Hello
As of last week my eGFR is 59 and my creatinine is 89, which I've been drifting around for almost 3 years. I have voiced my concern to the radiologist regarding the contrast and he reassured me at those levels the small amount of contrast they will need will not affect my kidney function. He was assuming that I consume a good amount of water, which I do.
I would be very grateful to hear your thoughts... and thank you.
My latest eGFR reads 41 (a sole kidney), and I have refused the contrast with an MRI due at the beginning of July. I wonder if they might take age into account when accounting for contrast as kidney function declines with age. A few years ago my renal consultant advised that there were two particular dyes and that one was safer than the other when it comes to kidney patients. I would have to ask again for a reminder of which. However, my elderly hubby has an eGFR of 60 (as have friends of a similar age) - he is unable to have MRIs but does have fairly regular CT scans with dye and maintains the same kidney function. I do hope that is of some help.
Thank you Celtic. Yes, I think I would refuse in your circumstances. I thought I'd heard of another dye, and I will look into that, thank you. I'm 71, would that put me in the same age group as your husband, or not? If so, we're only a point apart at the moment, and although I hadn't eaten breakfast, I was probably a little dehydrated at the time of the test, so I'm hoping my eGFR is a little better. Thank you very much.
Lynne, hubby is 84 although I’m sure he’d love to be 71 again! Look up ‘National Kidney Foundation Contrast dye and the kidneys - good article.
Aw, well I bet he's still young at heart! Thank you, I've just gone over to their page and will talk to the consultant/radiologist tomorrow. Thank you so much for your help.
I've had two MRIs since I found out I was a CKD patient. In both cases, I refused the contrast dye and had the test done without it. It does take the tech a bit longer to complete the test to ensure they get a good reading for the radiologist. Of the two, I only had one radiologist tell me that it wasn't readable. I went back to the ordering physician and he contacted another physician on my Care Team who used a different radiologist and had the test run again about 30 days later and they got a good reading. Bottom line was that I did have surgery to remove my gallbladder when the dust settled.
Thank you Mr_Kidney. I did refuse one a couple of years ago, and the result was sufficient, however as this one is an orbital MRI I think it needs to be more clear due to the fact it's such a small area being scanned... I'm in the UK, so I don't have a 'team' to talk to until later stages, so your comments are valuable. I'm going to talk with the radiologist again, but I'm feeling that I might need it, and my eyes (thyroid eye disease, symptoms are quickly becoming more severe. Thank you very much, and I hope you are living well without your gallbladder.
The final decision about having a dye used is always up to the patient and shouldn't be left to your doctor without a discussion. If you have the conversation and are satisfied with the answers, make the decision that is best for you.
I'll get hold of my consultant and explain my reasoning with him. I've just found a report on Kidney Org., Henry Ford Hospital which says women were 60% more likely than men to develop contrast dye induced damage. And I know what direction I'm leaning towards now! Many thanks for your help.
Hello, I just wanted to update Mr_Kidney and Celtic. I chose not to have a contrast free MEI and according to my Specialist appointment today, the outcome of the scan was good enough for them to make a sound judgement. Thank you both for your input. It's really good to have someone on the 'same side' to share thoughts and experience with.
Diabetic Nephropathy
Scheduled MRI... 
Weight Loss
Are people communicating with their treatment team enough?
Update on my phone appt. with Neph. last Wed.
