Do you think this would be okay?

[Dolphin324]

I had acute kidney failure a year ago and my kidneys bounced back and are now normal. However, I need have an MRI done for other issues and they want to give me the dye/contrast. I read on here about it not being good for kidneys. However, since my kidney function is now normal, do you think it would be fine? (and yes I'm asking my doctor too). Just wondering what people here think. Thanks!

[Rerun]

Drink TONS of water after your test.  I mean if you have to have the test then that is one thing you can do to flush they dye out.

Tell us what your doc says.

[Chris]

I am going to blow the spelling on this, but the dye they use on me post tx that is less of a chance of doing something to the kidneys is gatalaium. It definitely starts with a G, but the next letter could be a u then a. I use to know it and had it written down somewhere. However even with that, you would still be told to drink plenty of fluids afterwards

[okarol]

I think they still recommend baking soda - was this mentioned to you?
Here's a related thread http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/index.php?topic=23403.0

[cattlekid]

I had a CT scan with contrast back in February.  They gave me a 2 hour sodium bicarb (baking soda) IV prior to the scan and six hours afterwards.  I've never seen an IV drip set so slowly LOL

I also had dialysis the next day, within the 24 hour window.  And it was a four hour stint, not the usual 2.5 I do at home. 

[msrosefromms]

There is a difference in the dye for a CT scan and a MRI. I am on PD and have had several ct scans. The dye used in MRIs is not good for kidney patients. There is an article about the MRI dye at thr American Kiu]dney Assoc or the National Kidney Assoc.  Read it and tlk to your doctor.

[dialysisadvocate]

If I remember correctly, there is something that can be given to protect the kidneys from the dye -- they give so many drops in a liquid, e.g. juice and the solution smells like rotten eggs.. My father had this --- We used to give it to patients who had overdosed in order to protect their kidneys --- You might ask you doctor about this... again, I might be wrong, but do recall such
opinion of roberta mikles  www.qualitysafepatientcare.com

[Whamo]

Google the procedure or test they're doing to find out as much as you can.

[dialysisadvocate]

I think the  name of the medication is 'mucomyst' and they give it in drops of juice every so many minutes -- from recall... it has been a whle but ask the doctor about it.. i am not a doctor nor a dialysis nurse but i remember my father taking this medication before the cardiac angio where dye would be used and they gave him this to try and preven tfurther kidney damage
roberta mikles www.qualitysafepatientcare.com