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Replies to "Sometimes the Dr just wants the test done and is not concerned with the issue you..."
I can relate to that, but that’s usually something a cardiologist would be familiar with and see on a fairly regular basis. If you don’t feel comfortable asking them or with their response, can you ask your nephrologist or primary care provider?
That’s what I would do as I have a closer relationship with my PCP and trust more that she would consider the question more carefully, and she knows my situation better.
In my experience, there are guidelines for contrast based on kidney function. I have one kidney and good kidney function; therefore my team is more comfortable with me using contrast if it will improve the information we can get from imaging. But if it can be avoided or isn’t as necessary, we don’t do it.
I agree with @gingerw and the question of safety is highly relative…it depends on the person’s specific kidney function and also the reason for doing the test. If the data from the imaging may have a significant impact on your treatment, the benefit may outweigh the potential risk of the contrast if the contrast will improve the quality of the data needed.
@shar1120 We as patients need to advocate for ourselves. It is great that you asked the question at all; it shows you are thinking of how different things may affect you. As chronic disease patients, we all need to watch how our diet, our medications, our medical procedures can interact with our disease process.
Recently I had a knee injection, a genicular nerve block. It is to see if this diagnostic procedure is right for me, before moving to a nerve ablation. They had not explained to me they would be using a small amount of contrast. As someone already on dialysis, I had them stop everything! And explain what they were using, and get my okay to proceed. They did not understand my hesitation. Even though I am on dialysis, any contrast could jeopardize remaining function in my kidneys.
So, I understand your wariness, believe me!
Ginger