The issue of contrast with MRI

[mwatto]

I have read two recent articles re contrast and personally feel that for simply monitoring AN it may be best not to have it (understand might need for diagnosis or treatment though). 1. https://www.research.va.gov/currents/1024-Metal-in-MRI-contrast-agents-may-cause-serious-health-problems.cfm and 2. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-nanoparticles-rare-earth-metal-mri.amp

We need to advocate for our health.

[DanFouratt]

Michelle,

Thanks for the article.  My doctor and I agreed that no more contract in the monitoring stag.  I have not had a MRI since this agreement but he encouraged me to be firm the the team about not doing it.  Currently that is the accepted procedure and we need to change it when it is not necessary.

Dan

[mwatto]

So glad to hear that Dan! I asked permission to post as did not want to unsettle people but on other hand I feel its important. I had to advocate for self with my team post treatment too. I wish there was a more holistic appraoch-  I have found little support on how to deal with certain issues and what things might be helpful to reduce the risk of regrowth. This information is out there surely - given the accumulative knowledge of the biological pathways one would think.

[DanFouratt]

A question about the test. Do they test your kidney function before hand?  They do not do there where I typically get my MRI.  However when I had my CT with contrast for my heart surgery at a different hospital system they tested my kidney function before proceeding.  Never thought about that until now. 

Just wondering,

Dan

[dominic12345]

Kidney and liver tumors…… more than a dozen MRI’s with contrast….. well isn’t that interesting…. learn something new about medical procedures every day.

[mwatto]

Dan I insisted on kidney function test at the time I had to have contrast for diagnosis. In fact past 6 years since treatment I still have renal, liver, thyroid and full bloods tested every year. I keep my own records and am a strong advocate for my health - every time I see the doctor I prepare exactly what I want out of the consult. I read up on my results to discuss. For example this MRI coming up I want a focus on my facial nerve (Last MRI was on trigeminal). I also request the same radiologist when I book. I insist on yearly audiograms too.

[DanFouratt]

Thanks, I pretty much do the same except the testing on the MRI.