My sinusitis symptoms got worse since I moved to a new home further south of florida. I called one of the local hospitals for referrals of ENTs in the area, and made an appointment with one. He prescribed an anti-immflamatory( a corticosteroid) and a tetracycline. But when he told me that I need to get a CAT scan of my sinuses, I objected to schedule for one due to my concern of radiation exposure. I have had a CAT scan of my sinuses in 2008 and two x-rays of my sinuses that are closest to my ears at the emergency a week ago.

Do you think that CAT scans are safe?

[Elysium]

Yes, I think CAT Scans are safe. (I'm a Nurse)

You wouldn't want a million of them on the same body part....but their energy is pin pointed to the area the Docs want to view, and if you have concerns, you can ask the CT Tech to put a led covering over your abdomen and pelvic region.

I don't think there's anything to worry about.

So you had one earlier in the week in ER...but now the other Doc wants another? Did he not feel the images were good quality or does he want views of different regions/sinuses?

You should be just fine with another scan.

[amante]

Originally Posted by Elysium

Yes, I think CAT Scans are safe. (I'm a Nurse)

You wouldn't want a million of them on the same body part....but their energy is pin pointed to the area the Docs want to view, and if you have concerns, you can ask the CT Tech to put a led covering over your abdomen and pelvic region.

I don't think there's anything to worry about.

So you had one earlier in the week in ER...but now the other Doc wants another? Did he not feel the images were good quality or does he want views of different regions/sinuses?

You should be just fine with another scan.

Elysium,
I am glad you verified that information, I've had several on my belly and was wondering the same thing. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[sanityseeker]

Sorry about your sinus troubles Amanda. I hope you get some relief soon.

[Catherine2]

I also hope you get relief soon! Sinusitis is miserable...

Jmo, but the benefits of the Cat scan outweigh most of the cons. With worsening symptoms, it appears your physician may want to rule out underlying problems.
The majority of Cat scans done today have less risk involved re radiation...you can always check with the facility and inquire if they have the newer machines if it would reassure you.

Best wishes for feeling better,
Catherine

[VickiesPath]

Only if the cats have been declawed. Otherwise, they are quite uncomfortable.

[ECHOES]

I have had them because they were needed. There is risk in everything, including not knowing.

Originally Posted by VickiesPath

Only if the cats have been declawed. Otherwise, they are quite uncomfortable.

LOL. I love cats, too.

Originally Posted by Elysium

Yes, I think CAT Scans are safe. (I'm a Nurse)

You wouldn't want a million of them on the same body part....but their energy is pin pointed to the area the Docs want to view, and if you have concerns, you can ask the CT Tech to put a led covering over your abdomen and pelvic region.

I don't think there's anything to worry about.

So you had one earlier in the week in ER...but now the other Doc wants another? Did he not feel the images were good quality or does he want views of different regions/sinuses?

You should be just fine with another scan.

But, how many in one year do you consider a reasonable number?

He tried to get the CAT scan that my past ENT doctor had done for me in 2008, but the past doc's receptionist refused to mail it to him. When he tried to schedule a scan with a nearby hospital, I got really worried about the amount radiation exposure. I told him that the ER had already taken x-rays of my sinuses close to my ears last week. So, he said that those should be enough.
When I received the previous scan myself in the mail and read the doc's notes, I realized that the scan had given him info about the characteristics of the mucus and the structure of the four sinuses. So, I tried to give the past scan to his receptionist, but she refused them even though the doc himself had said that if I could get the past scan, it would be useful for him.

[Yoda]

The effective radiation dose from this procedure ranges from approximately two to 10 mSv, which is about the same as the average person receives from background radiation in three to five years.

about background radiation