Hey there :) Glad to have you as part of the Forum Family,
I noticed that in your post you mentioned that you have always had a hx of kidney problems. Are you currently x w/ a kidney Disease?
Yes! gandolinium can pose a threat to those who have a hx of nephrotic problems. They should have asked you about any hx of kidney problems before injecting.
FDA Black Box Warning for Gadolinium:
In May, 2007 the Food and Drug Administration demanded that manufacturers of gadolinium-based contrast agents include “black box warnings” and extensive warning information in the drugs’ literature and packaging. These warnings were a result of well-documented cases linking nephrogenic systemic fibrosis / nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy (NSF/NFD) to gadolinium exposure patients who suffer from severe kidney disorders and have been exposed to gadolinium-based contrast agents.
You know with all honesty...It is hard to say that all of your sx are being caused by the Gandolinium. Could you be in a possible relapse? IS this chronic for you or a new symptom?? AND..Finally, have you spoke to your Neurologist about this? Do you also have a Nephrologist that you see?? Here is a bit more info for you to read...
Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents Currently in Use
Since 1988, the FDA has approved the use of five gadolinium-based contrast agents during MRI and MRA procedures:
Magnevist (gadopentetate dimeglumine), manufactured by Bayer Healthcare.
MultiHance (gadobenate dimeglumine), manufactured by Bracco.
Omniscan (gadodiamide), manufactured by GE Healthcare.
OptiMARK (gadoversetamide), manufactured by Mallinckrodt.
ProHance (gadoteridol), manufactured by Bracco.
Causes and Symptoms of NSF/NFD
These side effects of gadolinium were discovered in 1997. The patients at highest risk suffer from an acute or chronic renal condition that causes the kidneys to insufficiently filter waste from the bloodstream. Other associated conditions that can cause NSF/NFD include kidney dysfunction due to hepatorenal syndrome or complications surrounding a liver transplant.
There are several symptoms associated with NSF/NFD, including:
Swelling, hardening and tightening of the skin.
Reddened or darkened patches on the skin.
Raised yellow spots on the whites of the eyes.
Joint stiffness.
Deep pains in the hip bones or ribs.
Here is a good web site too
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gadolinium/AN01637
I hope you can get some relief from your situation. please be sure and talk to both your doctors about this. i am also curious as to who did your Chelation testing?? Was it through like a health food store or something like that??
Take Care,
~Tonya
hi Cheryl, Welcome here to the MS forum. I am pretty much useless in helping you with your questions - I am of the understanding that chelation therapy is not useful for MS and the gad that is in your system after over a year makes no sense to tme, either.
They do know gad can be difficult for people who already have renal complications but the percentage is very small. Unfortunately there are personal injury lawyers who are advertising to find gad patients to represent.
may I ask who did your chelation testing and why it was done? Was this through an MS clinic? I would love to know the details so I can get a better understanding.
Again, welcome. I hope we will see you around.
Lulu