@shar1120 Good question! Once our eGFR reaches about 30, our nephrologist should be recommending no contrast for procedures. It is really difficult for our kidneys to clear a contrast dye, taking 7-14 days! Even if we do not have kidney disease, flushing our system with plenty of water after a procedure is important in clearing that contrast out.
@shar1120 Good question! Once our eGFR reaches about 30, our nephrologist should be recommending no contrast for procedures. It is really difficult for our kidneys to clear a contrast dye, taking 7-14 days! Even if we do not have kidney disease, flushing our system with plenty of water after a procedure is important in clearing that contrast out.
@shar1120 Good question! Once our eGFR reaches about 30, our nephrologist should be recommending no contrast for procedures. It is really difficult for our kidneys to clear a contrast dye, taking 7-14 days! Even if we do not have kidney disease, flushing our system with plenty of water after a procedure is important in clearing that contrast out.
@shar1120 That's the kind of doctor to have, gotta love him, right!?
Check with your nephrologist for their opinion, also, is my suggestion. If your eGFR is under 30, then contrast imaging is a very touchy subject.
Ginger
@shar1120 Which one is safer depends on your own unique health situation. What is your eGFR [kidney function] number? The PET scan uses radiation, the MRI uses contrast dye. What does the doctor who is recommending the test have to say? Has he spoken with your nephrologist about concerns if he uses contrast dye?
Ginger
@shar1120 Which one is safer depends on your own unique health situation. What is your eGFR [kidney function] number? The PET scan uses radiation, the MRI uses contrast dye. What does the doctor who is recommending the test have to say? Has he spoken with your nephrologist about concerns if he uses contrast dye?
Ginger
@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
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I am also interested in knowing the answer to this question. With CKD we need to understand which tests will not cause further damage to our kidneys.
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1 Reaction@shar1120 Good question! Once our eGFR reaches about 30, our nephrologist should be recommending no contrast for procedures. It is really difficult for our kidneys to clear a contrast dye, taking 7-14 days! Even if we do not have kidney disease, flushing our system with plenty of water after a procedure is important in clearing that contrast out.
Here is a link to a question about contrast dyes, from Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-kidney-disease/expert-answers/gadolinium/faq-20057772#:~:text=Contrast%20agents%20are%20injected%20into,even%20those%20who%20receive%20dialysis. You see that gadolinium based dyes are generally okay.
What procedure are you considering that will use a contrast dye?
Ginger
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8 ReactionsMRI of the heart
Thanks for your reply
It’s the MRI or a PET scan
Not sure which one is safer
@shar1120 Your doctor will be the best source for you to make the decision. A PET scan will involve radiation. From Health line: https://www.healthline.com/health/mri-vs-pet-scan#:~:text=While%20CT%20and%20MRI%20scans,MRIs%2C%20PET%20scans%20use%20positrons.
Please let me know what direction you head to, will you? And, good luck!
Ginger
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6 ReactionsCardiologist wants me to have a MRI W CONTRAST
or PET scan
I was trying to see which one was with the least harmful
Not having issues but due to family issues he is being cautious
@shar1120 That's the kind of doctor to have, gotta love him, right!?
Check with your nephrologist for their opinion, also, is my suggestion. If your eGFR is under 30, then contrast imaging is a very touchy subject.
Ginger
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5 ReactionsSo which one is safer PET or MRI w contrast
@shar1120 Which one is safer depends on your own unique health situation. What is your eGFR [kidney function] number? The PET scan uses radiation, the MRI uses contrast dye. What does the doctor who is recommending the test have to say? Has he spoken with your nephrologist about concerns if he uses contrast dye?
Ginger
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3 ReactionsSometimes the Dr just wants the test done and is not concerned with the issue you are addressing
Just being honest, that is why I asked the question.
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1 Reaction@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
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
5 Reactions