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Can an MRI scan be used for us?

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 12/7/2012 8:48 AM (GMT 0)
Okay, my GI keeps telling me that an MRI won't tell us anything about my CD, inflammation, abscesses, or anything. I have had around 12-15 CT scans this year, and when we asked about using an MRI instead, he said it wouldn't show him anything useful. I've also had ultrasounds and X-Rays galore! Everything EXCEPT an MRI. Thoughts?
Posted 12/7/2012 9:48 AM (GMT 0)
That is a lot of CT scans. I would be worried about radiation exposure with a CT. MRI does not expose you to radiation.

However I am NOT a physician and I do not know what the difference would be between an MRI and CT as far as diagnosing anything.
Posted 12/7/2012 11:13 AM (GMT 0)
I'm getting an MRI on the 18th so I would think it would tell them something. And when I looked it up on google it says with MRI you can see any abscesses or fistulas. I'm pretty sure it would also show any inflammation. And the the MRI has no radiation.
Posted 12/7/2012 1:01 PM (GMT 0)
I have had several MRIs - it's much safer than an Xray or CT scan. They can do an MRI with contrast (either one you drink or one injected during the MRI), which makes it easier to see the intestines. I don't think it is as clear as a Xray or CT scan, but given that this is a lifelong disease, you really want to be choosey about when you get scans with significant amount of radiation. And even if you get a CT or Xray, it may still not catch what's wrong.

We have been able to see areas of inflammation from my MRIs. Good luck!
Posted 12/7/2012 5:51 PM (GMT 0)
I am having an MRI this afternoon to check an abcess in my colon.  I had 2 CAT scans last month in the ER and was hospitalized.  My doctor wants to check to see if it is healed now but told me he didn't want me exposed to anymore radiation from the scans.  He also wants to see what's going on in there before scheduling another colonoscopy.

I don't think he would put me thru the discomfort and expense, if he didn't think he could see anything.

 

Posted 12/7/2012 9:00 PM (GMT 0)
Ask your doctor whether he's ever heard of an MR enterography.

Then, when he wiggles his way through an answer, tell him he's a moron and he's fired.

Find another doctor.
Posted 12/9/2012 10:33 PM (GMT 0)
I'm worried about you-- it seems irresponsible to me that your doctor has given you multiple CT scans. Beave is right, you need to ask for an MRE. Maybe the hospital or clinic you are using doesn't have this technology yet, but that is no excuse for them to rely on CT scans so extensively. If I were you I would do some research on the amount of radiation in CT scans and bring this along when you see your doc. Yes, radiation is bad for you, especially when there is so much of it. Good luck to you!
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