do I need to do both MRI and CT to diagnose the level of my fallen bladder?

Body: 

my doctor ordered both CT and MRI (both with contrast) for my fallen bladder level diagnosis. I was informed that CT has some side effects, especially with contrast. anybody can tell me more about them? Is MRI enough for the diagnosis? why have to do CT?

thanks so so much!!!

dong

Hi Dong,

Well…I think it’s safe to say that most of the women here would not subject their bladders to such testing but would instead set about the work of stabilizing and reducing their symptoms naturally. Doctors have been diagnosing cystocele for a long time using only manual exam and simple cystometry. More sophisticated testing has become a necessary part of many physician’s economic viability, however, and it’s certainly going to be at the forefront of teaching hospital’s armamentarium.

Anyway, it all depends on your particular condition, but why don’t we let the experts express their viewpoint (well…maybe their viewpoint before they outfitted their offices with the newer imaging equipment :-)

“As with complex urodynamic testing, imaging is not usually necessary in women with prolapse, unless the information obtained would be critical in formulating recommendations for management. Imaging tests have been employed in women with prolapse, such as MRI and cystoproctography, but their usefulness is primarily for research at this point. They are not recommended routinely for clinical care.”

---Weber A., Brubaker L; Schaffer J; Toglia M; Office Urogynecology. 2004

Christine

Dear Christine,

Thank you so much for the quick reply! Could you do me a favor to tell me what is the correct way for stabilizing and reducing my symptoms naturally? my doctor did a manual exam and said I am about 3rd level of fallen bladder and plan to do a surgery for it. I am so scarry and worried....

Thanks a million!

dong

Hi Dong

Who did you say was planning the surgery? I can almost see him rubbing his hands together with glee. I am sure you will be able to make quite a difference to your prolalpse using Christine's methods.

Just remember that it is your body we are talking about, and your potential surgery, not his. You don't have to say yes to anything he suggests. Just take it all slowly, and think carefully before agreeing to any surgery. You can't go back and undo it afterwards but you can move forward to surgery if it turns out to be the most appropriate option down the track.

There's no need to be scared now. Just take your decision carefully.

Cheers

Louise

I had an ultrasound intravaginally. What a joke. The item used acted as a large pessary which i didn't figure out till about a month after if i remember correctly.

Plus when i reseached it i came across all sorts of studies on the potential dangers of ultrasound with heat to the pelvis etc.. I would imagine MRI;s etc have their own set of problems.. Which googling could fill you in on.

Best Wishes

Anne-helen