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Anyone who had side effects from MRI with contrast/dye?

Messages
19
I'm scheduled for an MRI with contrast/dye (Gadolinium based) and am wondering if any of you had any side effects? There is a debilitating disease called Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) that happens after somebody with kidney disease has contrast. That's why I'm skeptical cuz I know CFS/ME messes with immune system and the immune system is also responsible for removal of dye (Gadolinium) from the body.
 

Sushi

Moderation Resource Albuquerque
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19,935
Location
Albuquerque
I'm scheduled for an MRI with contrast/dye (Gadolinium based) and am wondering if any of you had any side effects? There is a debilitating disease called Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) that happens after somebody with kidney disease has contrast. That's why I'm skeptical cuz I know CFS/ME messes with immune system and the immune system is also responsible for removal of dye (Gadolinium) from the body.

A friend with ME/CFS had side effects from the dye, but I don't know which dye she had.

Sushi
 

Raindrop

Senior Member
Messages
129
Location
USA
I believe I had the dye once and there were no issues. However, last time I had an MRI I was
shaking like a LEAF when I got up and I had a horrifying sensation of being internally shaken inside
the entire time. I guess my sensitivity to motion from ME/CFS made for this. It was disturbing.
I hope you do NOt have that particular intense sensitivity. Best of luck!
 

Allyson

Senior Member
Messages
1,684
Location
Australia, Melbourne
that
I believe I had the dye once and there were no issues. However, last time I had an MRI I was
shaking like a LEAF when I got up and I had a horrifying sensation of being internally shaken inside
the entire time. I guess my sensitivity to motion from ME/CFS made for this. It was disturbing.
I hope you do NOt have that particular intense sensitivity. Best of luck!


that sounds awful Raindrop !- I felt nothing at all but the noise bothered me - was it a hot day when you had yours?


Ally
 

AndyPandy

Making the most of it
Messages
1,928
Location
Australia
I'm scheduled for an MRI with contrast/dye (Gadolinium based) and am wondering if any of you had any side effects? There is a debilitating disease called Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) that happens after somebody with kidney disease has contrast. That's why I'm skeptical cuz I know CFS/ME messes with immune system and the immune system is also responsible for removal of dye (Gadolinium) from the body.
I am fairly sensitive to medications, chemicals etc. I had an MRI with gadolinium and didn't notice any reaction. I was very ill with ME/CFS at the time, but the contrast/dye didn't seem to make me any worse. Best wishes.
 

Hip

Senior Member
Messages
17,824
This study says that nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) occurs in 4 out of every 100,000 patients receiving gadolinium.

This paper identifies the factors that increase the risk of getting NSF:
The major risk factors associated with NSF include: exposure to gadolinium-based contrast media (GBCM), high-dosage erythropoietin (EPO) therapy, elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH), hypothyroidism, and antiphospholipid antibodies. Significant vascular disease is also a risk factor.
So if you have several of the above, your risk increases.
 
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WillowJ

คภภเє ɠรค๓թєl
Messages
4,940
Location
WA, USA
I can't have CT dye (iodine, much more common to cause problems), but I don't seem bothered by MRI dye.

However, I react to the noise and vibrations and riding on the moving table like @Raindrop does. It makes me very disoriented, much worse vision, much worse balance, much worse cognition, much worse speech issues, and I feel trembly. They can see I'm having issues (if the place is any good) and don't let me walk out without someone right on my elbow.

If I ask, I get premedication (they chose valium), which helps a little. But the noise sensitivity seemed worse than usual the next 2 days (although it was better the same day, after I got home, presumably from the valium).

The hypersensitivity increase is any other crash to me, likely to wear off.
 
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Raindrop

Senior Member
Messages
129
Location
USA
that



that sounds awful Raindrop !- I felt nothing at all but the noise bothered me - was it a hot day when you had yours?


Ally
No, Ally, it was not a hot day. It's just that the machine DOES have a lot of movement. It bothered me
a lot, lot more this year than in prior years. My hypersensitivity is probably worse and I did have
some of the problems Willow described afterwards as well. Now I am fearful of having another MRI.
It's always something with us, isn't it?:aghhh:
 

WillowJ

คภภเє ɠรค๓թєl
Messages
4,940
Location
WA, USA
There is now an Upright MRI n Melbourne Australia or anyone seeking one
that's cool. I couldn't find upright MRI near me.

I would still go with MRI over CT scan because I can tolerate the dye. Plus it's not radiation.
 

Allyson

Senior Member
Messages
1,684
Location
Australia, Melbourne
that's cool. I couldn't find upright MRI near me.

I would still go with MRI over CT scan because I can tolerate the dye. Plus it's not radiation.


yes I think MRI s are quite safe - standing for long may be an issue ubt worth it to get results and they could re- hydrate you afterwards with IV fluids...that would prevent a crash



Ally