Should I Get the CT Scan Before My Wedding or Not?
I am a 31-year-old male, standing at 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing 200 pounds. I have a background of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and am currently seeing a therapist to address potential somatic OCD issues. In 2023, I underwent a colonoscopy which revealed some hemorrhoids. Following that, I had an ultrasound focused on my right upper quadrant, and the findings indicated non-infectious gastroenteritis of an unspecified type. The ultrasound results showed that my liver was of normal size with no signs of abnormal lesions or dilated intrahepatic bile ducts. My gallbladder appeared normal but contained mild sludge. There were no indications of gallstones or issues with the gallbladder wall, and the common bile duct measured a normal 3 mm. No abnormal indicators were found during the examination of my pancreas or right kidney. Fast forward to 2025, following an endoscopy that diagnosed mild chronic gastritis, I dealt with abdominal pains for several months afterward. After starting a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), I noticed a significant reduction in discomfort, although I began experiencing some back pain, which prompted my request for a CT scan. The subsequent ultrasound in 2025 showed similar positive results; my liver was normal without any detectable masses, the gallbladder remained unaffected, and no dilatation of the bile ducts was present. The common bile duct size was recorded at 3.2 mm, indicating normal function. Regarding my pancreas, while parts of it were not obscured by bowel gas, there were no concerns noted. Additionally, the right kidney did not show any signs of dilation. Now, I face a dilemma about whether to proceed with a CT scan that includes contrast, particularly given its timing just before my wedding. Initially, during my conversation with my gastroenterologist, we decided against a CT scan, but in light of my recent back pain, I reconsidered. My worries stem from a fear of pancreatic cancer, especially rare in someone my age. I recognize that diving into these concerns could lead to unnecessary interventions and radiation exposure, as well as potentially inducing pancreatitis through unwarranted endoscopic procedures. So, I am left questioning whether to dismiss my concerns and refrain from the CT scan, monitoring my new abdominal and back pains to see if they resolve on their own, or to go through with the scan for the sake of reassurance, considering it shouldn’t significantly heighten my cancer risk anyway. What do you think I should do?
Answers (1)
8/22/2025, 4:52:06 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about your health, especially with a significant life event like your wedding approaching. It appears you have been through several evaluations with reassuring results, and now you're facing a decision regarding a CT scan due to new symptoms.
Main Point: Given your history and the reassuring results of previous tests, it might be more prudent to monitor your symptoms rather than pursuing a CT scan right before your wedding.
Explanation: Your past evaluations (colonoscopy, ultrasound, endoscopy) have shown no significant issues with your organs, including your liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. The mild chronic gastritis and the hemorrhoids are manageable conditions, and the back pain you've recently experienced may not necessarily link to a serious issue. Understanding that the chances of pancreatic cancer are low for someone your age and given your previous test results can provide some reassurance. Also, it's essential to consider the potential downsides of a CT scan, such as exposure to radiation and the possibility of more invasive procedures if something incidental is found.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your abdominal and back pain, noting when it occurs, its severity, and any activities that might worsen or alleviate it. This can provide useful information over time.
- Focus on Self-Care: Consider lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, practicing stress-reduction techniques, and staying hydrated, particularly since IBS can sometimes be affected by stress or diet.
- Consult Your Healthcare Providers Again: If your symptoms become more severe, change in character, or cause you significant distress before the wedding, it might be beneficial to discuss your concerns openly with your gastroenterologist or primary care provider. They can help determine if further imaging is necessary.
- Discuss Wedding Week Plans: Speaking with your therapist about your anxiety and preparing mentally for your wedding can also help alleviate some concerns.
Your health and peace of mind are important, especially as you approach this joyful time in your life. Monitoring your symptoms and maintaining open communication with your healthcare team will be essential in making the best decision for you.
Related Questions
Severe Kidney Discomfort: A Personal Account
I am a 28-year-old female, weighing approximately 155 pounds and standing at 5 feet 2 inches. My background includes an unusual hydration habit; I used to consume around 8 liters of water most days. At the time, I didn’t think this was excessive because I always felt thirsty—drinking water has been a preference of mine since childhood. Despite my high intake, I do not have diabetes. Recently, I became aware of the potential dangers linked to such excessive consumption, prompting me to reduce my daily intake to about 4 liters over the past week. Everything had been fine until today. After enjoying some mangoes that surprisingly tasted quite salty, I noticed discomfort two hours post-consumption. This led to a sudden and severe pain in my kidneys, extending to my lower back. The discomfort escalated to the point where standing up straight became impossible, compelling me to drive myself to the emergency room. There, a doctor suggested that the issue might be due to salt deposits or kidney stones, and prescribed an antibiotic for a urinary tract infection, along with effervescent tablets to address the salt problem. Despite following the doctor’s recommendations, I am still experiencing significant pain. While I can manage to sit without too much trouble, standing is unbearable, and walking has become a challenge due to the severity of the discomfort. Is it typical to experience such intense pain due to salt-related issues, or would it be prudent to seek a second opinion at another emergency room?
