I have to get a fistulagram on Monday, my fistula is not growing as well as we would like it to. My arm has to be straight out for my entire session, causing osteo problems.
My mom is VERY allergic to the IVP and so I'm being given prednisone prior to the treatment.
I'm wondering if anyone can tell me what the prednisone is like? I'm a little worried, as I'm bipolar I, with psychotic features, all under control now for quite awhile, but doesn't prednisone sometimes lead to psychosis?
Hi Tracy Lynn,
This is just my opinion, and my thoughts based on what I would do if I were in your shoes.
If I had ANY kidney function I would not have anything done w/ dye as it can cause complete kidney failure in otherwise healthy patients.
The dye, which used to be more commonly used, was iodine based and the patient reactions were usually to the iodine. There used to be at least one alternative dye available which is not iodine based and much less likely to cause an allergic reaction. I would hope by now there is more than one altenative.
There are other meds which can be used in place of the pred. and in your situation I would refuse the pred.
As I said, just my opinion, but I had a severe reaction to my second IVP and if a quick thinking tech had not been present I would probably have died. (Two in the office panicked and did nothing!) It has been many years but I think I was given epinephrine immediately and then benedryl before I went home -- the dose was high enough that my husband had to come get me as I was too drowsy to drive and I slept for many hours. Since then I am very careful to avoid iodine, even the betadine cleaners and disinfectants. Doc told me then that another "gram" of any kind w/ iodine based dye would probably be fatal.
In your place, I would discuss this w/ my Doc and consider all other alternatives first, especially a possible ultrasound instead.
Please let me now what you decide, how you do, and what you find out about you fistula.
Lorelle
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