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Doctor wants me to drink contrast even though it has gluten

HaleyMoon

By HaleyMoon
in Coping with Celiac Disease

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HaleyMoon Rookie
HaleyMoon
Posted

I posted a few weeks ago about being scared to drink the ct scan contrast, I contacted the company who makes it and they told me that it contains gluten.

the doctor said "well you have to drink it or we can't do the test." 

Its like they don't take celaic diease seriously. I've been working hard for months now trying to stay away from gluten I just can't drink that stuff.

im still having stomach pains that's why she ordered a ct scan and says it won't be clear without the contrast

i don't know what I should do everyone is telling me to just "suck it up" you're only going to be a pain for a little while.

Or that it's just "a little gluten" not enough to hurt you. 

I thought any amount of gluten could hurt you I just can't take that chance and I'm all out of ideas because my stomach still hurts eveyday.

 

thanks if anyone read all of this I would really like you're opinions should I just drink it knowing there's gluten in it? Or just find some other way?

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Victoria1234 Experienced
Victoria1234
Posted

I imagine because you have the name and brand of the contrast that you already contacted the imaging center. Did they have any options or suggestions? Possibly another brand they could order for you? It's a reasonable expectation that you should be accommodated for a health reason! And your doc should be fighting FOR you, not telling you to suck it up! Ridiculous!

kareng Grand Master
kareng
Posted

LIke we told you before - talk to the people that are taking the CT.  They should be able to get one without gluten.  there is more than one choice.  

Cara in Boston Enthusiast
Cara in Boston
Posted

I just had one done last week.  I called the CT place in advance and the first person I spoke to didn't know the answer.  She told me not to worry though, because I could have juice instead if needed.  (This made no sense to me, but whatever).  On the morning of my appointment, I called first and again, someone told me she didn't know the ingredients, but she was sure they had something gluten free.  When I got there they had already flagged my file and they brought me the banana flavored contrast drink.  It was gluten free.  The other options were not.  They took it very seriously.  Still wondering about the "juice" option though.  The banana was pretty gross.

cyclinglady Grand Master
cyclinglady
Posted

Who is the customer here?  Unless you have government healthcare, you are in charge.   Don’t like your doctor? Shop for another one.  Stand up for your rights!  If you are young/and or sick and find that hard to do, then ask a friend or family member to champion for you.  Take notes, ask questions, research and follow up with concerns or question in writing.  Amazing what a certified nice letter can do!  

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