Hi, Sarah, Typically the sequences are run for whatever is being imaged (the brain and/or the spine), then the dag is injected into whatever vein is easist, usually into the crook of the elbow. I often get a slight metallic taste and no other reaction.
The chance of true allergy to the Gad - as opposed to the iodine-containing dye they use in Xrays - is very low. It is hundreds of times lower.
The internet warnings you hear about kidney damage and the syndrome that can happen are almost without exception sites by personal injury lawyers trolling for clients. Here is a post I wrote some time back discussing the "risk" of getting dadolinium.
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Multiple-Sclerosis/There-is-little-to-no-risk-from-the-MRI-contrast--Gadolinium/show/727497
So, you are NOT AT RISK from the bad reaction to gad unless you have VERY significant kidney disease. This does not include a history of bladder infections which don't harm the kidneys typically. Most of the victims were already on dialysis.
Hope this also helps.
Quix
I had my MRI series in March which included the Gadolinium. They started an IV system type of thing in my hand. So the injection was inserted into that tube when they were ready.
I don't have a problem with needles, however; the preson performing the IV did have to 'root around' inside to find a good vein. I didn't like that but I was prepared for it as it has happened to me numerous times. I think I was dehydrated.
The actual MRI is just so darn loud. I would work on deep relaxation, then when it starts my heart would just naturally speed up and it was hard to slow my respirations
I didn't have any side effects to anything but was sure glad when it was done!!
((hugs))
lois