MRI with contrast dye

[Katesnon]

Quix,      ususally browse around reading other postings.
I'm asking today about the MRI dye.  I have to finally have a new one done, because the dr. finally agreed that my "brain dust" is not due to my age.  All my tests have been abnormal for months, NCV- EMG yet no dx.
I am allergic to just about everything and I'm terrified about the dye.  I've read some bad things about it.  I do want to find out about these small lesions all over the brain, but I'm so very afraid.  I have had anaphylactic shock twice, and have allergies to 15 other meds.  Can someone here help me?  Phycially, I'm worse, with no dx.  Dr. says I'll probably be better in 4 months.  he says that everytime I go.
Has anyone here had reaction to the dye?  PLEASE answer!!   Thank you so much, Kate

[Katesnon]

I posted this question, but I can't see it anywhere.  Anyway, I had the MRI, with contrast, that was ok, no reaction.  They gave me a blood test first to check my kidneys.
After, while getting off the table, Tech asked me how long I have had symptoms and have I ever been in a car accident.  I said, "yes, I was, but didn't hit my head"!
I didn't have the wits about me to ask why he wanted to know. (Just so glad I had no reaction)!  Can anyone here tell me why he might ask such a question?  Never had anyone ask me a question before.  Thanks, Kate

[Heather3418]

Yes, you can ask for the CD's of your MRI.  I do everytime I get an MRI done.

I have found it very useful to have them.  My primary care doctor wanted to see what my MRI looked like and so did my rhuematologist.  My Neuro does not have access to my MRI's films on their computer system, since my films were done at another hospital facility than what she uses.  So she found the MRI CD's very helpful, although she did get the printed report.

I wish they had the CD's available when I first started having MRI's in 1995.  I learned that after 5 years, they destroyed my films.  We only have radiology reports, which are nothing like looking at the real thing.

By having your CD's you may find that other doctor's you use, may want to take a look at them.  Make sure you have your name and contact number is on the outer sleeve of the CD and preferably written right on the CD.  That way if your doctor wants to look them over after an appointment or something, the CD is clearly identified and will keep it from getting misplaced.

Good luck on your MRI.  You will do just fine.  I do understand your fears about the allergic reactions...I really do.  You only have to go through one episode of analphalactic (sp?) shock, to know that you never want to go through it again.  Been there, done that myself, after a spider bite.  I was sure I was going to die and probably would have, had it not been for the rescue squad.

Best wishes and gentle, reassuring hugs,
Heather

(Maybe you can see why some people here call me Earth Mother.  I am definitely the mothering type, no matter what your age....LOL)  

[Katesnon]

Thank you, all of you.  Yes, I a allergic to Iodine, and so many things besides.  I just had a endoscopic test yesterday and because of my lung surgery and history of anaphlilatic shock, the anesthesiologist had to give me some meds and stay right in the room.
I have a body that just does not work well with any chemicals o the binders they use in them.
I am glad Im having another MRI, just to see what this "BRAIN DUST" is, seeing it's not my age.
Should I ask the MRI place for copies of my MRIs, just the written part.  I have disc copies of all my lung ct scans, I don't know what they mean.  Should I ask?
Thanks for all your infor.  You're some teriffic people to take time from your illness to help others.  Kate

[biowham]

Hi, Heather--they use an iodine-based (sometimes barium) contrast agent for CTs (and my guess is that Kate likely has an iodine allergy) and a gad agent for MRIs, usually.

Thanks for the kind words.

Bio

[Heather3418]

Isn't the contrast dye used for CT scans, the same as they use for MRI's.  And sweetheart, I wanted to thank you for all the helpful information you give to us on this Forum.  I have always found it very useful and easy to understand.  You are a treasure.


jdhecaj......I don't blame you for being totally fearful of the gadolinium dye.  If your doctor only wants the MRI scan done to prove that you have lesions, then you don't need the contrast dye.  As is stated in other posts, the gad dye is only used to determine what are new lesions and current disease activity.  Lesions will show up (if they are there) whether they use gad dye or not.

If you are that uncomfortable using the gad dye, then wipe away your fears and not take it.  I am sincere in saying that.  You don't need this extra stress and worry.

