I have a MRI scheduled next Monday. I'm super worried about getting a reaction to the contrast being used. Although I spoke a radiologist, I still feel somewhat uneasy. I just need a little support from you guys. I had horrible side effects to the CT iodine contrast used, but Tech said this wouldn't be the case with MRI contrast as it's not iodine based..... I'm trying to not be google happy as I'm already working on dealing with my health anxiety issues. Unfortunately, I have to get this done, and Neurologist needs it done with contrast. PLEASE HELP! MG

Hi Mommagirl, i had a ct scan with contrast a few months ago and they told me that they now use a newer contrast that isnt like the old one and is safer. they still asked me if i was allergic to any seafood or salt tho. i was like you and i was terrified of having a reaction. i got brave because i was told they couldnt be sure of the results without it. i got thru without a reaction, but after wards when i was being wheeled back to my room i noticed that my hands and feet were all tingly. then as i lay in the bed waiting it started spreading to my stomach and chest and then my face. i got up and splashed cold water on my face and when i still felt it getting worse i went and got a nurse. she came in and as she was talking to me my hands curled up into an arthritis like ball and they were pushed against the bedrail and i couldnt move them. then my stomach was clenching up tighter and my face was feeling worse. the doc came in and told me i was hyperventilating and i needed to have a shot of ativan to relax me before i passed out. i had never had ativan before and i was terrified of that too but as soon as he told me i would pass out soon i told them ok. after a few minutes i was still feeling tingly so they gave me another shot and it finally worked to relax my muscles. i was so happy that i didnt die from getting the drug put into my body! im super sensitive to drugs and im terrified or any of them. but anyway they told me that it wasnt a reaction to the contrast. im not sure if i believe them or not. i thought i did pretty well all thru the scan. i didnt feel anything weird and i didnt panic. it all happened afterwards. i do have a real problem with anxiety and it could have been they were right but i dont know. ive never hyperventilated before that. a good thing that came out of it is that now i can take ativan when i need it without being afraid it will kill me.
i have no idea if the MRI contrast is different than the stuff for CT scans tho. can you take an anti anxiety med before-hand to keep you calm? i know if i ever have to have it done again i will definately take a pill first.

When I had my MRI, I refused the contrast, but they still went ahead with the scan. Afterwards, the doctor said that the scan takes longer without the contrast and the images were very clear. It makes their job easier. Refuse it, you have the right to do that.

wish I could find the edit button - sorry guys, it's approaching midnight here and I'm very ZZzzzzzzzzzzz

Hope the above helps anyway!

I've had lots of MRIs with contrast, no problems at all. Not even a warm flush (like you get with the CT contrast.)

I don't know what you're having the MRI for, but the protocol I've had is that most of the MRI is done w/out contrast, then toward the very end, they pull you out of the tube and give you the contrast, wait a few minutes, then back in you go to complete the series.

The contrast I've had is called gadolinium. The MRI facility is more than prepared should you have an allergic reaction, but I, personally, don't know anyone that's had a reaction to gad.

Hi mommasgirl:

I have to have an MRI of my spine and brain every year. My poor neurologist would love to have it with contrast but does not push it because the MRI contrast that I was exposed to caused a violent allergic reaction for me. My pulmonologist told me that these days the dyes are different and that they can also pretreat you for any possible reactions that may occur.

After my reaction, I always refuse the contrast. I do not care what their reasons are. So my thoughts are speak to your doctor and radiologist again and make absolutely sure that there is a definite reason for the contrast and make them tell you why. Also make sure that they understand your fears and that they will be willing to jump in there and do whatever it takes to take care of you should you have a reaction and/or anxiety.

I will keep you in my thoughts. Hugs,
Jeaninne

Hugs to everyone that replied. To have that reaction from the IV dye contrast is something that I'll never, ever, ever, ever forget <lol> I'll ask about the use of my Xanax prior to this procedure. Their reasoning for the contrast is that the magnification of the images offers more clarity....Hmmmmmmm??? The jury is still out on this one. You all have been very helpful, and at least I'll be better prepared. Geez, what a long weekend for me!!!!!!!!!

Hi sudio,
I don't know about MRI contrast as although I have had a MRI, I didn't have the dye, but I do know with what you descibed, about the tingling and the hands curled up into a ball, that you were hyperventilating. This happened to me a few years ago, when I was on valium for a short time, then suddenly decided to stop taking it. (bad move) I got so hyped up and was trying to breath to calm down, but ended up over breathing, The more the tingling got, the more scared I got and all my muscles siezed up with toes and fingers curling over one another and facial muscles cramping up etc.
In the end, hubby called for an ambulance, they didn't know what it was and called a doctor who gave me a shot of something very very soothing.
After that I came off the valium gradually. breathing into a paper bag works well too and stops it short.
I was worried about it happening again for ages, but the funny thing was that recently I had to have an EEG because of migraines and they made me hyperventilate on purpose for their tests. I was able to control the effects and it doesn't worry me anymore.

best wishes
Caroline