Radiation Exposure: How Concerned Would You Be?

[Indianamom2]

So as is well-documented here, last year was a really rough one health-wise for me with my back problems. Over the course of diagnosing and multiple surgeries I had a LOT of tests run. I have lost count of the number of x-rays, 3 MRIs (within about 4 months) and 3 CT scans.

On Tuesday, I had another set of x-rays (those on their own don't really concern me that much), another CT scan and I have another MRI scheduled for this coming Tuesday. The x-rays and CT scan this week were to check for a blood clot (as my left foot/leg are exhibiting some strange symptoms) and the CT and MRI will help in diagnosing if anything else is wrong with my back/spine/nerves.

So if you're keeping a tally:

Bunch of x-rays
4 MRI's/9 months' time
4 CT scans/ year

I think I'd be ok with everything but the Ct scans...those worry me. At what point should I be really concerned?

[Katigre]

Ct scans are the big concern with radiation. The risk is higher depending on the part of your body scanned. Were they limbs, abdominal, etc...?

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[Katigre]

http://www.radiologyinfo.org/mobile/...m?pg=sfty_xray

This chart lets you calculate your exposure levels. I would bring it up to your doctor.

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[mackmama]

I have had a lot of testing too over the years and have researched CT radiation levels and discussed with docs.

All docs have reassured me that cancer patients often receive CT scans weekly to monitor their treatment response.

Some CTs are worse than others but ultimately you have a CT scan if you need a CT scan.

In the future, I do think CT scans are used much more frequently than needed. I insisted on an abdominal MRI instead of the CT scan my doc wanted to order. I did the research on whether an abdominal MRI would be sufficient for my particular issue, found a doctor who would do it (turns out MRI is actually the cutting edge technology for my issue but my doc ordered a CT scan because that's what he had always used). My point is to always advocate for yourself. I have had a few unnecessary CTs too. For your clot, a specialized ultrasound and ddimer would have probably been sufficient.

All in all though I would not worry. My specialists told me that they are not concerned with less than 10 CT scans in a lifetime.