QuestionIs it safe to undergo xray for my gf? she's about to undergo medical examinations on monday for her requirements on her employment
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Followup To
Question -
My girlfriend is taking dexamethasone since sept 6, her doctor advise to take this for 1 week for her episodes of vertigo..During the 1st week of taking dexamethasone she started to experienced amenorrhea, acne, increased appetite. We suddenly consulted our physician, he ordered to tapered off the dexamethasone until my girlfriend totally stop taking dexamethasone. I am worried because of her 2 weeks delayed menstrual period, supposedly her menstrual period should took place on Sept 15 but until now she has no menstrual period..We decided to buy pregnancy test kit and the result was positive..is dexamethasone has an effect to the result of pregnancy test? Is the pregnancy test accurate after my girlfriend took dexamethasone for 2 weeks? what should I do to confirm that my girlfriend is really pregnat?
Answer -
Hi Paolo :)
Dexamethasone, is a synthetic hormone, however this drug will in no way give you a false positve reading on a pregnancy test. This drug, will no way influence the HCG factor, to give you a false positive test.
The only thing, that this drug does alter, is blood sugars in diabetics.
Keep in mind, that the symtoms that your girlfriend is experiencing, are also exactly the same as the side affects, of taking this drug. Regardless, of the side effects, I stress to you, it wouldnt give you a false positive test result, so yes, its very likely that your girlfriend is pregnant.
So I am happy to hear that she has been weaned off the drug, its not a suitable drug to be taken, while pregnant, or while nursing a baby. So your doctor did exactly the right thing.
The only way to have this completely confirmed, is for your girlfriend to go to the doctor and have a BETA HCG blood test done. Its extremely accurate.
Now, it wouldnt hurt to get another home pregnancy test to confirm for yourself. Just be aware, that you must allow the full timing, to get an accurate reading. Many people, whom are looking for the 2 lines that indicates the test is positive, fail to read the test after the full 5 minutes, or whatever time is set according to the directions. Many times, within the first minute 2 lines will appear, but after 5 there is only 1 line remaining. So its extremely important to wait the full time for the test to be accurate.
Still, in saying that ..I am sure you have looked at the tab several times since, and it clearly indicates positive. So its time to see the doctor, and get the blood test.
Tell your girlfriend as well, that its of essence that she gets on prenatel vitamins immediately. Even if she cant see the doctor for a few days, its essential she gets on them right away. They cut down significantly, on birth defects that can form in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, so this is a must :)
Here's a link with more information about dexamethasone, so you can read up and find more information about this steroid :)
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a682792.html
Hope this is of some help, and if you have any more questions, please dont hesitate to write back :)
-Kristy
AnswerHi Paolo.
Absolutely not. Your girfriend should not have any x-ray work done until she finds out if she is pregnant.
X-rays, give off radiation, that can be dangerous to the baby. So she needs to confirm her pregnancy FIRST. If its negative, then she can proceed to have the x-rays done.
Today is Saturday ..Perhaps tomorrow morning, you and your girlfriend could go to a walk in clinic, and have your pregnancy confirmed. They will do urine, and blood, and then fax the results to your family doctor. I know, the moment that you tell them that you suspect that your girlfriend is pregnant, and is susposed to be under going x-rays on monday, they will definatly be on the ball because its and extremely unsafe procedure for a pregnant woman to undergo. Perhaps if you can do this tomorrow, then you will know whether your girlfriend can keep her appointment on monday.
If you cant see a doctor tomorrow, I highly advise, that she cancels the appointment, until she can find out conclusively if shes pregnant.
Hope this is of some Help :)
-Kristy
