CT Scan - Should I be scared?
My doctor ordered a CT scan with contrast dye to rule out other problems before making IBS diagnosis. Is that a normal thing to do? He said he believes I have IBS and gastritis but because my moving abdomen pain and constipation alternating with diarrhea has been going on for a month he wants to be sure there is nothing else first. He is concerned that the pain often radiates to not only lower back but middle back sometimes too. I am scared of CT with dye because of cancer and allergy risk. Has anyone else has one of these and if so how does it go? IV or drink.
Hey
- Thanks for submitting your question! I can definitely understand the concern about the scan. While we wait for others to chime in, I thought I'd share an article with you that details what to expect during the scan: https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/testing-and-diagnosis/imaging Take care! - Chris, Team Member 
Hi,
I've had a few of these scans, first in 2010 when I first got IBS and yes this was to ensure that's what I had.
Then, I had a couple more just 2 months ago, one was without liquid & the 2nd one was with liquid. I had severe abdominal pain, worse than my normal flare ups & in this case it turned out I needed to get my appendix taken out. The 2nd one with liquid was to ensure it was my appendix given that I have IBS history.
I've also had an endoscopy & colonoscopy if you ever have questions about those.That was part of my initial testing, it is good to rule out all the issues the scan can show. I had it with the drink, I was ok, it was fast.
I had discomfort in my back from dehydration, I had to focus on getting more electrolytes in so I started drinking liquid IV in my water & all the bottled, flavored electrolyte drinks.
