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Are scans with with contrast really OK with CKD

Posted by earless @earless, 1 day ago

Hi, I have stage 4 CKD with a GFR of around 17 or 18. I am also dealing with cancer. The cancer doctors at MAYO keep wanting to give me different scans to see if the caner has come back again after my last round of radiation. I have had many MRI’s, Pet scans and CT’s in the past several years and am worried about inducing more contrast into my body. What have your doctors told you about contrast material and dangers of making GFR worse. I am petrified of dialysis.

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Mentor
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | 1 day ago

@earless I see you posted the same concerns last August 2024. Did you have any testing since then that included contract dyes?

One of the things is to do is check with your nephrologist. Be clear on which contrast dye might be used in a scan/test. I have read that gadolinium dyes can be safer to use for CKD patients. But again, no test is without risk. Here is an article from the National Kidney Foundation: https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/contrast-dye-and-kidneys

Being well hydrated is an important key, to help your kidneys clear any dye out. Make sure the technicians and staff know of your CKD status, and use the least amount of dye possible. Whenever possible opt for "no contrast".
Ginger

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