Parents Forcing Additional CT Scan — Worried About Contrast + Radiation

[TheHonoredOne]

Hello again,

Despite having had a CT scan already show nothing, and then having a MRI scan show nothing, my parents requested my doctor to order me 2 more CT scans again this time with contrast. They are convinced that the scan will show the problem with my ear and then the doctor will be able to 'treat' me and cure my tinnitus. No amount of logical reasoning or arguing will convince them how absurd this whole shit is, in fact, they physically dragged me and shoved me into the car yesterday just to take me to the radiology place but luckily my appointment was canceled. They rescheduled it for a few days from now.

I am trying to prepare for this as best I can. It's a shit ton of radiation and I'm worried about the contrast. My parents have already caused me multiple tinnitus spikes in recent days that have made it debilitating. I am thinking to take NAC and NAD and MG along with vitamin A, C, E before this scan to try and help protect my ears. Is this a good idea? Any other recommendations to avoid a tinnitus spike or ototoxic effect from this CT scan with contrast. Well, two CT scans actually, they are doing them back to back.

Thanks.

 

[GeorgeLG]

I did not find the CT scan particularly loud and had no problems with the imaging agent myself but mine was a choline radioisotope. I did wear ear protection. It is a lot or radiation and you do need to manage that exposure throughout your lifetime but a few scans will probably not get you to you in any trouble. I am not a doctor and they need to make these decisions/recommendations with your specific situation in mind.

I understand your dilemma but you are probably of the age where your parents are in charge of your healthcare decisions and have every right to make those decisions for you. I am sure that they are concerned for you and want to help you. Have you thought about trying to get to a calmer place and let some of the air out of the balloon for both you and them, so everyone can relax and take some smaller steps towards recovery? If they perceive your situation as urgent and dangerous for you they are probably reacting strongly to try and help you. I am not suggesting lying but rather following some of the emotional calming techniques spoken of here often and being able to report being more relaxed? Have you talked to them calmly about your concerns? If they will not budge and are in charge then all you can do is relax and go through the process calmly and see it as working through the possible causes and ruling things out.

Lastly, would an all clear final scan diagnosis help you relax and be confident that this condition is not a dangerous underlying condition, IOW can this help you?

George

 

[GoatSheep]

Dr. Nagler states in this thread:CT Scan Contrast

"Neither the oral contrast nor the iodinated intravenous contrast used in a CT scanner causes auditory damage. I have heard of very rare instances in which tinnitus is exacerbated as a result of the iodinated intravenous contrast, and even in those unusual situations the exacerbation is transient."

 

[lightning]

I've recently had CT scans with contrast and MRI scans with contrast and neither had any impact on my tinnitus.

However, it sounds like they're really just wasting time and money unless the doctor suspects an acoustic neuroma.

 

[TheHonoredOne]

There is no acoustic neuroma as confirmed by the MRI so yeah basically. I'm planning on using silicone putty earplugs, are these safe to wear in the CT Scanner?

 

[Wrfortiscue]

There is no acoustic neuroma as confirmed by the MRI so yeah basically. I'm planning on using silicone putty earplugs, are these safe to wear in the CT Scanner?

Why not foam earplugs?

 

[TheHonoredOne]

Why not foam earplugs?

I have had a ton of bad incidents with them due to them being difficult to take out of my ears.

 

[GeorgeLG]

I have had a ton of bad incidents with them due to them being difficult to take out of my ears.

You have to break the seal by moving them sideways and then pull them out very slowly.

George

 

[GeorgeLG]

@TheHonoredOne, how did everything go?

George

 

[TheHonoredOne]

@GeorgeLG, thanks for asking. It went fine actually. I used foam earplugs and it was very quiet. The radiologist actually went against my parents' request and ordered that I not be given contrast, as it wasn't necessary. Of course, the scan showed no anomalies and everything was normal. I had a tinnitus spike but it was probably just stress and returned to baseline the next day after if I remember.

 

[GeorgeLG]

@GeorgeLG, thanks for asking. It went fine actually. I used foam earplugs and it was very quiet. The radiologist actually went against my parents' request and ordered that I not be given contrast, as it wasn't necessary. Of course, the scan showed no anomalies and everything was normal. I had a tinnitus spike but it was probably just stress and returned to baseline the next day after if I remember.

Glad it all worked out. You might want to give this short read a look:

https://www.amazon.com/Overcoming-T...1,B000M19KFI,B00RTY8KHA,B01D3PQ8EU,0205140831

George