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Kidney Function Problems
I just had a CT scan done yesterday and they would not use the contrast because my creatinine level was 2.1. It was 1.7 the last time I had CT scans done (without contrast of course). My Dr. told me I would probably always have chronic kidney problems as a result of the bladder cancer, RC, etc. Is anyone else having these problems?
Thanks!
Sandy -
16 Replies
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Melodie,
My friend is an MRI tech and suggested trying cucumber oil or cucumber-melon body sprays which decreases anxiety in scanner and helps w/claustrophia.Gracie~
The contrast they use in CT (usually Visipaque or Ultravist~both contain iodine) is harder on the kidneys than the contrast used in MRA/MRI’s (usually gadolinium ie:Magnavist or some form) which is easier on kidneys. ;) glad the Ono office told you good info;) -
Went for a follow up visit with the oncologist yesterday and asked the question – MRI vs. CT. Apparently the contrast that they use for the CT is harder on the kidneys then the contrast they use for the MRI. That explains why they do an MRI on me for the abdominal area (have had history with kidney issues).
I don’t have any issue with the MRI. Its not the way I want to spend a Saturday night but not something I can’t handle.
So now we have a bit of an impasse with follow up treatment. On the oncology side – she wants to do tests every 3 months to catch any problems early.
My surgeon is more inclined to give them every 6 months for the first 2-3 years. Its never easy!! Now I have to see which way to go – maybe split the difference?!?!
Best,
Gracie -
My husband has had elevated creatinine levels for several years. His is related to his diabetes. His levels have gone over 2 at times. The last time was in June when the ER ordered a CT with contrast. While he was in the hospital they consulted the nephrologists. They took him off lasix for a couple of days and the levels came down. They said he could have oral contrast but no more IV contrast. We know he has renal insufficiency and the current levels are not a true measure of his kidneys due to his losing muscle mass.
I remember after his first high reading they had him do a 24 hour catch of urine to check some other measure.
He always had blood work before scans. It was standard practice by his urologist.
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I discussed follow up scans with my urologist on Friday and he said at 6 months. He also said that since I’d had several scans after my R/C during my bout with infections and scarring that he is pretty sure that I’m clear at this time. Nonetheless, I expect to be getting a scan at the end of Jan/Early Feb as that is 6 months after my R/C
I’ve always gotten CT scans since the cancer dx and not MRI’s….did have an MRI, however, about 10 years back when I had shingles…since I am clostaphotic, I didn’t think I would be able to do the MRI. A friend suggested I bring my favorite CD and have them turn up the music so I wouldn’t have to listen to the noise…I just closed my eyes prior to going in and never opened them until they told me it was over. I have had a PETS scan and aside from having to sit so very still for so long, that was OK. The experience I have had and don’t wish to repeat is the Nuclear Lasik Scan which had me leaking for hours afterwards. Melodie
Melodie, Indy Pouch, U.W.Medical Center, Seattle, Dr. Paul H. Lange & Jonathan L. Wright
Sandy, sorry to hear of your problems, hope the docs are going to watch you for any further problems.
Betsy Mae, MD Anderson will not allow a ct scan without blood tests at lest 1-7 days before the scan is due. You should ask your docs in the UK what reasons they have for not offering you tests prior to your ct.
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):laugh: for the lower part of my body
Any thoughts on MRI vs. CT’s???
Best,
GracieWow..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
Melodie, Indy Pouch, U.W.Medical Center, Seattle, Dr. Paul H. Lange & Jonathan L. Wright
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!
Interesting….yes i always have blood work done first before a CT when i go back to Cleveland Clinic. Its the first thing on the agenda. Locally they don’t think of it but I do so I mention it to them and they order it.
Pat
My husbands kidneys are now affected from the Chemo- I guess it’s a trade off. Right now the Chemo is working so……… We take each day as it comes. We have been told that we are just buying time- hopefully the kidneys won’t quit before Bob does.
Regards, Lorrieinteresting post! I’ve had 3 CT scans now and have never had a blood test beforehand. Should I request one in the future?
Hope all is well.
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