If you’ve ever had an MRI you might be familiar with the name Gadolinium. It’s the technical name for contrast. Contrast is used to get sharper MRI images. In the case of Multiple Sclerosis, it’s how active lesions can be seen. Until recently, contrast was thought to be safe. But latest research is showing a different picture.
The MRI is a medical imaging technique that uses strong magnetic fields, gradients and radio waves to create images of internal organs of the body. It was invented in the early 1970’s by Paul Lauterbur who would later win a Nobel Prize for his work on the MRI. It is used in diagnosis, staging of cancer/disease and follow up.
The first MRI used with an individual with MS came in 1981, 4 years after the first medical MRI scan. 7 years later, the first gadolinium based contrast dye was used for the first time to enhance the MRI scan for a clearer picture and improved interpretation.
Gadolinium is a rare earth metal that was discovered in 1880. When used in MRI contrast, it is chelated, or bonded then created into the dye medium. Without the chelation process, gadolinium would be toxic to our bodies.
The most commonly used contrast agents in MRIs are gadolinium-based. The contrast causes molecules in your body to react differently to the MRI, therefore showing up differently on the scan.
In previous research, it was only thought that individuals with severe kidney illness or renal failure would be impacted by any long-term side effects. However, recent research has shown that gadolinium may be retained in tissue, primarily the brain, of all people.
At the beginning of the year, the FDA put out a new warning for gadolinium-based contrast agents, as well as new safety measures and a new medical guide for patients. This is prompting further research and study to be done on the safety of the contrast. The FDA is also urging doctors to consider risks for patients when choosing the need for contrast. Research is showing that small amounts of gadolinium may be left in the brain when people have had multiple doses of gadolinium. It was once believed that the gadolinium would totally clear from your body, but this new research is showing that it might not be fully eliminated.
The FDA states that side effects of the leftover gadolinium have not shown to be harmful, however anecdotal evidence points to other conclusions. Side effects common linked to gadolinium use are dizziness, nausea, headache and itchiness at the injection site. The most severe reaction is anaphylaxis, which is rare. In several articles I found symptoms of greater gadolinium toxicity, which unfortunately look very similar to MS symptoms. Those side effects include pain, bone pain, skin changes, muscle issues, I issues and cognitive difficulties among others.
When going for an MRI, and given gadolinium, the instructions afterwards are to drink a lot of water. This will hopefully help to detox and flush it from your system, but clearly this might not be enough. If actual toxicity is present, there are treatment options available. These include chelation therapy, which is the standard for all heavy-metal toxicities. Sauna, epsom salt bath, specific diet/foods to aid in detox and supplements.
Going forward, gadolinium might not be needed at all. New advancements in MRI technology have proven to be just as effective as comparing non-contrast and contrast MRI’s to check for disease progression. In one large study, where 3T images were tested, only 4 out of 1992 lesions were missed. These scans are currently available and in use. While gadolinium might still be needed at times like at initial diagnosis, using follow-up scans may be phased out in the near future.
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Surviving MRI’sfollow along on Instagram:
This is how I slowly helped myself the most:
Making small changes to my life,
* Intentional awareness to my morning
* Noticing when I’m being mean to myself
* Noticing when I’m reactive or in a state of fight or flight..
Some “small” ideas for you too:
* don’t grab your phone first thing in the morning, take some deep breaths, think about how you want your day to go
* drink an extra glass of water (bonus if it’s in the morning too)
* get up and move every hour
* say something nice to yourself when you catch yourself being mean
* step outside for a few minutes a few times a day
Small changes add up to big steps forward,
don’t get fooled by these not being “enough”,
they absolutely are.
Wanna hear more about how Ive helped myself and my clients to lessen our MS symptoms so we feel better in our bodies?
I detail it in my chapter in Resilience Redefined.. comment “Book” and I’ll send you the link!!
This is how I slowly helped myself the most:
Making small changes to my life,
* Intentional awareness to my morning
* Noticing when I’m being mean to myself
* Noticing when I’m reactive or in a state of fight or flight..
