MRE - warning on side effects

[BoFin1]

I had an MRE today. MRE is magnetic resonance enterography.
Most people have never heard this word and are familiar with the more
common test MRI, but the MRE is for people with Crohns and other intestinal
problems. I am posting because I experienced side effects after the test
that nobody at the hospital warned me about, yet they tell me it is common.
I am upset that nobody warned me about this. I had to drink Barium sulfate before the test and in the middle of the test I was injected (by IV) with
glucagon and contrast. The Glucagon slows down your digestion.
The magnet also affects your digestion, and so does the Barium.
Anyways, I didn't arrange for someone to drive me and I was there by myself
since I expected to feel normal afterwards like I did with my CTs which
also involved an injection of dye and drinking something. As I discovered,
you feel totally different after an MRE than a CT. After the test
I had cramping and diarrhea for 2.5 hours so I couldn't leave to go home immediately, and was stuck driving home late in rush hour. I had
to ly down in the lobby since the nurses had left the MRE department already. I am fine now, but just wanted to warn everyone about this.
I am ticked that nobody told me in advance.

 

[xJillx]

I am sorry you had such a bad experience after the MRE. I was supposed to have this test done last year, but my insurance wouldn't approve it. I had a lower bowel series instead. I did have to drink something for that (perhaps it was Barium), but luckily, I didn't have any issues afterward.

I hope you are feeling better now. Thanks for the warning!

 

[David]

Goodness, I'm sorry you had so much trouble. Hopefully the results the test provides will have made it somehow worth it. Thank you for sharing your experience!

 

[HeatherMN]

I had major D after my MRE, actually it started before I even got into the MRI room.

 

[ktach26]

MRE locations?

My friend needs to have an MRE done. I am having a hard time finding anyone who has even heard of such a test. Did you guys have to go to the hospital to have it done or is there a specialized facility where it needs to be done? Thanks for your replies.

 

[BoFin1]

Mre

I know that a special machine is needed for MRE. Mine was done at
University of Michigan Hospital. I am guessing that these machines
are more common at large hospitals connected to research facilities.
Try a hospital that is part of a university.

 

[HeatherMN]

I had mine done at a radiology specialty clinic.