Well, my PET scan is scheduled for Thursday at 1:00. Now that it is finally scheduled I am more nervous than anything. I can not wrap my mind around this. Likie many of yoy any little pain I have, I get worried about it. I know some of you have said that there is some preparation involved before having a PET. What is that preparation? I was just told that I could not have anything to eat or drink 6 hours prior to the scan and had to drink 16 ozs of water one hour before the scan. Is there anything else that some of you did?

I received detailed instructions esp diet etc prior to PET SCAN and a warning of zero exercise 24 hours before. Here is a link to a list of common PetScan preparations, which I did before mine PetScan diet/prep
Relax, it's easy. the hard part is the potential false positives. Push back on the radiologist if you don't understand it, I had them do the entire report over on one of mine.

It is normal to freak out at anything and everything**. I almost convinced myself that I had a problem about 2 month out of radiation, when I got a lot small blisters (roof of mouth) every time I was eating something.. (=big nothing, minor salivary glands working again)

Re Pet
1) no exercise and NO running around and hurrying before the scan. This includes getting to the center.
2) you may get an oral contrast agent to drink before the scan (for CT)
3) they will measure your blood glucose level and if ok inject radioactive glucose. No big deal, do not freak out because of the strange syringe.
4) you the rest for 45 minutes or so. Try to sleep, you should not talk
5) then the scan you, try to stay still and do not move your tongue/chew or swallow too much. Unless they tell you otherwise breath normally.
Depending of the scanner this should take 20-30 minutes.
6) then get coffee etc!

Best!

M

** of course that presumes that I am halfway normal...

I only instructions I have been given were to wear loose fitting clothing, no excercise 24 hours prior, and nothing by mouth 6 hours before the scan.

Take something to read during the 45 minutes. I have had it a few times and never could sit still so I took a book and another time a poker machine. Just whatever you enjoy that you can do sitting quietly.

Charm and Markus, thanks for the info.

My center has never given me all these specifics but thankfully from being an OCF member, I know this info.

Jim,
they turn down the light where I go. Your are supposed to rest (sleep if possible) no talking, no chewing etc. ... nothing that may increase the chance of a false positive.

M

I was able to pick a dvd and watch that for about an hour before the PET scan.... go figure!!

It was Robbie Williams in concert - so I was singing my heart out - no piece and quiet for me.

Hmmm sure makes me wonder about some of our facilities here...nothing would surprise me anymore that is for sure

Karen

The hardest part of the PET scan is a tie, waiting for the results or dealing with the false positives...I can't pick which one sucks more.

I worry about every little pain as well, thinking "this is it" at any little lump or jaw pain that I experience...My ENT told me to stop torturing myself and to keep the "F" off the internet sometimes...if only he knew. I love that guy though.

Be well
Eric

I was also told to remain totally quiet and close my eyes while I waited in my semi dark room.