>

> 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

>

> _____

>

[Guest guest]

Even with the prednisone in the presence of demonstrated allergy to radioactive dyes, excessive use is plainly irresponsible! The use of the dye should be reserved only for those situation in which the situation clearly demonstrates that alternatives, like MRI will not be satisfactory. Cost should NOT be a factor. Even lawsuit sensitive but stingy insurance companies would have a hard time not approving the use of MRI as an alternative. You may wish to consult a malpractice attorney, not for the purpose of initiating any legal action, but for advise and contact information on the best way to proceed in a manner to protect yourself.Louis. . .To: ProstateCancerSupport Sent: Fri, September 24, 2010 2:57:16 AMSubject: Has anyone dealt with serious allergic reation to CT contrast

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

[Guest guest]

Even with the prednisone in the presence of demonstrated allergy to radioactive dyes, excessive use is plainly irresponsible! The use of the dye should be reserved only for those situation in which the situation clearly demonstrates that alternatives, like MRI will not be satisfactory. Cost should NOT be a factor. Even lawsuit sensitive but stingy insurance companies would have a hard time not approving the use of MRI as an alternative. You may wish to consult a malpractice attorney, not for the purpose of initiating any legal action, but for advise and contact information on the best way to proceed in a manner to protect yourself.Louis. . .To: ProstateCancerSupport Sent: Fri, September 24, 2010 2:57:16 AMSubject: Has anyone dealt with serious allergic reation to CT contrast

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

[Guest guest]

Sammy

The one thing I remember is the sound of Mcalpine's Fusilleers digging the road up in the MRI tube. Folk should remember to take their favourite music and check if the clinic uses CD or ipod

Re: Has anyone dealt with serious allergic reation to CT contrast

Gracie,P.S. FIRST. 'Scuse any typos. I am using an old puter/keyboard.There is no reason why you should not simply use an MRI scan. MRI is farless invasive than CT, but equally good technically for imaging tumors -some would argue better.The oncologist insisting on CT must have an agenda of his own. IfMedicare is paying the bill he may be squeezing the system for maximumprofit. I fail to understand the medical justification fo continuingwith such a damaging procedure to your husband. The oncologist may becovering himself by having some kind of 'CT research' going on. Whoknows !!On purely compassionate grounds you should be able to ask for and getMRI. Can't you change your oncologist ?Best wishes,Sam>> 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'sdone> each CT scan he's getting more reaction to it. He's taking Prednisonethe> night before and the morning of plus another drug to combat thereaction.> He does this only in a hospital setting because of the seriousness ofhis> reaction. The Prednisone is not doing the job and we are veryconcerned.> He is continuing to need monitoring after each CT scan as a doctor iscalled> in because of his reaction to the contrast.>> His oncologist will not allow an MRI instead. We didn't know howserious> 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 forthe> tests. His oncologist still will not allow any other method oftesting.>> Has anyone else dealt with this. I have to go back to our consultantand> 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 insistanceof 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 ofour> concerns. I can not push this doctor more than I have, which isactually 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 budgethe> situation. It is the only time I've seen my husband emotional. He'svery> upbeat but knows this is detrimental to him in many ways...>> thanks> grace>> _____>

[Guest guest]

Sammy

The one thing I remember is the sound of Mcalpine's Fusilleers digging the road up in the MRI tube. Folk should remember to take their favourite music and check if the clinic uses CD or ipod

Re: Has anyone dealt with serious allergic reation to CT contrast

Gracie,P.S. FIRST. 'Scuse any typos. I am using an old puter/keyboard.There is no reason why you should not simply use an MRI scan. MRI is farless invasive than CT, but equally good technically for imaging tumors -some would argue better.The oncologist insisting on CT must have an agenda of his own. IfMedicare is paying the bill he may be squeezing the system for maximumprofit. I fail to understand the medical justification fo continuingwith such a damaging procedure to your husband. The oncologist may becovering himself by having some kind of 'CT research' going on. Whoknows !!On purely compassionate grounds you should be able to ask for and getMRI. Can't you change your oncologist ?Best wishes,Sam>> 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'sdone> each CT scan he's getting more reaction to it. He's taking Prednisonethe> night before and the morning of plus another drug to combat thereaction.> He does this only in a hospital setting because of the seriousness ofhis> reaction. The Prednisone is not doing the job and we are veryconcerned.> He is continuing to need monitoring after each CT scan as a doctor iscalled> in because of his reaction to the contrast.>> His oncologist will not allow an MRI instead. We didn't know howserious> 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 forthe> tests. His oncologist still will not allow any other method oftesting.>> Has anyone else dealt with this. I have to go back to our consultantand> 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 insistanceof 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 ofour> concerns. I can not push this doctor more than I have, which isactually 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 budgethe> situation. It is the only time I've seen my husband emotional. He'svery> upbeat but knows this is detrimental to him in many ways...>> thanks> grace>> _____>

