MRE and an ostomy

[sammies]

Doc just scheduled me for both an MRI (lower abdomen to check for fistulas) and an MRE (look at small intestine since starting on humira 3 months) on the same day. I'm incredibly upset. I can handle being in the tube for almost 2 hours as this is my nth MRI but I am very worried about the barium and the ostomy for the MRE.

I had a small bowel series/ upper GI with barium in March and the barium dehydrated me a bit, came flying out, and disrupted my barrier. I've read that the contrast for an MRE causes even worse diarrhea, is about a liter or more and that I might have to be on my stomach.

Not thrilled about doing another barium swallow so soon either.

Any advice appreciated. I had finally stopped crying everyday and just bawled all day today.

 

[ChickensRule!!]

Aww, I'm sorry that your going through this.

 

[deb123]

Hi Sammies,

Ive just had two MRI scan done over 2 weeks. The first was a pelvis and abdomen - it took about 40mins and i had dye injected into my arm for contrast. It wasnt so bad just really noisy.

The second was a small bowel study - i had to drink a litre and half of contrast which was just like water with a hint of mint. I thought it would taste nasty so i took along some cordial to add, but i didnt need it.
I had a line put into my arm to inject some buscapan which is a muscle relaxant - this can make your vision blurry for a period, and it made my heart race for a short time. It also really dried my mouth out, and i had to ask for a sip of water.
They also injected a contrast dye towards the end of the scan. The whole think took just over an hour.
Imediately after the scan i needed the toilet, and had diarrhea, and i had to make a couple of stops on the way home. The scan laid me low, but i do stress about MRI scans. Its the one that gets me everytime - totally unfounded, but there you are!
That evening i had lots of trips to the loo, but the next day was ok. You really need to drink alot to flush everything through.
Good luck with it. I actually asked if i could go in feet first so i wouldnt get so clostaphobic, and it was better, so ask to be in the most comfortable position for you.
Will be thinkin of you,
Best wishes,
Deb

 

[Terriernut]

Eergh! I'm feeling for you! You just have to get through it hon. You wont be the first ostomate in there, not by a long shot. Tell them up front before you go in. They can make accomodations for you. Get the biggest bag you can find on the market. I wonder if they can do it so you have something to make it more comfy for you on your stomach so as not to put too much pressure on your appliance?

Oh...I forgot, dont forget the Tegaderm tape!!! Put it all around your appliance!!! Its a heaven sent product and you have no idea how many times its saved me!

If an accident happens...just think of it as your revenge.
:rosette2:

 

[2thFairy]

I've not had the MRE like what you are talking about, but had the barium enema with stoma and I know how much that can fly up and fill the bag... I can only imagine what it will be like for you with all of this. EEK!!

But don't forget.. you are strong... you are an IBD warrior.

 

[hopeful]

An MRE does not use barium. They give you water sweetended with either lactulose or mannitol. The idea is that they are not absorbed, so it causes your intestines to swell and then they can picture them better when doing the MRI.

Afterwards you will have it all come out the stoma, so prepare to use a very big bag.