For Chris (Buenchico)

[woodelf]

Hi Chris, I've now got my confirmed PET scan for next week - at Surrey Uni no less - and I wondered if you had a PET scan during your own troubles and how did it go and what it entailed.
Of course now, "they" can't decide yet whether I'm still fighting an infection, which might throw out all previous tests, until all my bloods are done!
Still, not to worry eh and to put the final cherry on the top of this week-long whole week of frivolity, the washing machine totally collapsed and chipped in with it's version of it's my party and sent my partner screaming up the wall, that's if there is one left high enough to take such a force of anger!
Luckily, we found all relevant paperwork from years ago and that problem should be fixed next week.
But could I request in the night night music thread, someone please play me, "Chinese Wall" by Messrs Bailey and Collins - don't know why this particular wall, but at least it has a good beat and we could kick the hell out of the busted machine!
Er, sorry Chris, I hope you didn't get bogged down in this ribtickler of an event - nor anyone else!...smile!
But your ordeal was, as you say, a doddle?...I need all the reassurance I can get!
Very Very Many Thanks Anyway lad. Ta Muchly!

[Buenchico]

Hi Woodelf!

On reading your question, my initial answer to your question was to think "No, I've not had a PET scan, as I've never even heard of one!". However, having googled it, I either had one or, at least, I had something remarkably similar to one.

What I had was simply referred to as a CT scan. However it was a CT scan with a difference because I had to go to the hospital in the morning to be injected with a radioactive liquid and then return in the afternoon for the scan. I wasn't given any restrictions on what I could do during the intervening period, other than not going close to any young children or pregnant women, due to me being radioactive! (I actually hopped on a bus into town, did some window shopping and went for a pub lunch).

On returning to the hospital, all I had to do was to hop onto a table, which slid into the machine, and then lie still while the machine did its work. Unlike the MRI scan that I'd a couple of days earlier, the machine wasn't noisy. The experience wasn't at all stressful; indeed I quite enjoyed it (especially the fact that I was radioactive for a while!).

The description of a PET scan that I've found on the NHS Scotland website seems to very closely match my experience, even though the term 'PET scan' was never used in my case. The only difference seems to be that the injection of a radioactive fluid is given only about an hour before the scan, and you have to stay fairly still while you're waiting for it, meaning that you won't be able to go to the pub. Sorry about that ;-)

https://www.nhsinform.scot/tests-and-treatments/scans-and-x-rays/pet-scan

So I reckon that you will, as I've previously suggested, find the scan procedure to be an absolute doddle. It's certainly nothing to worry about.

I've bookmarked 'Walking on the Chinese Wall' on YouTube, so that I can find it easily to post this evening (unless someone else beats me to it, of course).

I hope that you can get your washing machine fixed soon (and at not too great an expense). When I read of all the problems that people have with washing machines, I'm glad that I've never owned one. (I simply drive to a lauderette that offers a service wash about once per month and leave my washing there. When I return, a few hours later, all of my shirts are neatly folded, all of my socks are paired together, etc. I don't allow myself many luxuries in life but having someone else sort out my washing is definitely one that I reckon is well worth paying for!)

Hoping that you're not in too much pain now and that you're able to keep smiling. All the best to you and P,

Chris

[calmck]

Had a PET scan many years ago. It was very straightforward however the room has to be very cold so wear warm clothing and sox. I took my own music and headphones. I was given glucose before so if you are diabetic make sure they are aware. You should be given detailed information of what to expect. There was no pain or discomfort with the scan but it did take a while.
Wishing you the best outcome possible

[Peter Pedant]

straight foward
they will send the blurb and you follow it
you get an injection ( elbow) from a syringe covered in lead (!)
and wait. Flu-desoggy-glucose which is tagged
for uptake
then go into the scanner - and I cant recollect how long it takes
20 m

but remember you are radio active - I was a bit wobbly and said to the tech - can I have a hand
and she said "no"- and went on txt-ing into her phone without looking up.
wh was kinda odd for a hospital employee

half life for the FDG - around 2 h