Gadolinium

Hi everyone

I’ve not had an MRI since 2011 but after my latest relapse I’m having one next month. This is the first time I will be having one with a contrast dye - gadolinium. I’ve been searching around for more information but apart from the odd scare story I can’t seem to find anything offering a balanced view.

I would be really grateful if anyone can point me in the direction of trustworthy articles or be willing to share their experience.

Many thanks

Do not worry.
There are a lot of scare stories around (especially in the US) but this is really one of the safeest things that you might have injected into your body.
As far as I know, the only real problem is if you already have kidney disease.

Side effects can happen.
Most people do not get any.
A very few get slightly more annoying ones.

For a serious study into the effects and their incidence, read:

I was actually in the scanner room when they told me I was having a contrast injection.
There were no side effects, and I drove home (35 miles) afterward.

Geoff