[Guest guest]

Genie wrote:

> My husband is allergic to the contrast dye in the CT scan.

....

I agree with finding another doctor. This guy is dangerous. Who

knows what other bad judgments he's making?

If you feel strongly enough that the doctor is behaving badly,

and it seems to me from your report that he is, you might

consider filing a complaint with your state medical board. You

won't get any money out of it, but you can alert other people to

the problem and you won't go through all of the uncertainty and

financial and emotional hassle of a lawsuit - which usually

doesn't work anyway.

Best of luck.

Alan

[Guest guest]

Genie wrote:

> My husband is allergic to the contrast dye in the CT scan.

....

I agree with finding another doctor. This guy is dangerous. Who

knows what other bad judgments he's making?

If you feel strongly enough that the doctor is behaving badly,

and it seems to me from your report that he is, you might

consider filing a complaint with your state medical board. You

won't get any money out of it, but you can alert other people to

the problem and you won't go through all of the uncertainty and

financial and emotional hassle of a lawsuit - which usually

doesn't work anyway.

Best of luck.

Alan

[Guest guest]

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

[Guest guest]

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

[Guest guest]

When I was first diagnosed last October, the urologist had me get a bone scan and CT scan on the same day. I had a reaction to the contrast for the CT scan. Fortunately I had been sent back to ER because they had put a catheter in me that morning there in the ER. When they rolled me in, the doctor immediately recognized the signs and began treating me. I had to spend the night in the hospital in the ICU. Since then, whenever I have a bone scan I tell them that I am allegic to the contrast iodine and they use something else intead. I don't quite understand why they continued to use the contrast on later CT scans when they knew there would be a reaction. From what I am told there are alternatives to the contrast iodine. You should ask them why, and make sure

they do not use it again. Analphylactic shock is very serious. You do not not to take any chances. I agree with Harry. get another doctor.

Dave Halvorsen

To: ProstateCancerSupport Sent: Fri, September 24, 2010 3:24:41 PMSubject: 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

[Guest guest]

When I was first diagnosed last October, the urologist had me get a bone scan and CT scan on the same day. I had a reaction to the contrast for the CT scan. Fortunately I had been sent back to ER because they had put a catheter in me that morning there in the ER. When they rolled me in, the doctor immediately recognized the signs and began treating me. I had to spend the night in the hospital in the ICU. Since then, whenever I have a bone scan I tell them that I am allegic to the contrast iodine and they use something else intead. I don't quite understand why they continued to use the contrast on later CT scans when they knew there would be a reaction. From what I am told there are alternatives to the contrast iodine. You should ask them why, and make sure

they do not use it again. Analphylactic shock is very serious. You do not not to take any chances. I agree with Harry. get another doctor.

Dave Halvorsen

To: ProstateCancerSupport Sent: Fri, September 24, 2010 3:24:41 PMSubject: 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

[Guest guest]

Hi, thanks.. you are right about the analphylactic shock being serious..

because i haven't understood the difference in scans and what they 'need' to see, i was basically in the dark..

when we were out of the country, the doctor recommended a scan without contrast and that seemed to create confusion for this onocologist saying this would't work..

also, while out of the country in 2008 they did a CT scan where he had no reaction.. it was an orange colored drink that he had to take before the scan..

also we did use the prednisone along with it.. with good results.

his oncologist never recommened we use anything else as far as another contrast...

i know they are doing research on a new type of MRI.. this came from one of the doctors who was monitoring my husband the last time he had a CT scan..

we haven't had a scan in a year because of this..

trying to get answers is not easy... i'm not sure why, except when given a definite 'no'.. i usually back off and then try to figure out another direction instead of pressing since we are vulnerable to the system and then how they respond to us, in general...

i know many people who have similar problems and have left the institutions they started in..

