MRI - What to expect?

[DJW]

I've been on Imuran for four months. Hit the max dose of 200 mg in July. My liver function tests are elevated. Had an ultra sound and getting the MRI tomorrow. Not sure what to expect but I'm guessing an easy test. Am I right? Will th GI doc be able to tell if my abscess near my stoma is actually a fistula? Thanks.

 

[nogutsnoglory]

I'm guessing its an abdominal MRI? The worst part is drinking the 3 oral contrast drinks beforehand. Just take big sips slowly and try not to taste as you gulp. Other than that if you aren't chlostrophobic the test is easy you just lay there and occasionally breathe in and hold when they tell you. An abdominal MRI alone should be roughly 30-45 min from experience.

An abdominal MRI will examine your stoma for fistulas. The test generally requires a shot of glucagon to stop your bowels from running and contrast to light up your insides. The contrast part is 2 min before the end. When you get there you know you are almost a free bird.

 

[DJW]

Thanks. I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[Axelfl3333]

It's easy an MRI the thing that surprised me was the noise the machine made it was loud

 

[nogutsnoglory]

They give you eat plugs though but don't be surprised by the alien sounds the machine makes and the vibrations.

 

[valleysangel92]

Totally agree with ngng, the contrast drink is the worst thing. During the MRI they inject dye through an IV which can give you a funny warm sensation, some say it feels like you've had an accident but dont worry, you wont. This feeling only lasts a few seconds.
The machines are noisy but the technician will give you a button to press if you want out, and they can see and hear you at all times. Some hospitals give you ear plugs, mine gives you headphones and plays a CD through them which you bring from home. You might find it useful to find out if this is an option for you, if so, you can just lie back, close your eyes and chill out to the music

 

[DJW]

They said I could bring a CD to listen to.

 

[DJW]

Is the contrast the same one used for a CT scan?

 

[valleysangel92]

Good good Honestly mine was so loud that when I closed my eyes I pretty much forgot I was lying in a scanner

 

[nogutsnoglory]

No, the contrast for an MRI is gadolinium and not the same as the one used for Cat scans.

 

[valleysangel92]

Its different because MRIs use magnets and CTs use Xrays .. I found the CT contrast easier to drink but the IV one was worse

 

[nogutsnoglory]

I was talking about the injected contrast being different. The oral contrast was the same for both cat and MRI as well as SBFT for be.

 

[valleysangel92]

I didnt know that, tasted totally different, thanks for the correction

 

[nogutsnoglory]

I don't know that was my experience. It could be different elsewhere. I'm not 100% sure on the SBFT as it was years ago. I now pretty much only have MRI's. maybe I'm wrong.

 

[DJW]

Well that was easy. 30 min. No contrast, probably because it was ordered because of my elevated liver function.

 

[valleysangel92]

Yay glad to hear it Keep us posted