Anxiously in the waiting room, barely able to swipe through my phone. My mind wandered to the upcoming CT pulmonary angiogram. I have been experiencing shortness of breath and severe chest pain.
It all started as mild chest pain a few weeks ago the chest pain had included to itself shortness of breath and had also become severe, the doctor suspected a blood clot and recommended I get a CT PULMONARY ANGIOGRAM done.
I was told I would have to do an eGFR lab test first, it’s a kidney function test to check if my kidneys are in good condition and can excrete the dye that I would be given during the exams. They called the dye, CONTRAST.
A radiographer called my name I stood up, smoothing my clothes. “She introduced herself and said. I’ll be preparing you for your CT scan today.”
She took me to a small room and began asking questions. “Have you had any previous reactions to contrast agents? Are you allergic to iodine?”
I shook my head. “No, I don’t think so.” I don’t even know what a contrast agent is, I said. And then she replied me saying; a contrast agent is a dye that they would need to inject intravenously to help opacify my blood vessels.
She went on to ask:
“Have you had any kidney problems or taken any medications that may interact with the contrast agent?”
No, I haven’t
What is your HIV status?
Are you pregnant or breastfeeding?
Do you have diabetes?
Any history of thyroid disease?
My thoughts raced, swirling in a tempest of confusion. Why such inquiries for a mere scan? Frustration welled within me, prompting an uneasy query. But the radiographer, unperturbed, elucidated each question’s purpose with the grace of a seasoned guide.
– HIV individuals may have compromised immune system, increasing infection risk from procedures and there is also a need to prevent transmission such patients.
-Radiation exposure is fatal to developing fetus, causing growth restrictions and miscarriage. Contrast agents can also get trapped and excreted through breast milk causing harm to infant.
-There could be a build-up of lactic acid in your bloodstream (lactic acidosis) if you are to undergo the scan as a diabetic patient taking metformin.
-It could lead to hyperthyroidism if you have an existing thyroid disease since the contrast (iohexol) is iodine-based and thyroid is a gland that produces iodine in the body.
“I take blood thinners for my heart condition.” I confided.
She nodded and said “That’s good to know. We’ll monitor you closely.”
With a flourish, I signed a parchment filled with queries and responses, each question meticulously considered.
The radiographer took me into the exposure room and laid me on the narrow table with round doughnut-shaped structure, feeling a mix of excitement and fear. She explained the procedure to me saying. “You’ll need to hold your breath for 10-15 seconds. We’ll inject the contrast agent through your IV.”
As the table slid into the scanner, i felt a wave of claustrophobia. “What if I get stuck?” I thought. However, With a calm voice the radiographer reassured me. “You’re doing great. Just breathe normally.”
The scan began, and I held my breath as instructed by the machine, even though I was still apprehensive. The machine whirred and beeped around me. And in a few minutes the scan was done.
Upon my return to the waiting area, the radiographer approached with a reassuring smile. “You have done excellently,” she praised, and my anxiety ebbed, if only slightly.
She monitored me for a few minutes while I waited both patiently and impatiently…
“The doctor shall review your results,” she replied gently. “You will be informed in due time.”
Eventually, when I departed the hospital, it was with a heart full of gratitude for the radiographer’s unwavering care. In reflection, I pondered the lessons of my experience :
1) Radiographers may not always work fast, but they always work right.
2) The profession is one laced with empathy and patience.
3) When they ask us questions, it’s for our own safety.
4) They see us like no one else does because they actually see through you
Thus, I left, my spirit lightened, fortified by the knowledge that amidst uncertainty, there exists a realm of care and understanding.
Written to celebrate 2024 World Radiography Day celebration to enlighten the Public about Radiographers and their impact in health care(RADIOLOGY DEPARTMENT).
World Radiography Day is celebrated every Nov 8.
Written by Rad. Sarah U. Eba
