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2 MRI's tomorrow...?'s

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 10/11/2010 1:11 AM (GMT 0)
I have two MRI's scheduled for tomorrow.  My first is of my intestine to see if I suffer from crohn's (as well as UC).  The second is for my lower spine to see if I have herniated discs again (had back surgery last June for same problem).

Is there any medical risk of having two MRI's so close together?

 

Posted 10/11/2010 1:57 AM (GMT 0)
No, not at all. You'll probably have contrast (dye, AKA gadolinium) given to you for your abdomen MRI. You don't need contrast for the lower spine MRI. I'm not sure which one they'll do first. They'll ask you all of the appropriate screening questions, such as if you have metal in you at all and other stuff. There is no risk from the actual MRI itself. There is no radiation involved, like CT scans.

Good luck to you!
Posted 10/11/2010 2:20 AM (GMT 0)
Now, I am sure this is a stupid question, but I have to drink a liter of some kind of liquid before I go to my first MRI for my intestine in the morning.  It has to be done 45 minutes before my arrival time (7:10am) for an appt. at (7:40am). 

Am I expected to keep this liquid in me, and not use the restroom?  I would assume so, but no where in my paperwork, did it say this.  When I get to the hospital at 7:10 I have to drink another liter.  Then they will insert a contrast with an I.V.

Really, REALLY not looking forward to having to pee really bad and being told to hold completely still in MRI machine for 30 minutes or longer!

Posted 10/11/2010 12:37 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, I've had numerous MRI's that close together and no, as far as I know, it's completely safe to have them close together. But why are they doing them separately? Why don't they just do them together to get it done with?? Or are they doing it at the same time? At one time, I've had my entire spine done with and without contrast.

I've never taken the liquid, so can't help you there. But as I recall, my Gma had to drink the stuff and she was told not to drink or eat anything but she did use the restroom. However, maybe you should call for clarification.
Posted 10/12/2010 2:45 AM (GMT 0)
So, my alarm didn't go off this morning and I awoke 30 minutes before my appt.  I was supposed to drink a liter of the barium suspension 45 minutes before my appointment.  I freaked and chugged the horrible liquid...however, no where near as bad as the stuff we have to drink for colonoscopies.  It was like a thick peppermint juice.

At the hospital, I found out I couldn't have both MRI's today since I had to receive an IV with contrast for both of them.  And one would screw the other up.  I guess after you have back surgery, you need a contrast to show where the scar tissue is.  Didn't know this.  My spine one is scheduled for tomorrow.

Once at the hospital, I had to drink another liter of the peppermint stuff.  Then, while my stomach was doing sommersaults, I had to lie perfectly still on the table for 45 minutes.  They ran contrast through my veins twice and gave me a shot to slow my bowels.

It actually went quicker than I thought, but I was dizzy when I got up.  Then as I was driving to work, I knew I wasn't going to make it, so I quickly detoured home and had violent D.  I also felt VERY nauseous and could have thrown up several times.  I went to work, but had to leave after an hour and a half due to nausea and D every five minutes.

The nurse said I would be able to return to my normal activities the remainder of the day, but I just think when you add any type of liquid in great quantity and very quickly it's going to affect someone who is flaring with an IBD.

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