Had my MRI today for the dementia. Had an awful reaction to the infusion injection.

[CTyankee]

I'm beginning to think I may not have dementia after all. Yes, I had certain symptoms that could be those of dementia, but could be something else.

My husband also has his doubts. I was shaking from the stuff they put in me. My gut did NOT like the infusion and let me know vividly!

More later as more facts emerge.

[Duncanpup]

1. Hugs

[CTyankee]

2. Thanks. It's over now thankfully.

[Grim Chieftain]

3. Thanks so much for keeping us updated, CTyankee

You have been in my thoughts. So sorry about the negative side effects to the injection. Stay strong, be positive and know we're with you.

:

[CTyankee]

4. thank you, sweetie!

Whatever they injected into me was just vile. I'm still a bit shaky...I"m too old for this...

[Clouds Passing]

5. Did they use the iodine radioactive contrast?

Feel better soon 💚

[CTyankee]

6. I don't know and didn't ask? Does that stuff often cause diarhhea?

They didn't warn me ahead of time and I went through the test with no problem. It was right after that it started.

[Clouds Passing]

7. Did you get flushed with warmth right after the infusion?

[CTyankee]

8. I think so. Not sure...

[Clouds Passing]

9. I found an explanation of mri w/ contrast

“The realm of diagnostic imaging, particularly Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), has been significantly enhanced by the use of contrast agents. The most prevalent among these are gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs). These substances are particularly effective in improving the visibility of internal structures, organs, and vessels within the body. Gadolinium, a rare earth metal, alters the magnetic properties of water molecules in the body, which in turn enhances the quality of the MRI images, making certain tissues or abnormalities more conspicuous.”

https://theradiologictechnologist.com/mri-with-vs-without-contrast-a-patients-guide/#google_vignette

Probably iodine contrast was not used in your case.

[ProfessorGAC]

10. Because Of The MS...

...for 30 years, I've had at least a dozen MRIs, times 2 for baseline & with contrast.
It's been gallodinium since '95 so I think that's been the standard for a long time.
I think they use iodine for CT scans, though.

[Clouds Passing]

12. Yes iodine for CT and PET

I’ve had at least 6 since January

I’m sorry you have ms, P GAC. I have too many autoimmunes.

[ProfessorGAC]

13. Thanks, But I'm Fine

Nothing has progressed since late '95.
In fact, my MRI series this June showed no new activity (in contrast) and no determinative changes since my 2000 scans.
I'm one of the very fortunate MS patients.

[Clouds Passing]

14. Yes you are 😀 Keep it up

[ProfessorGAC]

11. It Can Cause Many GI Issues

I don't recall specifically whether they've mentioned lower GI though.
I know it can nausea & headaches, and rarely, rashes.
I've never had any reaction to the contrast dye though. Just based on the "watch fors" they've given me.

[mitch96]

16. It's not iodine, It's a heavy rare earth metal called Gadolinium

From the internets...
Gadolinium is a chemical element, specifically a rare earth metal, with the symbol Gd and atomic number 64. It is primarily known for its use as a contrast agent in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Due to its paramagnetic properties, gadolinium enhances the contrast between different tissues in MRI scans, aiding in the diagnosis of various medical conditions. While generally safe, gadolinium-based contrast agents can cause some side effects and have been linked to rare but serious conditions like nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF).
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
1. What is Gadolinium?
Gadolinium is a silvery-white, malleable, and ductile rare earth metal.
It's not found as a free element in nature but is present in minerals like monazite and bastnaesite.
It's used in various applications, including MRI contrast agents, alloys for high-temperature and corrosion resistance, and in nuclear reactors.
2. Gadolinium in MRI:
Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are used to improve the visibility of tissues and organs during MRI scans.
They work by enhancing the signal intensity of water molecules, creating a clearer image.
Free gadolinium ions are toxic, so they are always administered in a chelated form, meaning they are bound to a carrier molecule (a chelate) to reduce toxicity and promote excretion.
Despite chelation, gadolinium can be retained in the body, particularly in the brain, bone, and skin, even in individuals with normal kidney function.
3. Safety and Side Effects:
GBCAs are generally considered safe, with a lower rate of acute side effects compared to iodine-based contrast agents.
Common side effects include headache, nausea, dizziness, and injection site reactions.
Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) is a rare but serious condition that can occur in individuals with impaired kidney function.
The FDA has issued warnings about GBCAs and requires patient medication guides and further safety studies.
4. Potential Risks and Research:
While GBCAs are designed to be eliminated from the body through the kidneys, research has shown that they can break down, leading to gadolinium retention.
Gadolinium deposition in the brain and other organs has been observed in some patients, raising concerns about potential long-term effects.
Ongoing research is focused on understanding the long-term effects of gadolinium deposition and developing safer contrast agents.
In summary: Gadolinium is a vital element in MRI, enhancing the clarity of images and aiding in medical diagnoses. While generally safe, potential risks associated with gadolinium retention and NSF have led to increased awareness and ongoing research to improve safety and develop new contrast agents.
Gadolinium Contrast Medium (MRI Contrast agents)
InsideRadiology Jul 26, 2017

[2naSalit]

15. ...

[CountAllVotes]

17. It was likely gadolinium

I had one MRI scan with that sh*t injected into me.

Gadolinium has a long history of problems associated with it.

After I found out how toxic that sh*t is I said never again and I meant it.'

I've never had another MRI scan of my brain since. MS be damned!

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4879157/

and ...

https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-drug-safety-communication-fda-warns-gadolinium-based-contrast-agents-gbcas-are-retained-body

>>
Can MRI contrast cause diarrhea?
AI Overview
Yes, diarrhea is a potential, albeit uncommon, side effect of MRI contrast agents. While most people experience no or mild side effects, some may have gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, nausea, or stomach cramps. These symptoms are usually temporary and resolve on their own, but it's important to inform your doctor if they occur.

>> We urge patients and health care professionals to report side effects involving GBCAs or other medicines to the FDA MedWatch program, using the information in the “Contact FDA” box at the bottom of the page.

Make sure you tell "them" how sick this crap has made you!

Take care CTyankee!

[malaise]

18. Hope you're feeling better today

[CTyankee]

19. That stuff is slowly moving through my system and I'm feeling more like myself today. I continue to feel very tired, tho

I'll probably get the report tomorrow from my primary care doc. I am hopeful that it is not dementia, but I don't want to get my hopes up too high.

I'll let all you wonderful people at DU know when I know.

[malaise]

20. If you have ginger in the house

Make some ginger tea and drink hot

[CTyankee]

21. good idea!. thank you!

[malaise]

22. YW

😀

[HeartsCanHope]

23. CTyankee, i hope you feel better and your doctors figure out what is wrong very soon.

You take care!