Annoying Itch at the Base of My Backside
At 24 years old, I'm experiencing an unusually intense itch in my posterior region. I've observed that the skin seems to be becoming dry and is peeling away. This uncomfortable issue has occurred twice in the last two months. I’m looking for advice or insight on this condition.
Experiencing Unexplained Chest Vibrations Since I Was 16
Since the age of 16, I have been encountering unexpected vibrations in my chest. These experiences typically arise without warning, often while I'm at rest, but they can also occur during light activities like walking. The episodes are brief, and their frequency varies: sometimes I experience them once a month, other times twice weekly, and occasionally there might be a break of several months between instances. Due to their fleeting nature, I tend to overlook them.
Seeking Advice After Recent Carotid Dissection Diagnosis
Greetings. I was recently diagnosed with a carotid dissection on the right side of my neck, following an emergency room visit two weeks ago. I'm a 50-year-old woman generally in good health, and the incident is believed to be linked to a neck adjustment performed by a chiropractor. The onset of my symptoms was quite sudden. I experienced severe headaches that gradually became more persistent and intense. Additionally, I encountered cognitive challenges such as difficulty locating words, mental fog, and forgetfulness. After enduring these symptoms for over four weeks, I consulted my primary care physician, who ordered brain x-rays—both with and without contrast—yielding normal results. After two more weeks of escalating discomfort, I decided to seek emergency care, uncertain of my next steps. A CT scan at the hospital ultimately revealed the carotid dissection. I met briefly with a neurologist who conducted a quick examination and advised me to avoid chiropractic treatments, refrain from sudden neck movements, engage in gentle exercise only, and take a daily dose of 325 mg of aspirin before sending me home. I have a follow-up appointment with a neurologist scheduled in three weeks. For reference, I reside in New York City and was treated at Weill Cornell; I understand that the doctor overseeing my follow-up at the RESCUE-TIA clinic is currently unavailable, resulting in this being the earliest appointment I could obtain. During this waiting period, I have sought to educate myself through online research, focusing on my condition. I’ve come across information regarding Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs) and suspect that I may have experienced one or more prior to my hospital visit. One particular day stands out; I endured a headache rated 9 out of 10 for several hours and experienced vertigo while walking. However, the ER physician did not mention TIAs to me. Regarding my diet, I have always prioritized nutritious food and continue to do so, cutting back on refined carbohydrates and eliminating added sugars. In terms of physical activity, I aim to take leisurely walks at a moderate pace three times weekly for about 45 minutes, consciously avoiding straining or holding my breath, and I only carry light loads. I prioritize rest by ensuring ample sleep and managing my stress levels carefully. To engage my mind, I’ve began doing daily puzzles and games, such as crosswords, Wordle, and Sudoku, through the Elevate app, and I've noticed a marginal improvement in my focus. I would greatly appreciate any advice on additional measures I can take or actions I should avoid. Notably, after about a week and a half following my ER visit, I experienced no headaches; however, two nights ago, I was startled by a resurgent severe headache. I thank you in advance for your assistance.
Dealing with Ongoing Facial Discomfort Post-Surgery: Seeking Guidance
At the age of 24, I underwent a tonsillectomy last February, which at first appeared to go smoothly. However, the very next day, I encountered a post-operative hemorrhage that resulted in significant blood loss. This alarming situation led to a diagnosis of anemia, prompting the need for several blood transfusions to address the condition. While I cannot definitively link these events, I have been trying to understand the connection, if any, to the ear and facial discomfort I’ve been experiencing since that time. The left side of my face is persistently tight, and my left ear often feels pressurized, almost as if something is obstructing it. Occasionally, I endure brief episodes of sharp pain in my ear, akin to a stabbing sensation, though these episodes are fleeting. Interestingly, the ear does not exhibit tenderness upon touch, and I have been unable to identify any specific triggers. While I suffer from chronic migraines—an issue I’ve dealt with for several years—I remain uncertain if they are related to my current symptoms. I have attended a couple of follow-up consultations with an ENT specialist, who ultimately informed me that there were no viable treatment options available. Consequently, I was referred to a neurologist and underwent an MRI in May. The results indicated the presence of bilateral arachnoid cysts located at the cerebellopontine angle, measuring approximately 27 x 10 mm on the right and 23 x 18 mm on the left. Initially, I began treatment with Gabapentin but switched to Nortriptyline due to excessive drowsiness. Nortriptyline seemed to assist in alleviating my migraines and nearly eliminating my facial pain; however, after discontinuing the medication due to its side effects, my symptoms have gradually resurfaced. Now, my jaw feels even tighter, and the pressure in my ear has progressed to a constant ache. This ear pain has persisted for several weeks, making my discomfort more pronounced compared to before I started treatment. Alongside this, I have been experiencing notable fatigue, despite maintaining a regular sleep schedule, adequate nutrition, and hydration. I am uncertain whether this fatigue is connected to my current condition. As I reflect on my situation, I am left wondering whether the issues I’m facing are truly neurological in nature or if I should be exploring other avenues for diagnosis and treatment. Is it possible that something critical has been overlooked? I am scheduled for another appointment in two weeks, alongside a follow-up MRI in April.