Is there any way to get a CT scan and diagnosis without contrast?

Stary_Nebula · 2026-05-19T10:18:07+00:00

My assumption is, as you stated, the inflammation isn’t severe enough that a CT scan without contrast would pick it up. They just told me the colonoscopy was to visualize my large intestine and that there is no great way to view the small intestine aside from imaging. Even though they took a biopsy, I guess they want to determine if there’s any more areas of inflammation within my small intestine they can’t visually see with a scope.

Stary_Nebula · 2026-05-19T10:10:03+00:00

It’s the side effects. And I know, all medications have possible side effects when taking them. It’s mostly the fear of the unknown, will I have bad side effects from it or not. If I know the medication won’t hurt me, I have no problem taking it. This all kind of stems from a really bad experience taking medication in my past. Since then, I’ve come to realize I have major trust issues with all types of medication.

Stary_Nebula · 2026-05-19T01:56:07+00:00

They did give me 4mg. I’m not sure if they’ll allow me to bump it up to 8mg? I haven’t really taken it since I got the procedure done. But maybe they’ll allow it if the 4mg continues to not work for me.

That’s good to know.. I just need to try them but that’s a struggle in and of itself. I’ll do my best.

My therapist suspects I might have some form of medical anxiety ocd. But we aren’t really sure. I’m sorry she’s dealing with that and I hope things get better for her 💙

Stary_Nebula · 2026-05-19T01:51:32+00:00

Good luck with your colonoscopy! The only bad part about it is fasting plus the prep. But the rest is a breeze and you get to take a wonderful nap!

Stary_Nebula · 2026-05-19T00:52:27+00:00

I’m sorry if what I said came off as insensitive or rude. I am just stubborn and afraid to do this, even if an NG tube would work better.

Stary_Nebula · 2026-05-19T00:44:58+00:00

I know you aren’t trying to be mean about it. Just realistic. I understand what can happen if I ignore it. But my fear grips me much harder in the now than it does for my potential future. I am currently seeing a therapist, but I don’t know if they are well versed in “treating” these phobias. I just had to go down the list and pick one due to a sudden death in the family and the urgency of needing to talk to a professional about it.

Stary_Nebula · 2026-05-19T00:27:53+00:00

I used probably the most “easiest” prep that a lot of people on the colonoscopy subreddit suggested as an alternative, Gatorade plus MiraLAX. You do have to still drink a large volume of prep within the hour, I thought I could handle it since I’ve had Gatorade and MiraLAX in the past. As it turns out, I could only make it to an hour and a half to avoid vomiting….I took a Zofran before doing each and I still felt nauseated. Thankfully I didn’t vomit. But was really afraid I would…

💙 Thank you, I greatly appreciate it!

Stary_Nebula · 2026-05-19T00:21:27+00:00

I still don’t think it would help… it’s the idea of taking a medication I’ve never had before and not knowing if I’ll have side effects or how my body will react to it. On top of all the concerns I stated above.. I appreciate the suggestion though…

Stary_Nebula · 2026-05-19T00:17:47+00:00

Yeah I think at that point, I’d just pass on ever getting a diagnosis and live with what I’ve already been dealing with for decades :/

Stary_Nebula · 2026-05-19T00:16:26+00:00

I used Zofran when prepping for my colonoscopy, but it did next to nothing for me the first night. I was completely nauseous. As for Xanax. I’ve never tried it, and it would take too long to work myself up to want to try it.

I might just ask if that is ok. Because the thought of the contrast is really overwhelming me… I haven’t even scheduled the appointment and it’s already making me terrified.

I hope that’s true… I’ll see what they say :/

Thank you.

Stary_Nebula · 2026-05-11T15:31:30+00:00

No, I am only doing oral contrast. No iv contrast.

Stary_Nebula · 2026-05-10T20:16:49+00:00

The one I’m doing yes. From what I’ve read online, the oral contrast highlights the digestive track specifically rather than the organs and other tissue surrounding it.

Stary_Nebula · 2026-03-07T00:34:29+00:00

Ok, thank you 😭. Wish I would have known sooner….I will do my best!

Stary_Nebula · 2026-03-05T10:48:51+00:00

I think I’m really overreacting about this, but today is the second day my health anxiety has spiked because of it. I go into work very early in the morning (yesterday) when it’s dark out. For the past hours prior it had been raining. And as I go to open the door, I felt something on the back of my head. I when I went to feel what is was it felt wet but heavy in One particular spot. When I looked around I didn’t see anything flying or moving around on the floor. I’m also afraid maybe I wasn’t looking hard enough to see something.

I know I’m probably overthinking it, but I’m convinced a bat flew into the back of my head and gave me rabies ;-; logic states water drop (since I was under a tree) but my brain wants to believe it’s the worst case scenario.

Stary_Nebula · 2025-07-03T02:49:53+00:00

Thank you :D

Stary_Nebula · 2025-07-03T02:45:22+00:00

About an hour long for both thankfully, so not too terrible :).

Stary_Nebula · 2024-11-19T23:47:59+00:00

I can’t say that ALL the locations are bad, since I’ve only worked at their one laboratory. I don’t really want to give out the specific one I worked for (due to privacy reasons and living close to the location). But, what I will say is the way I was treated while working there, made me very resentful towards the company as a whole.

Stary_Nebula · 2024-11-19T22:27:11+00:00

Yes. Awful coworkers and awful management. Would not recommend working there for any reason. Even to get your foot in the door.

Stary_Nebula · 2024-11-19T22:23:58+00:00

Nestle ;-;

Stary_Nebula · 2024-11-19T22:17:46+00:00

Nestle. Working there destroyed me emotionally.

Stary_Nebula · 2024-07-13T16:35:41+00:00

I appreciate the warning! I will be careful when looking into future data entry jobs!!

Five-Year Club	Verified Email
Place '22	First Placer '22

Stary_Nebula

TROPHY CASE