Some “small” ideas for you too:
* don’t grab your phone first thing in the morning, take some deep breaths, think about how you want your day to go
* drink an extra glass of water (bonus if it’s in the morning too)
* get up and move every hour
* say something nice to yourself when you catch yourself being mean
* step outside for a few minutes a few times a day
Small changes add up to big steps forward,
don’t get fooled by these not being “enough”,
they absolutely are.
Wanna hear more about how Ive helped myself and my clients to lessen our MS symptoms so we feel better in our bodies?
I detail it in my chapter in Resilience Redefined.. comment “Book” and I’ll send you the link!!
You don’t always have to love the hard action you’re taking to reach your goals.
You just have to show up.
You can do this… keep going 🧡🧡
*after discerning there’s no *actual* issue (pain, injury, illness etc) preventing me from working out, only that I’m a toddler and don’t wanna.
You don’t always have to love the hard action you’re taking to reach your goals.
You just have to show up.
You can do this… keep going 🧡🧡
*after discerning there’s no *actual* issue (pain, injury, illness etc) preventing me from working out, only that I’m a toddler and don’t wanna.
Have you pre ordered your copy of Resilience Redefined yet??
This is a chronicling of 7 individuals who have autoimmune disease (5 of which have MS too!!) and how they take care of themselves in the best ways they can.
Pre orders are open until October 24th!!
If you pre order your copy through me before October 24th you’ll also get:
• Signed copy of Resilience Redefined
• The MS Handbook E-book
• Resilience Bookmark
• LissMS Sticker Pack (first 10 pre orders)
Comment Book below and I’ll send you the link!!
Have you pre ordered your copy of Resilience Redefined yet??
This is a chronicling of 7 individuals who have autoimmune disease (5 of which have MS too!!) and how they take care of themselves in the best ways they can.
Pre orders are open until October 24th!!
If you pre order your copy through me before October 24th you’ll also get:
• Signed copy of Resilience Redefined
• The MS Handbook E-book
• Resilience Bookmark
• LissMS Sticker Pack (first 10 pre orders)
Comment Book below and I’ll send you the link!!
“Resilience is the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences, especially through mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility and adjustment to external and internal demands.”
Resilience has become such a cornerstone word of the work I do this past year.
It makes sense this book I collaborated on with 6 other awesome & resilient authors was destined to have resilience in the title.
Did you see??
Pre Orders are open!
If you pre order your copy through me before October 24th you’ll also get:
• Signed copy of Resilience Redefined
• The MS Handbook E-book
• Resilience Bookmark
• LissMS Sticker Pack (first 10 pre orders)
Grab your copy here:
https://liss-ms.com/product/resilience-redefined-thriving-with-autoimmune-disease/
Or comment Book below and I’ll send you the link!!
“Resilience is the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences, especially through mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility and adjustment to external and internal demands.”
Resilience has become such a cornerstone word of the work I do this past year.
It makes sense this book I collaborated on with 6 other awesome & resilient authors was destined to have resilience in the title.
Did you see??
Pre Orders are open!
If you pre order your copy through me before October 24th you’ll also get:
• Signed copy of Resilience Redefined
• The MS Handbook E-book
• Resilience Bookmark
• LissMS Sticker Pack (first 10 pre orders)
Grab your copy here:
https://liss-ms.com/product/resilience-redefined-thriving-with-autoimmune-disease/
Or comment Book below and I’ll send you the link!!
Struggling to start with exercise?
Try this tip!!
Creating a new habit (any of them) necessitate us to become someone new, someone different than we were.
Because we’re trying to do something different after all.
This is gentle way of starting that identity shift process.
Become who you want to be in your mind first.
Does this help?
What other habits do you need help with? Let me know in the comments!!
Struggling to start with exercise?
Try this tip!!
Creating a new habit (any of them) necessitate us to become someone new, someone different than we were.
Because we’re trying to do something different after all.
This is gentle way of starting that identity shift process.
Become who you want to be in your mind first.
Does this help?
What other habits do you need help with? Let me know in the comments!!
It’s only fitting that I announce my 2nd book (along with 7 other authors) on my 14 year anniversary with MS.
