Pelvic MRI

Hi Everyone,
Had my first Pre op visit with my surgeon and things went
pretty well. My sugeon said my uterus is the size of a cantalope ( how do I get my taste for fruit back now??)
He was very encouraging but, could only give me a broad stroke picture of what could go on until I ahve a pelvic MRI
I have never had any type of MRI so I am wondering if any of you more experinced sisiters could offer some insight as
to what will go on . The MRI is to be done with contrast
but, I have been told to be very cautious of any dies in any
testing because I am allergic to Iodides/ any thing including
Iodine ( No shell fish for me )
Many thanks in advance for any help you can give
Be well
Patty:

Tell the techinian doing the test about your concerns. Make sure it is prior to the start of the test. In fact, you may want to contact the place where the testing is done, and ask someone there about the test and your concerns.

Hi Patty! The contrast is gandolinium. I'm not sure what it's chemical make up is but you should check with the radiology department before having the test to make sure you are safe. It's rare to have side affects but better to be safe.

I had one done in August and had one several years ago, too.The contrast is administered through an IV that the tech will put in your arm before the test starts. If you are having pictures non-contrast, as well, then they will be done first, then the contrast will be given. If so, you may have to lay still for about 45 minutes. If only with contrast then it should be quicker. The MRI is loud when it's doing it's thing, but you should have music playing through some earphones so you may end up falling asleep. Lots of people do. My head was out of the machine so I didn't feel claustrophobic at all. But if you feel you might tell them ahead of time and they can give you something to relax you. It does not hurt at all. Hope that helps!

I also am allergic to the contrast dye for a CT scan (found out after the 1st one many years ago) but I have no problems with the contrast for an MRI.
They will give you ear plugs of some sort because the machine tends to be loud. The one I have been in a few times sounds like you are in a metal trash can and someone is throwing tennis balls at it. The tech can talk to you throughout the test and it takes about 30-45 minutes. The techs at the facility that I go to are wonderful and talk you through the entire thing step by step and will answer any questions.
All in all it is not a test to get worried about.
Best of luck--- Lisa

I had one a month ago and was also feet first, though my head was inside, it was just barely. I could see the ceiling if I rolled my eyes back a bit. I had headphones with classical music playing, and (non-contrast) took 20 minutes or so. I also had a pushbutton thing next to my hand if I needed to buzz the tech.

I don't know which area to place this but I had 2 obgyns do a pelvic ultrasound and both found that i had a large uterine fibroid. The radiologist that was to perform the embolization called for an MRI. I went for my MRI and then to him for my pre-op appt. He found that I had NO FIBROID and it must have been a loop of bowel that was showing up on the ultrasounds. I would have had surgery for no reason. All I can do is Thank God that the MRI was done. Get a second opinion and if possible an MRI.