Gadolinium Concern

[Crazycat]

Hi,

My yearly MRI "sanity check" has been scheduled for November 5th.

Given that I've been staving-off any regrowth so far, have been feeling good and that there do not appear to be any issues, I was wondering if it would be prudent to skip a year?

There has been talk that the contrast dye used in MRI procedures, "Gadolinium", is nasty stuff and has been linked with kidney problems in certain individuals. The less toxins
I can get away with putting in my body the better. My kidneys are in good shape and I'd like to keep them that way!

I'd appreciate your input. Thanks!

[nancyann]

I had post AN MRI the 1st & 2nd year. 
I had a reaction to the gandolinium the 1st one, so now it's done without contrast.

I don't know if I'm going to have anymore.  The docs said they got the whole tumor (well yeah, along with my facial nerve).
I just don't want to think about MRIs anymore.    I know this is stupid but it's what I've been thinking.
Good luck with your decision,  always good thoughts,  Nancy

[opp2]

I had the contrast and I did not have a reaction to it. I don't have any prior kidney issues. I felt fine, but I must admit I was nervous. The first time I was oblivious that there could be side effects. Now that I've had the post op MRI, I don't believe I'll ever (fingers crossed) need the contrast again. MRI yes, contrast no. The only 'side effect' I had was I had trouble focusing on fine print for about 2 hours after.

Good luck in the Tube!!

[CHD63]

The first time I had the Gadolinium dye, I was very carefully instructed to drink at least one full glass of water upon leaving the imaging facility.  I have a previous history of a blocked kidney so I have always followed that advice and have had no problems thus far!  I've had at least 5 MRIs with contrast (lost count  ).

I figure it is one of those things where they have to state this because in some individuals their kidneys do not filter as quickly as most people and it could create a problem.  The imaging facilities would be open to lawsuits if they had not stated the warning.

In my mind, the benefits of the MRI outweigh the risks ...... but that must be an individual decision based on medical history/knowledge.

Clarice

[Kaybo]

I've been at this a while so they didn't even know those risks when I started getting MRI's!!  I don't even know for sure HOW many MRI's I have had - I'm sure I could figure it out if I tried real hard but don't have that much time to devote to it!!     I have never had any trouble.  I agree with Clarice, it is just one of those things that they have to include...just like everything states you could die - well, you COULD...you also get hit by a truck crossing the street!!   

FWW, I had one for 5 years and then was told that I didn't have to have any more, however, I have one about every 5 years for my own piece of mind!

K 

[Cheryl R]

I have read that it is if you have some type of kidney disease then the contrast can cause the problem.    I have had several MRIs since my first in 2001 and the kidneys are still fine.             Univ of Iowa is now doing the blood work only if you have no history of kidney disease, are not diabetic and under a certain age and think one more factor so the last time I did not have to do bloodwork.         I know my labs are ok since is checked when do a physical.                        Cheryl R

[Jim Scott]

Paul ~

You have a few options with your scheduled MRI scan. 

You can, of course, skip it this year.  Considering that you're now 5 years post-op with no symptoms, that option might not be all that risky.

You can undergo the MRI as scheduled - but skip the Gadolinium contrast dye this time.

You can have the MRI with contrast, as scheduled, drink lots of water afterward and refuse to worry about the dye affecting your kidneys - because it probably won't. 

It's axiomatic that this is a decision only you can make.  I know you'll give it thought and do what is best for you.

Jim

[skamper]

The last MRI I had they had to lab work first to check my creatinine levels.  At first I didn't know why and then they said because of the dye. I'm on a water pill and they needed to make sure my kidneys were fine first.  I did the dye and didn't have any problems afterwards.  Have they said anything about getting lab work done before the test?
I would just ask the doctor questions and go with your gut.
Good luck,
Susan

[Crazycat]

Thanks for running it down for me everyone!

I still have a few weeks to mull this over.

[Sheryl]

From what I've heard and read there is only concern with patients having MRI's and Gadolinium dye IF you have had any kidney problems in the past.  If you are uncertain, they do blood tests ahead of time.  There is no data at this point with Gadolinium causing problems in people with healthy kidneys.

I had an MRI last week and after many, many head MRI's I was asked NOT to take any Advil for 24 hours before (I take it daily for aches and pains).  I figured it had something to do with thinning the blood and the I.V. insertion.  I asked and was told it had to do with Advil affecting the kidneys.  I had heard that lots of it isn't good for the kidneys as lots of Tylenol isn't good for the liver.  Ever since my first head MRI in November of 2001, more and different questions are asked - interesting isn't it?
Sheryl

[Crazycat]

True Sheryl. That's what I've come to believe.

[leapyrtwins]

The way I understand it, you'd to have an awful lot of gadolinium over an awful lot of years for this to be an issue.  Unless you have some major kidney "issues" already.

Most hospitals/medical facilities make patients have the BUN and creatine blood tests prior to having the gadolinium as a precaution, but most patients don't have a problem.

[Mickey]

After taking near four MRI`s with gladinolium over the past four years and feeling a little weird on the last one, I think I`m going to pass on the next one. Just my opinion after being diognosed without it with the same deminsions. I`ll do it again if ever really necessary. One again just my opinion. Best wishes, Mickey

[Pembo]

I'm always anxious whenever they put anything into me. My surgery was almost 6.5 years ago. I had an MRI at 1 year, 3 years, 5 years and now at 6.5. The doc says this is my last one for 5 years. Woo-hoo...

[Crazycat]

Again, thanks for the comments everyone!!