Ultrasound Scans

Hi, I have a Medtronic Relia RESR01 which was fitted last year. Im have pains which I am convinced are linked to my gallbladder and I was wondering if anyone knew which kind of scans etc were safe if I were to go for investigations. I know and MRI is completely out of the question for any tests but what about other types of xrays?

12 Comments

mri

by Tracey_E - 2014-03-07 01:03:37

Inga has posted some articles on it. You can't go just anywhere and have it done, there aren't many places that can/will do it. I think drs are mixed on whether it's safe but more and more are coming around and saying it's ok. I'd have to have a compelling reason to do it. If another test will get the answers we need, if it's not life and death, I'm probably going to say no. At least for now, I'm always watching the research.

Thanks for the info

by lizzie - 2014-03-07 01:03:44

Thanks tracy, I thought that but just wanted to check with fellow members cause some doctors would tell you anything was safe just to get the test done. No offence to doctors but after my pacemaker implant last year I had an awful time for 3 months with palpitations which they could not get to the bottom of until i was advised by a health food shop assistant not to take multivitamins (which my doctor and nurse suggested) that contained iodine which plays havoc with the thyroid. I had my thyroid removed over 20 years ago and came to the conclusion the iodine they saturated me with prior to surgery was to blame and took that long to work its way out of my system. it was dabbed on my operation sites on my chest and top of my leg and the liquid that was left was poured on for safe measure so i was literally saturated in the stuff.
Anyway enough of my rant.
Thanks for the info.

ps still dont know if i would take their word bout the mri scan though.

Thanks for this post Lizzie

by Harrie - 2014-03-07 04:03:23

I posted earlier in the week about a reaction I had to a ct with iodine contrast. My heart gave me a jolt then started beating rhythmically and hard with a number of big thumps for a few minutes. I put it down to pvc's but it seemed different from anything I'd ever experienced, like something was driving it. Then I read your post about thyroid issues and did some research. I have autoimmune Hashimoto's - it seems that iodine, whether topical or in supplement form can, as you say cause adverse reactions in people with Hashimoto's. so I'll be avoiding that in future, and suggest that you check with the dr before you undergo a ct with contrast, particularly in view of your history. Funny thing was I had the ct because the radiologist wouldn't do the MRI, because they checked and said my MRI conditional pm wasn't rated for their machine. They use a different contrast for the MRI - I'll be checking that out before I have that procedure. Oh, and one research report I read was investigating the possibility of exposure to iodine contrast actually causing thyroid problems.

glad you agree

by lizzie - 2014-03-07 06:03:50

Thank you for your confirmation Royals about iodine. Though no medical source would confirm this. But I know my own body and knew something wasn't right. There must be some non iodine dye that can be used for sterilisation for surgery. I, for one, will be requesting an alternative at any future procedures or take my chances with antibiotics. The palpitations I experienced were horrendous and already making me dread my next pacemaker replacement in a few years time. But hey Ho make the most of each day eh instead of looking too far ahead.

Safe

by Brenda Price - 2014-03-07 08:03:20

Have an ultra sound. they can tell at the time. Had ultra sound one day and surg next day and went home the next. No problems. I am 100% on pacer and have been for 25yrs .

Medtronics

by Theknotguy - 2014-03-07 09:03:50

Check with the 800 number for Medtronics. They'll tell you if your Medtronics is MIR safe. Being implanted within the last year you may have the MRI safe PM and the MRI safe leads.

My Medtronics is MRI safe and they got within 6 inches vertical of the PM with no effects.

The gall bladder area is a lot further away so you may have no concerns.

Theknotguy

Test

by SparkyNoel - 2014-03-07 10:03:16

Your physician should order a Hida scan if they think it is your gall bladder causing you the pain. This is a nuclear medicine study that is completely safe for you with your pacemaker. My information comes to you from my radiology nursing experience. Hope you feel better soon. Also, the contrast that is used for an MRI is called gadolinium and does not contain iodine. Take care:-)

it's ok

by Tracey_E - 2014-03-07 12:03:25

Any xrays, ct, etc are ok. Even MRI's are ok now at some hospitals, as long as they're done under careful supervision.

Thanks you guys

by lizzie - 2014-03-08 08:03:12

Thank for the positive information and I will keep it in mind if investigations are to take place. Gone are the days where I just let them inject anything they want into my veins. Will make an appointment with Dr on monday and see what happens.

Ultrasound scan

by TickTock-UK - 2014-03-11 08:03:14

I have just had an ultrasound scan for my gall stones, and I have also recently had an ultra scan on my neck, both with no problems at all ..

mri

by lizzie - 2014-03-14 07:03:25

Thanks to all who posted on this issue. I've checked with medtronics and my pacemaker is not mri friendly and as my leads are the original ones from my first pacemaker implant in 1993 they certainly won't be so at least I know where I am with that issue.
Sparky Joel can I just ask about the Hida scan you mentioned. When I had my thyroid removed it was done with a radioactive drink then straight onto thyroxine and I've never really had any issues rather than the palpitations last year after my surgery.
you mentioned the nuclear medicine is ok when you have a pacemaker but would it affect thyroid function?

ultrasound

by Brenda Price - 2014-03-23 07:03:46

. I had my surgery with no problem, no pacer rep., and no changes to pacer. If its not broke Don't fix it.. I did not have any med changes. Good luck

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