The neuro ordered me a CAT scan with contrast for the chest and thymus gland , well I thought the last time I had a test with iodine I had to be premedicated as I am allergic., I had this written on my allergie list on the Doctors form., so I call the CAT scan Tech , she advised that they would not do the test ( no kidding., I wouldn't let them ) unless I was premedicated and for me to call my neuro., I called the office, the first thing the girl said when I told her was Oh there isn't iodine based in that., I advised yes there is and I spoke to the cat scan tech , so she says let me find your file, and I explained again that I needed premedicated with prednisone and benedryl., she came back on the phone and says Cross of the work contrast on you prescription for the test and we will call the hospital and tell them also without contrast. Well I thought I needed the contrast???? The Cat Scan tech thought so., so now what., I guess I get it down with out the contrast., I hope he can see and rule out the thymus gland tumor., I don't know why he just wouldn't call the pharmacy and call in the pre meds., the test isn't till monday. Oh, I don't know I like him less and less., I can't wait till I can get in to the neuro I want., but that will be months....Did anyone else have the CAT scan without contrast?

Okay, you need to RELAX!!

I have had the CT with no contrast. I have a shrimp allergy and have had contrast with Benadryl beforehand. HOWEVER, if you have a big allergy to iodine and need Pred and Benadryl, go ahead and have the CT without contrast!!! They can see the little thymus just fine without it.

Why they like to have contrast is just in case there is a thymoma. They can see it better with the contrast. But I've known people who have had the contrast, no one saw a thymoma, they have the thymus out and there is one.

I think the most important thing is your overall health. You are having trouble with congestion, probably due to Mestinon's cholinergic properties. I don't think adding an allergy response on top of that is a very good idea (via having contrast).

Go ahead, do it without. But that's just my opinion. I have allergies and asthma and there was no way I was going to have the contrast!

Annie

Neuros can be "funny." They sometimes don't like to be "bothered" with things other than their field of expertise. They aren't allergists. That's why you need an allergist and/or a pulmonologist for times like this.

Thanks Annie., you have just been wonderful with all of your help and support., I am going to call my Primary Doctor on Monday about a pulmonologist referrel., and then when I go to the neuro on wednesday to get my test results., I will mention to him about the congestion., and the allergens so he knows about it and see if he still wants me to take the mestinon., I know they only want to handle their field., and I try to understand that., but I am just a complete wreck right now., and I think I will calm down., it has just been a couple bad days.., Your help and everyones is very helpful., and I really appreciate it . Thanks so much.,

You are so welcome! I know how freaky it is in the beginning of a disease. There is so much to learn.

If I had a choice between having Mestinon with asthma and having to take Advair and not having Mestinon, I'd choose the Mestinon. I don't know what I'd do without it. Unlike some other people, I have absolutely no side effects from Mestinon, other than the asthma starting after I took it. And I'm so much worse off of it. And Advair has a low dose steroid (Flovent) in it and may actually help the MG!

Don't expect your neuro to be an allergist and you guys should get along fine. Just get the rest of the "MG team" in order so they can help you.

I hope you can spend some time this weekend just sitting outside, relaxing and taking it all in. Or on a porch away from outdoor allergens! You need to be good to yourself. And I mean PAMPER yourself. People with immune problems need to do extra good stuff for themselves.

Annie

Hi, I just wanted to echo what Annie said...(((echo)))..smiles..
Okay, all kidding aside, I too have had to go with out the dye, and everything was seen just fine.
I once had the dye, and it burned my kidneys...No joking. It felt like I had a sunburn from within my kidneys as the dye went through. I will Never forget that feeling, and can't have dye since then.
There is other stuff they can give, i had to drink this awful, and sorry to say..Awful..stuff, but it was safer, and didn't burn my kidneys. For which I was very thankful.
Love Lizzie

I agree that you need to allow yourself some pampering this weekend. A good massage works well for me. I focus on the music and kind of put myself in a zone and it's amazing how it works.

If massage isn't a good possibility for you, try taking a nice, long, warm (not too warm! remember that heat isn't good for MG) bath while listening to music - whatever will help you to mentally escape the diagnosis for just a while.

You caught the potential problem with your CT scan, and that is now under control, so you can pat yourself on the back for being smart enough to have been on top of that and enjoy at least a few hours this weekend without thinking about Myasthenia!
Just set a time and push all thoughts of tests, diagnosis, doctors out of your mind.

A mini vacation from the stress, so to speak!

Becky

Hey hon! I have had LOTS of CT scans without contrast - lots!

You seem to be really on top of things - that is great! You are your own best advocate! Don't ever let anyone trivialize your fears/questions. If you have a Dr. that does that, then you need a NEW one!

Hang in there sweetie!

Erin