CT scan and arthritic neck

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Rick - 08 Dec 2005 06:02 GMT

In 1995, I had surgery to correct a deviated septum. Before I did, I
had either x-rays or CT scan (don't recall which) that hurt my neck
really bad. I have arthritis in my neck, it' usually quite stiff, and
I have 2 or 3 disk bulges in my neck.

My diagnosis from the doc is chronic sinusitus, maxillary.

My questions are these:

1. Before, they had to get my head at some angle to get the picture
they needed. They said there was no adjustments that could be made.
Am I going to be faced with the same excruciating problem or is there
more latitude in what position I could be placed in?

2. About how long will this procedure take?

Thanks,

Rick

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loxaluck - 08 Dec 2005 14:39 GMT

Rick:

just had one done 2 days ago, probably in the position that you remember.
Laying on my stomach with my arms behind me and my chin resting on a pad.
I dont have arthritis and i found the position uncomfortable. the
procedure took no longer than 10 minutes but alot of that time was the
technician doing stuff that i dont believe was related. they could
probably do it quicker.

there must be a different way to get these pictures but this is the way
that i have alwqys had it done -- 4 times now.

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Murray Grossan - 09 Dec 2005 04:30 GMT

On 12/8/05 6:39 AM, in article
3a7931786e86d1c50895157bc5c18b00@localhost.talkaboutsupport.com, "loxaluck"

> Rick:
>
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> there must be a different way to get these pictures but this is the way
> that i have alwqys had it done -- 4 times now.

With the Xoran unit you sit up, head slightly forward. Takes 90 seconds.

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Steven L. - 08 Dec 2005 16:44 GMT

> In 1995, I had surgery to correct a deviated septum. Before I did, I
> had either x-rays or CT scan (don't recall which) that hurt my neck
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
> they needed. They said there was no adjustments that could be made.
> Am I going to be faced with the same excruciating problem....

Yes, unfortunately. For CT scans, you are required to hold a fixed
position and that means your neck will be kept rigid by a chin holder.
Talk to your arthritis doctor and maybe he can recommend a pain killer
you can take that will not interfere with the CT scan and will help you
get thru it.

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Murray Grossan - 09 Dec 2005 04:29 GMT

On 12/7/05 10:02 PM, in article 2cifp1tbcaivs8ui9ka9aueo7jako31bmm@4ax.com,

> In 1995, I had surgery to correct a deviated septum. Before I did, I
> had either x-rays or CT scan (don't recall which) that hurt my neck
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
>
> Rick

Using the Xoran CT scanner you sit erect, just like for a dental panorex. I
can't see how that position can hurt. Max time sitting still is 90 seconds.

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Rick - 11 Dec 2005 22:35 GMT

>On 12/7/05 10:02 PM, in article 2cifp1tbcaivs8ui9ka9aueo7jako31bmm@4ax.com,
>
[quoted text clipped - 19 lines]
>Using the Xoran CT scanner you sit erect, just like for a dental panorex. I
>can't see how that position can hurt. Max time sitting still is 90 seconds.

Wish I had posted my question sooner. That Xoran CT looks like what I
need. However, getting this info 2 hours before my appointment left
me with few options.

I called River Oaks Imaging, and talked to a tech. I explained my
situation with my neck. He said he could probably help. So we went
(after prepping by taking a couple Ultracets and a Xanax).

At first, I tried the position with my head way back. That would have
been bad. I tried on my stomach. That was ok, and was in there for
about 5 minutes. As I was leaving and getting in my car, the guy
literally whistled for me to come back. Said the images weren't good.
So I went back. This time, I was on my back, but my neck wasn't
awkwardly distended. When he was through, I asked him if this position
was ok, and shouldn't I have been in the other more painful position?
He said it's better the other way, but he had me in there for longer,
taking more pictures, saying the radiologist would be able to tell.

I wonder. I guess I'll know soon enough. If the images are
worthwhile, that's great. If they're not, I'll see what my doc says
about this Xoran scanner.

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