Kidney Function Problems

Doran was supposed to have MRI's at CTCA, but he wouldn't stand for them. Or literally wouldn't lie down for them.

They brought him back under Ativan, but he woke up and said "NO WAY."

Then they decided all they needed was seven minutes of no contrast, and he said he would do that one.

Must be really scary.

Stephany in Iowa

All i know is you'll never get me into an MRI...tried once...that was enough for me..they'd have to totally knock me out. My surgeon has only ordered CT scans thankfully i guess......i think the CT/Pet are the best...also the most expensive and trying to get your insurance to pay for it!!
Pat

I'm actually going for my follow up visits next week now that the chemo is over but from what I remembered I thought they also did the scans every 3 months for the first 2 years. I will certainly find out.

I am so used to getting blood tests that I really can't remember if I had the blood tests prior. One would think so with my history. However, I always did the contrast and with (thankfully) no ill effects. I will be sure to pay more attention going forward.

Also I always got MRI's vs CT's. I now get the CT but only of the chest - I still MRI (with contrast) for the lower part of my body

Any thoughts on MRI vs. CT's???

Best,
Gracie

Wow..thats a lot of CT scans Melodie......Cleveland does it every 6 months the first 3 yrs and once a yr after that up to 5 yrs. Now i'm in limbo unless i have symtoms.......Pat

Since I had my surgery in late July 2007, I've had to go in every three months and each time they have done a blood draw and done a CT scan. Now after a year out, I asked the doctor if we couldn't move to every 6 months...he tells me it is procedure for UW Wash. to do one every 3 months for first two years following RC. I guess I can't complain too much about it since without those CT scans, I wouldn't have known I produce stones...but far as I know I haven't been told I have any kidney problelms. But yes, it seems that as a result of RC, there are side effects from surgery and chemo alike. Melodie

Hi, Pat - I knew you would know all about this. No - they did not have me fast at all. I have done a little research since then and found that too much protein and caffine can cause it be to elevated. I know I eat too much meat and most of my diet sodas are not caffine free so that could account for some of it. I will ask for a more formal test in the future - where they follow the prescribed method of administering this test.

Anne - do they just administer the contrast without checking anything or are they doing tests without the contrast?? You should surely ask your Doctor about that!