Questions about my first MRI

[Jobell]

I have been scheduled for my first MRI (previously had CT scans and I was horribly, violently ill from the contrast die).
Has anyone had the die for the MRI? Do you know anything about it? Does anyone worry about toxicity of these dies? (I am so concerned about ingesting these heavy metals or whatever they are).

Also, is MRI test even helpful for Crohns? I am worried now because much of what I saw on the internet implied it is to diagnose cancer.... maybe my doc felt a mass but didn't want to scare me? He didn't even ask for a colonoscopy, just sent me straight for MRI.

 

[Rebecca85]

An MRI is an excellent way of viewing the soft tissues (fat, muscle, organs) so is just as useful (if not more so) than a CT. CTs tend to be used for Crohn's for cost and convenience. I think contrast is less often used in MRI, and it would be a different type of contrast to the one you had a reaction to anyway.

I think if your doctor suspected cancer, he would have to tell you. More likely, he wants to investigate the bladder pain you mentioned previously, and so an MRI would be more accurate and avoid you reacting to the CT contrast.

 

[StarGirrrrl]

I had an MRI with the dye today (not the drink) funny enough. Previously had the CT dye which I had the normal reactions to (dry mouth, felt as though I had peed myself). The dyes used are different. All I felt was some discomfort/warmth at the dye site for maybe a minute and that was it.

As for the toxicity, you have to choose the lesser evil sometimes, obviously a foreign substance isn't great but these things have been in use and passed as safe for many, many years. A one off use is not going to do much harm. An MRI uses magnets to generate the images so much safer than the small dose of radiation in a CT scanner.

I am sure they will know about the reaction to the CT dye but tell them when you get there anyway. Although the dye is different that's important info so they can keep a close eye on how you do during the test.

 

[CrohnsNYC]

I got really sick from dye they injected during an MRI. I was vomiting all over the MRI machine and myself. It happened within seconds of the dye going in the IV. I wouldn't worry about the toxicity in it. I believe it is considered safer than a CT dye.

I am always sent for an MRI when I have having abscess, fistula or blockage issues.

Good luck!

Beth

 

[Johnnysmom]

My son was sent for an MRI too, I think it is standard. He had a CT just the month before at the E.R. but his G.I. wanted the M.R.I.. I would let them know you had a bad reaction. If it is to the iodine they can give you a medication to take before hand that will prevent the reaction. I have taken it before and it is no big deal. Or you might have had an allergic reaction and in that case they should know because they might not want to give it to you again. Call them before the procedure because you have to take the pills the day before to prevent reaction.

 

[Jobell]

Thanks for the replies, I feel reassured. I also got horribly sick and vomited all over the room for the CT die, that is why I was feeling apprehensive.
I do like the idea of MRI better than CT - minimizes radiation.
Glad to hear it can show a good picture of what is going on in there.

 

[robbo87]

I've had about 11 ct scans now and the amount of radiation they expose you to is more concerning than the dye.I was told MRI's are less risky but dont give as clear imaging of certain things as what a ct scan does but i guess it depends on what they are looking for. I've had a few mri's too but the dye solution I drank before hand was very different to the ct scan.

The ct scan dye that they inject you with Isnt used in an mri as far as im aware so they wont give you that. that stuff has never made me sick but it does give me a very warm and weird feeling! always feel like my bowels are just going to open everywhere lol

 

[Catherine]

Sarah had a MRI on Monday. Was given a drink and two tablet for nausea.
Also had contrast injection.

Had complete a to full medical questionaire before the test and extra questions about kidney functions.

Doctor did want to a CT because of her age and sex.

Catherine

 

[StarGirrrrl]

There are different types of MRI (MRE where you have a drink and dye, MRA where you just have dye and MRI where you have nothing), which one are you scheduled for?

 

[indianhart]

Just had an MRE this week and it was easy! Had to drink contrast (way better than CT contrast....which recently put me in the hospital!), had an IV with contrast, and a shot in IV of medicine that slows down intestines so they can get a good picture...I had alittle D after but not bad at all. Just was alittle nervous about tube but took a mild sedative for that! Good luck and keep us updated! Get my results today!!

 

[nogutsnoglory]

CCFA says MRI is only effective for Crohns in the rectum. My doc also ordered an MRI but my crohns is at the ileum

 

[Jobell]

My Crohns was at the ileum too mostly, but I have had complications of fistula, abscess lower down, and maybe with bladder pain he is concerned about more fistulas. Mostly he opted out of CT scans because I can't handle the contrast, and it doesn't give a clear enough picture without contrast, so we are a little limited. But i am so sensitive to ALL drugs, that I am a bit concerned about this one too. I believe he said this is an IV contrast (GAD) although the form is a standard MRI form (saying GAD after the word MRI). Guess I will find out! Hope I don't get sick again.

 

[Catherine]

Sarah shows great pictures of how high up the disease went into the small bowel.