MRI Health Problems: "It's Like Being On Fire"

Starkville, MSMore and more people are discovering that they are allergic to MRI gadolinium-based contrast dyes. Unfortunately, they are discovering this well after the dye has been used and has caused serious health problems.

Barbara H. says that when she was injected with the MRI contrast dye, she immediately felt a burning sensation. "I got hot right away. I could feel it in my nose and my face and all over my body. It felt like my whole body was on fire. I didn't know what was going on."

However, Barbara's problems did not stop after her MRI. In fact, her condition got worse. "I have little spots in my eyes, that was the first thing that happened. Then, my urine turned red. It burns when I go to the bathroom. My skin is rough and is peeling between my fingers and on the inside of my hands and legs. I have red spots all over me and I itch from all over my head right down to my feet. Everywhere.

"Also, I have pain in my ankles, my hip bone and down my legs. When I get up in the morning, I'm stiff. Some mornings, I can barely get out of bed, because it hurts so much. Sometimes I walk around and it loosens up a bit, but I'm still very stiff. I didn't have hip pain until I had the MRI."

Barbara says that she had no idea what was wrong with her until she saw a report on television about someone who had an allergic reaction to gadolinium-based contrast dyes. That person had the same symptoms Barbara had, including blood-red urine.

Even though her MRI was a couple of months ago, Barbara says she still has pain and other symptoms of an allergic reaction to the dye, including numbness in her hands.

"My skin is horrible," Barbara says. "I have rash-like spots all over my legs and my thighs. My hands and fingers are still peeling. I think it might have been a kidney problem because my sides were sore. I went to the ER because I hurt so much and they just looked at me and said, 'My Lord, what's wrong with you?' I told them I had an allergic reaction to that contrast dye and they gave me a shot and medication for it. I'm still on the pain medication and taking Vistaril [a drug used to treat allergic reactions]."

Like many people, Barbara says that the health problems caused by the dye outweigh the dye's benefits.

"They should ban that contrast dye and take it off the market," Barbara says. "If something harms a human being, it shouldn't be used."

If you or someone you love was harmed by the use of gadolinium-based contrast dye during an MRI, you may be eligible to join a lawsuit against the maker of the dye. Contact a lawyer to discuss your legal options.