This is a book that I would have loved to read early on in my journey.
It’s about how we moved through our diagnosis and came out the other side for the better.
““Resilience Redefined” is not just a collection of stories; it is a call to action. The authors challenge those living with an autoimmune disease to not only survive but to thrive”
So… drumroll please…
Pre orders are officially open!!
If you pre order your copy through me before October 24th you’ll also get:
• Signed copy of Resilience Redefined
• The MS Handbook E-book
• Resilience Bookmark
• LissMS Sticker Pack (first 10 pre orders)
Grab your copy here: https://liss-ms.com/product/resilience-redefined-thriving-with-autoimmune-disease/
Or comment “book” below and I’ll send you the link!!
It’s only fitting that I announce my 2nd book (along with 7 other authors) on my 14 year anniversary with MS.
This is a book that I would have loved to read early on in my journey.
It’s about how we moved through our diagnosis and came out the other side for the better.
““Resilience Redefined” is not just a collection of stories; it is a call to action. The authors challenge those living with an autoimmune disease to not only survive but to thrive”
So… drumroll please…
Pre orders are officially open!!
If you pre order your copy through me before October 24th you’ll also get:
• Signed copy of Resilience Redefined
• The MS Handbook E-book
• Resilience Bookmark
• LissMS Sticker Pack (first 10 pre orders)
Grab your copy here: https://liss-ms.com/product/resilience-redefined-thriving-with-autoimmune-disease/
Or comment “book” below and I’ll send you the link!!
If you like being outside, check out the America the Beautiful Access Pass!
This is a pass for those with disabilities to get into National Parks, Monuments and more for FREE!!
You can get it online or at the entrance of a national park!
Share with anyone who also might like this!!
If you like being outside, check out the America the Beautiful Access Pass!
This is a pass for those with disabilities to get into National Parks, Monuments and more for FREE!!
You can get it online or at the entrance of a national park!
Share with anyone who also might like this!!
This is obvs one option of many on how to help yourself through these moments.
But when you’re stuck in negative worrying, don’t forget there can be a positive outcome too!
This is rewiring your brain in action.
You notice you’re doing something you always did,
Then do something different.
And boom! A new pathway is born.
It needs some love and attention to grow,
so keep practicing!
This is obvs one option of many on how to help yourself through these moments.
But when you’re stuck in negative worrying, don’t forget there can be a positive outcome too!
This is rewiring your brain in action.
You notice you’re doing something you always did,
Then do something different.
And boom! A new pathway is born.
It needs some love and attention to grow,
so keep practicing!
This isn’t a you problem, it’s your brain acting as it should.
Are you going through some change and upheaval right now too?
I see you.
Comment any questions on how to deal below and I’ll make a part 2!
This isn’t a you problem, it’s your brain acting as it should.
Are you going through some change and upheaval right now too?
I see you.
Comment any questions on how to deal below and I’ll make a part 2!
We have a new space for my (free) LissMS Healing Community!!
Come on in…
Let me show you around!
This is a space created by an MSer (me), for other MSers (you) to be able to come together and support each other, learn new tools to help manage MS and maybe find a few new internet friends!
Wanna join us?
Comment “community” below and I’ll send you the link!!
We have a new space for my (free) LissMS Healing Community!!
Come on in…
Let me show you around!
This is a space created by an MSer (me), for other MSers (you) to be able to come together and support each other, learn new tools to help manage MS and maybe find a few new internet friends!
Wanna join us?
Comment “community” below and I’ll send you the link!!
There’s so much buzz about everything needing to feel good if it’s right for you.
Sure, there’s a time and a place for alignment.
But, growth often happens in the uncomfortable moments.
Just a reminder.
Keep going.
❤️
There’s so much buzz about everything needing to feel good if it’s right for you.
Sure, there’s a time and a place for alignment.
But, growth often happens in the uncomfortable moments.
Just a reminder.
Keep going.
❤️
Boating! I forgot to add boating to the list 🛶
Regulation is found in the micro moments.
Which of these have you done lately?
Boating! I forgot to add boating to the list 🛶
Regulation is found in the micro moments.
Which of these have you done lately?
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