In all my MRI's (and there have been quite a few over the past 13 years) they have ALWAYS asked me if I have had gad dye before and had any reactions to it.  By the way, I was told by a MRI tech one time, that right beside the "table" of the MRI, they keep drugs in the room to take care of immediate medical needs that may occur from the dye.  There are a couple kinds of dye that can be used, as I understand.

Please let us know how things go, dear.

All the Best,
Heather

[jdhecaj]

Yes biowham response makes sense. Each time I have had an MRI done the MRI center calls me the day before with a list of questions. Even though I go to the same center each time. They ask the questions each time.That would really be the time to bring that up. And the article about Gd dye and kidney issues, I wasn't certain how that tied into anaphylactic shock? That's a different animal altogether. A very acutely dangerous animal, much different from the affects on kidneys. The MRI center will call with questions that must be answered before the scan. I don't know about the dyes between the CT scan and the MRI. But they have know that you had this reaction before you go in the tube.

[biowham]

You must be allergic to iodine? That's why you had that CT response. Gadolinium is a different kind of contrast agent. They'll ask you before your MRI about your reactions to a couple of products to determine whether or not you have a predisposition to gad allergy. Just be sure to answer fully and honestly.

You will definitely want to tell them about your response to the CT contrast agent. They may decide NOT to use the contrast agent for your MRI, or they may choose to use an alternative agent. If they don't use contrast, that does NOT mean that your doctor will not be able to determine whether or not you have MS, which is not a diagnosis based only on MRI results anyway.

Bio

[Katesnon]

Thank you so much for caring.  Yes, I must calm down, I know that but, no one is here and i just terrify myself.  I will read Quix post now!
Im so grateful to you all, thanks again, Kate

[essdipity]

Quix says there is absolutely no danger to anyone except those who already have acute kidney disease.

I don't believe she says anything about allergies.

ess

[Lulu54]

hi Kate,
It is very possible to be allergic, but I don't remember anyone here having that problem.  You don't have to do the dye to see lesions on your MRI - if you have lesions that will be visible, they will be seen whether you have the contrast of not.

The only purpose of the dye is to allow the lesions to enhance - new or active lesions will enhance, old ones will not do so.  This allows the doctor to see any recent activity in lesions.

I hope this makes sense.  Just tell the doctor you won't have the contrast for the test if you are that concerned.  

don't take chances,
Lulu

[essdipity]

Hi. You sound extremely upset. I hope you can calm yourself because you can make symptoms worse by obsessing over them.

Quix has told us she's very busy this week. She'll probably check in regardless, but if she doesn't, I've found an old (a few months) post of hers on this exact subject. Please read it. It should allay your fears.

Hang in there,
ess

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Multiple-Sclerosis/There-is-little-to-no-risk-from-the-MRI-contrast--Gadolinium/show/727497

[Katesnon]

Thanks for your answer.  Yes, I told the Dr. He told the MRI place.  My only hope is that when I go, they will listen to me.  I have a medic alert necklace with 4 medalions on it.
On top of that, I will just think I'm going to die if they give it to me.  I have had an unhealthy 5 years.  Kind of at the end of my rope.  I know my fears may be unfounded, but I'm terrified after almost dying 2s fro ct scan dye and antibiotics.  I am also undxd.  I think I will be forever.
I asked the dr yesterday after 4 hours of tests, just give e some answer please.  That's when he said my lesions were not caused by my age.
I had to mention that im not THAT old.  He said, no you're not.  Now more tests.
I also thin it is strange that I have a pulling sensation around mt waste or above it. y thorasic nerves were so bad he stopped the testing.  I didn't tell him of the pulling, tightness in my stomach and back.  I figured he wouldn't listen to any more.  I also feel as if my muscles don't fit on my bones anymore.  I'm just afraid.   Thanks for letting me cry to you.  Just a bad day.  Thanks wobbly, I'm wobbly too:(

[Wobbly]

Hi there.. I'm had the dye and no reaction...but then I am not allergic to anything that I know of?... I've heard that using the dye alot may hurt your liver?  I think that what I read... but I haven't heard about allergies to it?  Maybe Quix would know more on this..

Have you mentioned all this to you Dr...and please tell the Radiologist when you get this done...so they can keep wating for any reactions...OK

take care and stay in touch
wobbly
undx