What can I expect from a CT scan with contrast?

CT with contrast can show blockages (narrowing of bowel often with proximal dilation) and hernias. Adhesions and scar tissue are more difficult to visualize, even with and MRI which has better soft tissue resolution. However based on the appearance of the obstruction they can often characterize it as likely due to adhesions, volvulus, ileus, etc.  

The one main factor not mentioned above is that when the contrast is injected via your IV it causes a flushing sensation particularly in your groin region.  Typically you feel like you have wet your pants!  It does not last very long and is not at all painful.  I have had countless CT with contrast.

Haha. Yes the warm sensation that feels like you’re peeing your pants is real. So many CTs. I hope the radiation exposure doesn’t come back to bite us. I worried about it until I lost track of how many I’ve had. Now I consider it the cost of doing business with severe UC.