Elaine, Pam, and Sandy:
Thank you for the feedback! Much appreciated! I'm relieved to hear I probably won't have to drink the contrast solution this time around (unlike the CT). I have had an MRI before for a slipped disc in my back, but haven't had one with contrast. It's kind of scary going through all this & feeling kind of alone. I was nervous but think that the three of you have put my mind at ease.
Sandy, you put this in perspective re: getting some relaxation. I can deal with that! I think it's smart to ask for creatinine results prior to the dye injection. Sometimes I can be a bit shy about asking for what I need to know. I appreciate your suggestion and won't be shy this time around.
Pam: I didn't know you had to wait for a while after they inject the dye. I appreciate knowing that. Your point about risk/benefit assessment was a good one. I think getting a dx of the liver lesion that showed up on my CT scan outweighs the risk at this point, but I'll be sure to ask for the results of the labwork first.
Elaine: Thank you for sharing your experience re: your son & MRI. Your words are quite comforting. What your son described almost sounds like a CT scan. The dye experience must be similar. I experienced the hot sensation (followed by a nasty case of diarrhea for several hours) after my CT with dye. Yes, you're correct re: Dye NSF. That's the term I couldn't think of. It sounds pretty scary. I'm glad to hear your son didn't experience NSF. I'm also happy to hear that that side effect is rare. On another note, I'm so very sorry to hear about your son. I read your home page a few days ago and found it so touching. I sense your son was someone incredibly special. Thank you for your dedication to sharing your strength, your story, your son's story, and for educating others, such as myself.
God bless!
Mary (m_strings)
I've had three, all were taken without contrast, followed by with contrast. No sides from contrast or having MRI. They did do a creatnine first (make sure you get there a little early to have it drawn or if you have had one recently have your doctor fax it. Ask the MRI tech if they have the results before they start. (On the third MRI I had to wait quite a while in between w\o contrast and with for results to be available.)
An IV catheter was inserted before they started and taped in place.
Make sure your bladder is empty as it does take a while.
It does make a jackhammer type or tapping noise (the tech had some foam earplugs available) you may want to bring your own.
I was nervous during my first one....get as comfortable as possible (pillow under knees may help and ask for a call button to hold in your hand...be thinking about something calming (like rivers and waterfalls, or waves on the beach, favorite poems or meditations).
By the time I went in for my third one I was ready for a little relaxation!
Best to you! ....Sandy
I had the MRI with the contrast dye last fall. I was somewhat concerned about dye, but then did my own risk/benefit assessment since they were using it to rule out HCC based on an elevated AFP and needed to know this prior to me starting tx. With me, they did a regular imaging first, then they started the dye and I rested on a cot for a half hour or so for it to "take", then went back into the tube for the second imaging. Bring something to read and warm socks! And I had no ill effects from the dye during or after.
Good luck with the test......Pam