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.
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