Connect
← Return to Bronchiectasis: New Diagnosis
Discussion
Comment receiving replies
Question: How often should I have CT scans? Had initial x-ray followed by 2 CT scans 3 months apart. Next is to be scheduled in 9 months. It has been 5 months.
Had episode woke up Gasping for breath- had turned over in sleep to ‘bad side’. Couldn’t get enough air then dizzy, sharp pain chest & back, tingling right arm. Thought heart attack. Saw cardiologist, heart fine. Pulmonologist said hyperventilating & something to do with carbon dioxide can cause tingling arm & dizziness & said maybe do x-ray or another CT scan. Since propped up pillows no repeat & can sleep one side & back. Do have some pain in chest when I wake up & take deep breaths at first.
Since I feel better wondering if I should wait with CT scan. It’s a lot of radiation.
How often do people on this forum have scans.
Sorry for long posts- new & have so many questions. 💞
Replies to "Question: How often should I have CT scans? Had initial x-ray followed by 2 CT scans..."
@skylark1 Hi there, and welcome to our group. I have experienced all that you have just stated. You may want to ask your pulmonologist if doing a 3 night pulse oxometer test is a good idea. That will record your oxygen levels as you sleep. I have had this test twice over the last ten years and each time proved that I need to sleep with oxygen. I no longer have the tingling arms. As for the CT scans; my doctor at Mayo says one should have a CT scan only every two years because they are so strong and can cause damage on a cellular level. I have heard that they have come out with newer CT's that aren't quite so strong now. *Note: Patients that are more seriously ill may need more frequent CT's.
Connect
@skylark1 My scans are every six months, but I think the general rule is once a year.