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Post by chrissyc72 on Aug 18, 2019 6:02:38 GMT
Anyone have an Mri of the Brain with contrast recently? How was it for you? I had one about 6 years ago but can’t remember how it was. It’ll be an open mri so that’s good but the contrast is what’s worrying me.
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Post by dewryce on Aug 18, 2019 6:25:20 GMT
The contrast made me a bit uncomfortable, warm/flushed and a bit icky IIRC. But not a huge issue. The Hannibal Lecter mask was less pleasant.
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craftykitten
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,304
Jun 26, 2014 7:39:32 GMT
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Post by craftykitten on Aug 18, 2019 6:48:56 GMT
It depends on the contrast drug they use, but mine didnt make me feel anything. They put a frame over your face, mine had a mirror on it so that I could see out, but I just kept my eyes closed. If it helps, you can ask to have your eyes covered- I used a folded pillowcase - because it's really hard to keep your eyes closed like that sometimes. Good luck.
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Post by Patter on Aug 18, 2019 10:14:16 GMT
My daughter passed out from the contrast dye when she had her brain MRI. It was afterwards when it happened. The nurse grabbed her, and we had to stay a while. Hope your is uneventful!
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suzastampin
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,587
Jun 28, 2014 14:32:59 GMT
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Post by suzastampin on Aug 18, 2019 11:15:46 GMT
I just had my yearly one done. At mine they draw blood to see how your kidneys are functioning before they’ll give you the contrast. I keep my eyes closed as they don’t want my eyes moving around,. Mine was not done in an open machine.
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Post by tracyarts on Aug 18, 2019 12:39:16 GMT
I remember feeling a little bit flushed and lightheaded from the contrast agent but it had passed by the time I was done with the scan.
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Aug 18, 2019 12:59:24 GMT
I had one in April and it was fine. The contrast wasn’t bad. I had a CT scan with contrast so that is what I was expecting (I hate that type of contrast) but this was easier than that.
ETA that I asked about it here and everyone said to keep your eyes closed. I did that for the most part. I think mine was in an open machine (they asked if I was claustrophobic and I said I get anxiety, so they scheduled it in a location where the had a “bigger” machine as they called it) so it wasn’t too bad.
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craftykitten
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,304
Jun 26, 2014 7:39:32 GMT
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Post by craftykitten on Aug 18, 2019 15:39:17 GMT
Actually, my last one, I was so tired I fell asleep! And then woke myself up with a start, and that's when I opened my eyes. Whoops!
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Post by delila on Aug 18, 2019 15:47:56 GMT
I have them often, probably 2 or 3 a year & have not had any issues with one ever. If someone was going to have an issue of problem with one it would be me. The contrast dye feels a bit cool going trough your body but otherwise it’s very easy & really not noticeable at all.
I hope you do well with your MRI, best of luck.
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Post by mrsp on Aug 18, 2019 16:36:28 GMT
The thing that was worst for me the first time I had one was the cage on your face. I wasn’t expecting it and it was rather startling to me. I was already nervous. I do take the Valium prior and do not use anything over my eyes. Even though I keep my eyes closed the thought of having more things over my face isn’t appealing to me because I am so claustrophobic. But do what works for you!
But you said the contrast was your main interest and my best recommendation is to go in as hydrated as you can without having to interrupt the MRI to use the bathroom. I make sure I am drinking tons of water the day or two before. That will help the IV go in and then the whole process should go faster. I usually feel a little shot of warmth once it goes in, which is different than posters above. So I’m not sure if I have something different (I don’t have any allergies) or I’m just different, lol.
And if they tell you the machine might shake—believe them! It shakes :-) I have never had an open MRI though—my hospital doesn’t have one. So maybe that also makes a difference.
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Post by Basket1lady on Aug 18, 2019 17:17:05 GMT
One thing to note is that the contrast dye used for an MRI is completely different than the dye they use for a CT. I’m allergic to the CT contrast dye, so I get a lot of MRIs. I didn’t have any problems at all with the MRI contrast dye.
I’ll second the horrible cage over your face. If that worries you, ask for Valium from your doctor (not the MRI place). You will need a driver to take you home, though.
Good luck!
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Post by miaow on Aug 18, 2019 18:46:13 GMT
I took a Valium because I am claustrophobic. I also put a washcloth they gave me over my eyes, which helped me not see the mask. They did the non contrast first, pulled me out to do the IV which did not go well, and put me back in for the contrast. I wish this hospital would have put the IV in and just pushed the solution when needed. This made it seem like two trips. The solution did not bother me in the least.
Good luck to you. Remember to just ask them for what you need to make this go better!
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Post by chrissyc72 on Aug 18, 2019 19:43:41 GMT
Thanks all!!! I don’t think I’ll have an issue with the face thing but we will see! My biggest concerns are with the contrast but I feel better now!
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