I'm scheduled for my first follow-up CT scan on Monday, 10/27. My GI doc ordered a CT of abdomen, pelvis, (and chest-- after I mentioned that I'd learned on this forum that CRC metastasizes to the lungs). He also ordered rectal contrast and I'm stressing about that aspect of the scan. I have around 1/3 of my rectum remaining and since my ileostomy reversal the end of February, I sometimes have trouble holding back stool, so I'm afraid of having the barium instilled and not being able to retain it in the CT scanner as well as possibly causing a "Code Brown" in the CT scan room
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I spoke to one of the CT techs when I went to pick up my barium drinks the other day and made her aware of my concerns. I asked her about how long I was expected to "hold" the barium and asked whether it would be administered near the end of the scan so I'd be able to go to the bathroom-- I even asked where the bathroom was located in relation to the scanner. She said I'd have to hold the barium for 5 minutes or so and it wasn't clear if that would be in the beginning or the end of the CT scan. (Whether they let me out to pass the contrast and then get back in the scanner or what.)
I had a gastrografin enema to check for anastamosis leaks after my LAR in January before my ileo. reversal was done, and they instilled a lot of fluid in my bowels that I was able to retain, but it was on an open table and a bedpan-type container was available near me if I needed it. But in the "tube" of a CT scanner, a bedpan is of course impossible.
I figure the techs have had to deal with patients with continence issues in the past, but I'm getting stressed enough over the rectal contrast that I'm considering refusing it, but going ahead with the oral barium. I have a colonoscopy scheduled for 11/17. Wouldn't that give enough information to my GI doc without my having to have the rectal contrast? Any advice or words of wisdom or your own experiences would be appreciated.