Kidney Function Problems

Melodie,
My friend is an MRI tech and suggested trying cucumber oil or cucumber-melon body sprays which decreases anxiety in scanner and helps w/claustrophia.

Gracie~
The contrast they use in CT (usually Visipaque or Ultravist~both contain iodine) is harder on the kidneys than the contrast used in MRA/MRI's (usually gadolinium ie:Magnavist or some form) which is easier on kidneys. glad the Ono office told you good info;)

Went for a follow up visit with the oncologist yesterday and asked the question - MRI vs. CT. Apparently the contrast that they use for the CT is harder on the kidneys then the contrast they use for the MRI. That explains why they do an MRI on me for the abdominal area (have had history with kidney issues).

I don't have any issue with the MRI. Its not the way I want to spend a Saturday night but not something I can't handle.

So now we have a bit of an impasse with follow up treatment. On the oncology side - she wants to do tests every 3 months to catch any problems early.

My surgeon is more inclined to give them every 6 months for the first 2-3 years. Its never easy!! Now I have to see which way to go - maybe split the difference?!?!

Best,
Gracie

My husband has had elevated creatinine levels for several years. His is related to his diabetes. His levels have gone over 2 at times. The last time was in June when the ER ordered a CT with contrast. While he was in the hospital they consulted the nephrologists. They took him off lasix for a couple of days and the levels came down. They said he could have oral contrast but no more IV contrast. We know he has renal insufficiency and the current levels are not a true measure of his kidneys due to his losing muscle mass.
I remember after his first high reading they had him do a 24 hour catch of urine to check some other measure.
He always had blood work before scans. It was standard practice by his urologist.

I discussed follow up scans with my urologist on Friday and he said at 6 months. He also said that since I'd had several scans after my R/C during my bout with infections and scarring that he is pretty sure that I'm clear at this time. Nonetheless, I expect to be getting a scan at the end of Jan/Early Feb as that is 6 months after my R/C

I've always gotten CT scans since the cancer dx and not MRI's....did have an MRI, however, about 10 years back when I had shingles...since I am clostaphotic, I didn't think I would be able to do the MRI. A friend suggested I bring my favorite CD and have them turn up the music so I wouldn't have to listen to the noise...I just closed my eyes prior to going in and never opened them until they told me it was over. I have had a PETS scan and aside from having to sit so very still for so long, that was OK. The experience I have had and don't wish to repeat is the Nuclear Lasik Scan which had me leaking for hours afterwards. Melodie

Sandy, sorry to hear of your problems, hope the docs are going to watch you for any further problems.

Betsy Mae, MD Anderson will not allow a ct scan without blood tests at lest 1-7 days before the scan is due. You should ask your docs in the UK what reasons they have for not offering you tests prior to your ct.