Re: Full Body Scan

[Guest guest]

Andi,

I'm not sure about a combo MRI/CT, but I do know that my Dad had what

was called a myleogram (sp, I'm sure!) where they injected contrast

into him and looked at his spine. They found a leak (from a previous

surgery) where his spinal fluid was flowing out. They had to do more

surgery to correct it. My Mom has also had MAJOR back problems -

including spinal fusion surgery (scoliosis and louridosis and

herniations and spinal stenosis). They've scanned her primarily with

old fashioned x-rays and MRI's.

I've also had some problems with my back in my sacral joint. It comes

and goes, but I learned exercises to do to pull it back into place

and with several days of vigilance, it works every time. They only

ever used x-rays for me. I also have liver pain that radiates to my

back (even post-tx) that can consume the entire right side of my back

and go up my shoulder. Sometimes my back hurts before my front does.

Wanted to share so that you could gleen whatever you could from what

we've been through. Hope you find some relief - I know how

debilitating back pain can be!!

Take care,

Deb in VA

>

> I heard there was an MRI/CT combination scan that is supposed to be

> better than the full body CT scan alone. Anyone heard of this?.

>

> Andi

>

[Guest guest]

Full body scans are usually not helpful. The concept is to scan the

body from head to pelvis and make sure there is no cancer lurking

there. You pay $200, take the dose of radiation, and maybe get

piece of mind and sleep better knowing there is no cancer. If

you've already paid your money and accepted the radiation don't read

on. The problem is that it benifit (unlikely) is too small for the

risk (radiation). The folks on this list know that CT scan is no

good for screening for choliangiocarcinoma becuase by the time it is

big enough to see on CT scan, there is not much to be done. (In fact

there is no proven benifit for CCA screening with current technology)

The body scan won't help the back pain because it isn't focused on

the back. The VA is an interesting place. I worked at the

Sepulveda VA years ago. It has the best medical record system, best

health screening, some of the best specialist (because of medical

school associations), the best price for medications, the worse

medication selection list, and some of the longest waiting rooms

I've ever seen.

You should be able to tell them that you have PSC and need a DEXA

and a back CT and (vit D-25 level) to rule out fracture. If you

have pain going down your legs from your back they will order an MRI

or back CT. Don't fake the leg symptoms because it may lead to an

operation that is more likely to harm than to help.

Good luck.