Gastrografin for MRI

[Oliversmummy19]

Has anyone had to take Gastrografin for an MRI scan? I would like to know the side effects and whether it acts as a laxative or not? I need to park a decent walk away from the hospital so am a little concerned about the effect of drinking the contrast and whether I need my husband to collect me instead?? Thanks

I was due to have this but opted for a pill camera endoscopy instead. The leaflet which came with the mri letter suggested I bring a change of clothing incase of soiling so I imagine there is a chance it can cause diarrhoea. Hopefully someone with some experience of tut will come along. I hope it goes well.

Yes, it does act as a laxative. I'd take some incontinence pads and get picked up.

@starrynight21 how quickly did it happen and how long does it last?

It had a massive laxative effect on me. I live about 10 minutes drive from the hospital I had my MRI at. I had an allergic reaction to the gadolinium injection, so they made me hang around for maybe half an hour after the procedure, to be sure the iv antihistamines they gave me had worked. I just got home in the nick of time before the gastrografin effect began, so I guess you’ve got maybe 40 minutes. It went on for a while.

@PrettyMuchBollocks thanks for your reply. When you say it lasted a while how long do you mean? Are you talking days or hours? Thanks

Sorry, it was just for a few hours. I had stupidly thought I would be able to go to work in the afternoon, but soon realised I was going to be stuck on the loo home for the rest of the day.

It isn’t as drastic for everyone apparently, so hopefully you will be one of the luckier ones. Good luck with it all.