The first thing that happens when I go to see my orthopedic surgeon is that my shoulder is xrayed. It's the only way to "see" what is happening, I understand that. There are two or three shots from different angles. I always make some remark about how much radiation I am getting to the technician and she always responds that it is minimal.
Prior to surgery I had a whole series of X-rays plus a special CT exam to determine the size of the implant needed and the state of my shoulder. I also had an MRI but it doesn't count in the radiation equation, thank goodness.
Post operatively when I developed the collapsed lung I had two chest X-rays in the ER, then daily chest X-rays for five days until I was discharged. The hospital has a marvelous portable X-ray machine that can bring your daily millisievert dose right to your bed.
I've certainly had my share of mammograms, more than. And I have had therapeutic radiation from one specialist and diagnostic CT scans from another. Is anyone adding all this up? Does it matter?
Of course it does and the CT scan is the biggest contributor. The average CT scan provides radiation equal to 72 mammograms or 442 chest X-rays. No wonder my orthopod's X-ray tech isn't worried about a couple little old chest films!
The problem is that even though I worry about it, I inquire if the latest film or scan is necessary, I ask how much all this radiation is adding up to...No one is willing to give up the advantage that a look inside provides them. I do understand that.
At least I do not glow in the dark...yet.
http://youtu.be/8myK93FqbYc
Archive timeline: 2014: May and June - preparing for surgery, July - surgery and post op problems, August - recovery and physical therapy, September - thinking medically, October - getting back to normal, November - almost there!
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