Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
1253197 tn?1331209110

MRI with gadolinium - feeling nervous


I have looked at previous posts and the health pages (thanks Quix) on MRI with contrast but just wanted to ask what your experiences were of having an MRI with gadolinium. For the drug trial I have 2 days of more tests starting on 12 July with the MRI and I feel nervous about it.

If I pass all the screening I take the drug on Wed 14 July and at present am just taking it onoe step at a time.  I have had several brain and spine scans done before and do not really like the procedure (who does) but coped OK by trying to listen to music instead of the clanking.

However I have never had the dye done and this adds another dimension of anxiety for me as I am not great with needles. (But I hear most of you say..you get used to it when you have to!)
  
Where is it injected?
Does it hurt?
What are the potential side effects?
What are your own experiences?

I am someone who prefers to be informed and to know what to expect and would value your input.

Thanks in advance

Sarah x
Best Answer
1312898 tn?1314568133
Hi Sarah,  

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


5 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
It"s a breeze. Don"t worry about the dye. I had the dye injected into the inside elbow feels just like you are giving blood. No worse. I had no ill effects from the dye. It is easier if you make yourself relax. Good luck! Let us know how you make out.

   Linda
Helpful - 0
147426 tn?1317265632
Frank - I stifled my comment.  You owe me.

Quix
Helpful - 0
147426 tn?1317265632
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
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi Sarah,

I have had 14 full-body MRI's over the years using contrast, and for the most part, well I wouldn't say one gets used to it, it's more of a resignation...  My thought pattern in trying to prepare for it is not very complex...it usually runs something like...Oh! S@#$, not again.

I don't like needles either (and I'm on Copaxone!!!)  

Anyway, no it does not hurt - just a pinch.
You may feel a little sting when it first starts going in.
I'm usually stuck in the forearm or hand.  Veins are shot.

After the injection, I briefly feel a "warm glow" in my groin and elsewhere (I think i'm leaving myself open on this one).  But it's brief.

I don't think there are any side effects.  Just drink plenty of water after to flush it out of your system.

General experience with it is mostly boring.  As for the clanking and jack hammer sounds.  I kind of like it.  It's like a drone.  I've actually dozed off a few times.  LOL

It's really not that bad Sarah.  

Frank


Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Multiple Sclerosis Community

Top Neurology Answerers
987762 tn?1671273328
Australia
5265383 tn?1669040108
ON
1756321 tn?1547095325
Queensland, Australia
1780921 tn?1499301793
Queen Creek, AZ
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
In this special Missouri Medicine report, doctors examine advances in diagnosis and treatment of this devastating and costly neurodegenerative disease.
Here are 12 simple – and fun! – ways to boost your brainpower.
Discover some of the causes of dizziness and how to treat it.
Discover the common causes of headaches and how to treat headache pain.
Two of the largest studies on Alzheimer’s have yielded new clues about the disease