I had a CT scan (obviously slightly different to an MRI - MRI's are not as bad for you apparently) recently at Lewisham Hospital and I have to say it wasn't the best experience. The actual CT scan itself was absolutely fine, the radiographers and nurses were great. I had an abdominal CT scan so had to drink a massive white drink (possibly barium but they didn't tell me what it was - yes I probably should have asked) and then I had the IV dye injected into me while in the CT scanner. I thought all was absolutely fine until about an hour after the scan which was luckily when I got home. I was then stuck to the toilet for the rest of the afternoon, if you know what I mean. Although I have been having stomach problems (hence the CT scan) so it could be that it was unrelated to the CT scan/drink/IV. I did have a sore throat for a couple of days after the scan as well, but again this could have been unrelated and could have been a bug I picked up from being at the hospital, it's easy to pin every symptom on the scan/drink/IV. As other people have said, your doctor/consultant wouldn't recommend you for the scan unless it was absolutely necessary, yes there are risks - but you could just as easily die crossing the road outside Forest Hill Station. Good luck and I hope you feel better soon!