Can I ask for MRI instead of CT scan? Help!

[Trustynickname]

Hello.
I am 26, have been sent for investigation due to multiple symptoms. (Anemia, tmi bleeding from bottom when using bathroom - for a year, drastic weight loss in a year) I have a colonoscopy booked but also a CT scan, the specialist nurse says they don’t like doing them for people my age but because of the weight loss they are. I’m really worried about it all tbh.
I don’t want to sound silly but I really don’t want to have the CT scan because of the radiation dose, i also have an X-ray on the same week. Is there any way I can ask for an MRI instead or is it unreasonable to ask them?

I am sorry OP you must be going through a really anxious time. Unfortunately in answer to your question, I don't think they would agree to an MRI rather than CT as there are practical considerations- MRI cost a lot more, may be a long wait for MRI etc No harm in asking though.

It depends what they are looking for - CT and MRI highlight different areas. CT are better for looking at organs and bones

Would you be worried about the radiation in my situation? I’m totally terrified. I was already horrifyingly anxious about my health as I have two little ones and Im worried it’s something serious, but now I’m also worried about this!

I think this is unreasonable, yes. If this has been going on for as long as you say, and you have been bleeding and experienced massive weight loss, then stop worrying about the dose of radiation from a diagnostic scan. Worry about the delay in getting a firm diagnosis and treatment for whatever is causing your symptoms!

I had a CT scan and didn't even consider radiation - the consultant thought I needed one, so I had one. Try not to fret.

MR and CT show different things and they would have requested an MRI if they thought it was the appropriate first line imaging modality. The radiation dose, IIRC, is about 1.5x the annual dose of radiation someone living in Cornwall receives simply because they live there. The risk of any investigation/procedure has to be balanced against the risk of a delay in diagnosis/misdiagnosis caused by having the wrong test/no test. There are some useful radiation equivalent doses on the gov.uk site… it’s quite old but gives you the idea. Hope things turn out ok.

An MRI is not a substitute for a CT scan. They're totally different. I'm sorry you're so worried, but it has no basis in reality and you're being unreasonable. Just go for the CT.

You are being silly sorry. I was in a&e and given a ct scan and very grateful I got a diagnosis within hours.

I don't mean to sound harsh, but there's nothing to worry about with having the CT. Over the past fortnight, I've had 2 x-rays, 2 CT scans and an MRI. It's fine.

OP please accept the CT scan. An MRI is not the same thing.

You need to let the professionals do their best to assess what’s going on.

an mri shows different things than an mri.

the radiation is higher, yes. but sometimes that's neededfor a good diagnostic image.

good thing - a ct takes a lot less time than an mri. and the room is not as cold.

Unless you’re having a CT every day then you’re fine to have it and it sounds very necessary. The benefits far outweigh any minimal risk from the small radiation dose.

Kindly, I don't have a clue what your nurse is talking about. People your age and younger get CT scans all the time, the radiation risk is really not something you need to worry about - it's minimal, and the benefits to you will outweigh the risks.

As others have said, MRI and CT are different things that show up different tissues. I can't say I've heard of MRI being used for colon studies (although it's not my area of expertise) - whether that's because it doesn't show what's needed, or because CT shows it up well enough there's no need for MRI I don't know.

By all means, share your concerns with a health professional. A radiographer or radiologist will be able to go through the risks and benefits with you, although of course it's always the risk of not having the scan and not getting the diagnosis and treatment you need that's the biggest.

I hope everything works out okay for you OP.

Thank you for the replies. I think maybe I am thinking a bit irrational due to the fact I’m very anxious about my health and Everything is getting on top of me a bit. I do appreciate all of these comments. Tbh I probably wouldn’t have gave it a second thought had the specialist not said that they don’t like to do them on people my age due to this. Just got me thinking a little much.

An MRI isn't good for looking at the inside of your intestines because your gut is always moving and the amount of time an MRI takes means all that movement makes the image blurry. They wouldn't request (or get authorised) a CT scan unless it was needed, and they use the very lowest dose of radiation possible, so please don't worry about it

@CMOTDibbler that makes sense. Thank you

I had around 8-10 CT scans in my early 30s, I was a bit concerned about them but they saved my life at the time.

5+ yes maybe would be a bit worried but not for one. It will give you useful information.

My 3yo has had several of them. I think 4 (and a similar number of MRI's). I'm aware she may have more CT's in the future (as well as MRIs for at least a decade)

I'd prefer an MRI, but they also require her to have a GA, so swings and roundabouts really.

Given they do them on toddlers, i wouldn't have thought you'd be too young.

I am in my 50s. I had a CT scan when I was 16 and at least 10 x-rays during that same period. I had absolutely no adverse effects. I had another one 2 years ago. No issues.

It's hard to go through tests to await a diagnosis so it's no surprise you are anxious but don't worry at all about the CT scan. It is the best scan for you.

They do small bowel mri w contrast & dye (I had this recently), but not large bowel, they do CT for that. I just think it’s different diagnostics for different organs/issues. Def have it if needed.,

Thank you all