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Contrast and MRI: Did you have a reaction? How was it handled?
Months ago I had a MRI with contrast and had a terrible reaction. Yesterday, July 13, 2023, I refused the CT scan with contrast. Consequently, the results were not clearly defined. I’m told, and am scheduled in October, another MRI with drugs to offset the reaction I had last time. Has anyone had a similar experience with the contrast and then had drugs for another MRI? If so, did they work, meaning no reaction to the contrast. I feel as though I’m between a rock and a hard place. My CA19 is 3, so this is not cancer related. They saw enough that I am still cancer free. Any information would be appreciated. Thank you for reading this.
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Yes they did help, before taking them I vomited on the table right after the injection. I still get the warm sensation but no sickness. I am 3 years into PC an have had probably over 15 MRI’s with contrast. That should help💕
Thank you. That certainly does help!
<p>Because I had such a bad reaction to the MRI with contrast, Vasculitis, my lower legs were almost black. It did go away, but I’m scared to do it again. Therefore, Mayo will give me no more scans as I refuse the contrast in any scans, and they will go by symptoms and C-9-19, not sure of the numbers. Has anyone else had a similar experience? What I read about Vasculitis scared me as many bad things can happen which require medication, etc. It’s not like vomiting. It changes the blood flow which can affect other organs. Am I a fool or following my gut? Or both?</p>
Sorry, but not enough information to provide feedback.
What is your CA 19-9 number?
How can you be treated without the various necessary scans?
Number is 3. Don’t know how to do it without scans. That’s what I was told. Maybe there’s more to it.
Judith, I moved this discussion to your earlier discussion on the same topic to review the suggestions you received from other members.
It’s scary to have such a reaction. I can understand your hesitancy. I hope that you can talk with your oncology team to discuss options for proper surveillance with or without an MRI with contrast. There may be options to such as Benedryl to avoid the reaction or different scan or follow up options.
It sounds like there may be more to it and worth your asking questions to be clear on the options and the benefits and risks of each.
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2 ReactionsThank you. I intended to do that. Benedryl seems like a light option to deal with Vasculitis. There have to be other options and the decision did not come from the team, at least to my understanding, just the oncologist. I will dig deeper. I’m cancer free now, but anything can happen. I’m aware of that.
I appreciate you suggestions.
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4 ReactionsYou did not say what kind of reaction you had.
My reaction was extreme itching and rash.
Pre-medicating with Benadryl and a steroid takes care of the problem well.
I have been doing this for years with no problems.
Have your doctor prescribe the medications.
I had an allergic reaction to the CT contrast. I take high dosage prescribed benophen (benedryl-like) and don’t need the steroids. You may need PET scans or see if CT contrast is same as MRI contrast. Switch your scan to CT or PET?
My body doesn’t make CA19-9. There is also CEA blood test. Best of luck with your path forward.
My rash was Vasculitis. How serious was your rash? Where was it? My lower legs were almost black and blue in color. Scared me to death. It did go away. I’m afraid it wil hit on other organs and not go away.
Thanks for your reply. It’s thought provoking.