CT scan help! How am I supposed to drink all that contrast?!

[Shenanigans]

I have a CT scan tomorrow and I have to drink 3 whole bottles of contrast and it tastes TERRIBLE I drank most of the first bottle, but I gagged and almost threw up the whole time. Are there any tricks to getting through them? I tried putting drink flavoring in them and it made it worse

Oh and in 15 minutes I can't eat or drink anything (other than the contrast) I can't drink water or even chew gum so I'll have that horrible taste in my mouth

[BlackCurtains]

Wow, that sounds awful. When I need contrast they always inject it with a giant needle into my hand >.<
I did have to drink charcoal once... that was a horrifying experience.

Sorry I have no advice but you have my sympathies! Can you at least brush your teeth? That might help get rid of the taste.

[Shenanigans]

Oh I WISH they would inject it instead of having to drink it!

They didn't say anything about NOT brushing my teeth, but as long as I don't swallow any toothpaste or water then I should be able to

And thanks, I'm not sure how I'm going to get through this

[Loa]

I had to drink awful stuff for a colonoscopy!
OMG IT WAS BAAAD!

[ponylady]

Oh that's awful 

Are you allowed to use mouthwash, maybe?

[kaoskat]

Ugh! Been there done that on multiple occasions! What worked one time was my mother bribing me with books. Nothing makes drinking it easier, but maybe promising yourself something awesome if you get it down would give you the motivation you need to do it.

[Mkia]

I've learned that if you drink it through a straw, it isn't as bad. It bypasses some of your taste buds so you can just swallow as soon as it comes out if the straw, rather than having it run over all your taste buds by just drinking from a cup.

I've also heard people say that it tastes a little better if you put it over ice.

Sorry you have to drink all that! Yuck!

[melodys_angel]

Loa, that stuff is bad, but its not as bad as this--and you can still drink things like clear liquids and certain colours of Gatorade up til midnight or 4pm, depending.



Yeah, ive had it all.  usually that nasty stuff is chilled and in a cup with a straw..but I kind of stared at them like 'I cant drink this, im full' (cause I have a small stomach) and I was able to get away with dinking 2 glasses instead of 3.

My main issue was I was constatnly thirsty for water

[Sebby6]

Second the straw option and I don't know if it has to be a certain temperature but generally drinking something cold is not as bad, so stick it in the fridge

[SeashellnBubbles]

I remember that stuff...blah! I've had run-ins with it more times than I choose to share Anyway, chill it, drink it through a straw and hold your nose at the same time. I've found it's *almost* tasteless when you do these 3 things. Actually, it sounds nuts, but i also coated my tongue in petroleum jelly. It's non toxic and creates a barrier as well as having its own subtle flavor (not delicious, but not gross) and drink FAST! Lol! Good luck with your test! I'm sure you'll pass with flying colors

[Marigold]

Straw!  Other than that I think try to take big fast gulps.  But be careful not to choke on it! 

[Roccoriel]

When I need contrast they always inject it with a giant needle into my hand >.<

I had that once.  They told me my arm would feel cold and then like I'd feel like I'd peed my pants, but I wouldn't really pee my pants.    It was quite bizarre.

Good luck.  I don't know what else to tell you but that at least it should be over soon!

[Shenanigans]

Thanks everyone! I ended up only drinking one and a half bottle before puking my guts out I was done after that They gave me some fruit punch kool-aid type drink (two big cups full) and it wasn't nearly as bad as the contrast! It was to make me poop I was able to drink all of that though I find it very hard to drink a bunch when I'm not thirsty

When I need contrast they always inject it with a giant needle into my hand >.<

I had that once.  They told me my arm would feel cold and then like I'd feel like I'd peed my pants, but I wouldn't really pee my pants.    It was quite bizarre.

Good luck.  I don't know what else to tell you but that at least it should be over soon!

Haha, they did that to me today! It feels JUST like going in your pants, I wanted to check to make sure I didn't

The whole thing took 5 hours and it was horrible. Never want to have a CT scan again! They messed up my paperwork, didn't have the room ready, and then "Oh yeah... you have to have blood work too." Uggh, so much waiting. And I decided to go out to eat afterwards and now I feel incredibly sick and have diarrhea. They said I would be constipated though so I dunno

I'm SO glad it's over with

[achab1984]

I remember going threw that all. It was not fun and in the out come of it they did know what it was. Well now I am laying her with the same pain that I back two years ago. I am tired of it but don't want to be cut open not knowing what it is....... that scares me!