cat scan with contrast

[SLEepy]

My transplant Doctor wants a ct w/ contrast. I had cancer on my tongue, I guess he wants to be sure I'm still cancer free before getting on the transplant list. My oncologist has been doing ultra sound check ups because I told her I cant have contrast. I thought I was told before no contrast because of my kidney failure. I have one kidney & urinate very little. I asked at my clinic today if I can have contrast & she said yes because it will dialyze out. I have dialysis MWF. If it's ok to have it, I will have the ct w/contrast on a Thurs & dialysis on Friday. Is it Ok for Dialysis patients to get contrast? Thanks!

[Traveller1947]

Hi, SLEepy!  I can only tell you my experience with this: when I needed a ct scan with contrast, I had the scan in the morning, then went directly to dialysis.  The dye does dialyze out, but you don't want it to stay in your system any longer than is necessary.  Overnight is too long, is my kidney center's policy.

[sullidog]

We have a local hospital here that will only do a procedure with contrast on a dialysis day.

[amanda100wilson]

Fromthe advice thay I'vebeen giveninthe past, yhat is too long.

[SLEepy]

Thanks for the replies. what's bad about having the contrast?

[lmunchkin]

Thanks for the replies. what's bad about having the contrast?

The contrast per sa is Not bad, it is the dye doesnt do well with people in kidney failure.  You can still have it done, but just be sure to Dialysis this dye out!

Good luck,
lmunchkin
 

[thegrammalady]

i read somewhere that it's ok as long as you get dialysis within 24 hours. my neph said that's not a hard and fast rule, the next day is ok.

[okarol]

I think the concern is directed at patients who are pre-dialysis or have healthy kidneys - that contrast dye can knock out existing kidney function. So for patients already on dialysis, I think you should check with your nephrologist. Here's a link to a recent story http://www.kidney.org/news/newsroom/nr/ContrastDye.cfm

[billybags]

We had a CT scan last Friday and that was with contrast. The nurse said hubbies kidneys were shot through any way, so no harm. I think the contrast dye can be harmful on kidneys that are still functioning a bit. They usually give a weaker solution.

[Hazmat35]

Before I start D, i was in the hospital for Kidney related illness.  My Nephrologist ordered a CT w/ NO CONTRAST, but when the radiologist did it, he did it WITH contrast. 

My doctor looked at my chart, and said, "excuse me for just a second", and walked out of the room.  Well, he went to the nurses station right across the hall, called the radiologist, and proceed to cuss him our ROYALLY for not following his orders and jepordizing the life of his patient.  It was wild, I never heard a doctor speak that way in front of a patient. 

He came back in, and apologized for his actions and remarks, in case I heard him.  I told him I did, I appreciated what he did, and not worry about.  Sometimes, even a doctor needs an ass-chewing.  They aren't perfect.