we are on our way now with all the information i've been given lately and with our oncologist down in southern CA...

i appreciate your response..

thanks

grace

From: ProstateCancerSupport [mailto:ProstateCancerSupport ] On Behalf Of dave halvorsenSent: Monday, September 27, 2010 1:51 PMTo: ProstateCancerSupport Subject: Re: Has anyone dealt with serious allergic reation to CT contrast

When I was first diagnosed last October, the urologist had me get a bone scan and CT scan on the same day. I had a reaction to the contrast for the CT scan. Fortunately I had been sent back to ER because they had put a catheter in me that morning there in the ER. When they rolled me in, the doctor immediately recognized the signs and began treating me. I had to spend the night in the hospital in the ICU. Since then, whenever I have a bone scan I tell them that I am allegic to the contrast iodine and they use something else intead. I don't quite understand why they continued to use the contrast on later CT scans when they knew there would be a reaction. From what I am told there are alternatives to the contrast iodine. You should ask them why, and make sure they do not use it again. Analphylactic shock is very serious. You do not not to take any chances. I agree with Harry. get another doctor.

Dave Halvorsen

To: ProstateCancerSupport Sent: Fri, September 24, 2010 3:24:41 PMSubject: 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

[Guest guest]

Hi, thanks.. you are right about the analphylactic shock being serious..

because i haven't understood the difference in scans and what they 'need' to see, i was basically in the dark..

when we were out of the country, the doctor recommended a scan without contrast and that seemed to create confusion for this onocologist saying this would't work..

also, while out of the country in 2008 they did a CT scan where he had no reaction.. it was an orange colored drink that he had to take before the scan..

also we did use the prednisone along with it.. with good results.

his oncologist never recommened we use anything else as far as another contrast...

i know they are doing research on a new type of MRI.. this came from one of the doctors who was monitoring my husband the last time he had a CT scan..

we haven't had a scan in a year because of this..

trying to get answers is not easy... i'm not sure why, except when given a definite 'no'.. i usually back off and then try to figure out another direction instead of pressing since we are vulnerable to the system and then how they respond to us, in general...

i know many people who have similar problems and have left the institutions they started in..

we are on our way now with all the information i've been given lately and with our oncologist down in southern CA...

i appreciate your response..

thanks

grace

From: ProstateCancerSupport [mailto:ProstateCancerSupport ] On Behalf Of dave halvorsenSent: Monday, September 27, 2010 1:51 PMTo: ProstateCancerSupport Subject: Re: Has anyone dealt with serious allergic reation to CT contrast

When I was first diagnosed last October, the urologist had me get a bone scan and CT scan on the same day. I had a reaction to the contrast for the CT scan. Fortunately I had been sent back to ER because they had put a catheter in me that morning there in the ER. When they rolled me in, the doctor immediately recognized the signs and began treating me. I had to spend the night in the hospital in the ICU. Since then, whenever I have a bone scan I tell them that I am allegic to the contrast iodine and they use something else intead. I don't quite understand why they continued to use the contrast on later CT scans when they knew there would be a reaction. From what I am told there are alternatives to the contrast iodine. You should ask them why, and make sure they do not use it again. Analphylactic shock is very serious. You do not not to take any chances. I agree with Harry. get another doctor.

Dave Halvorsen

To: ProstateCancerSupport Sent: Fri, September 24, 2010 3:24:41 PMSubject: 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

[Guest guest]

Your discussion of Allergic shock has made wonder what happened to me again. I had a back operation and my body seemed inflamed all over and after that my PSa started to climb. I recently went to a Pulmanologist about my Apnea and I asked him to review my medications related to breathing-asthma and allergies. He found I was being medicated for asthma which was a slight case and not for allergies. I have taken an antihistamine which is not not related to cancer and my neck and body panic has decreased remarkably. Life is suddenly worth living. Anyway rambling and I felt something else caused my body to totally stress out. After that my PSA started increasing.

Tom W.

To: ProstateCancerSupport Sent: Sat, September 25, 2010 5:24:41 AMSubject: 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

[Guest guest]

After

> that my PSA started increasing.

>

> Tom W.

>

>

Wondered about that myself. Four years after surgery my PSA was undetectable

until I had a colon infection with surgery soon following. Then I had my first

actual PSA indication. Wonder if the trauma and/or treatments might have

triggered the recurrence to some extent? Nasty disease we fight.