Eating/Drinking before MRCP

Posted , 2 users are following.

Hi all,

I started having upper right abdo/shoulder pain a while back and GP said it sounded like it could be gallbladder. I also have IBS. He sent me for an ultrasound which showed a slightly fatty liver and not much else but as nothing was obvious he wondered if an MRI would be a good idea. He couldn't order it himself so I was referred to a consultant.

A few months back the consultant rang and said that my gallbladder seemed to have signs of calcification but he wanted an MRCP with contrast to check properly. I got a call last week inviting me for my scan this week (Friday). She went through the usual on the phone with me (metal implants, pregnancy etc), then said I wasn't to eat for 6 hours beforehand but to drink LOTS of water just before the scan.

Everything I have read says no food or any liquid including water for 4-6 hours beforehand at all. I can't find any mention of having to have lots of water. Anyone else been told the same? Is it due to the contrast IV?

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Posted

    Never mind, just did a better google and can see it's often suggested with contrast dye. 😃

  • Posted

    did you ever get any results? or resolution?

    i had an ultra sound and CT scan.

    both revealed gallstones and kidney stones

    i dont fit any of the criteria for gallstones so im not sure how i ended up with them. i am now being referred for possible gallbladder removal due to increasing attacks.

    • Posted

      Hi, so sorry for the delay! Consultant rang not too long after the MRCP and says I have calcifications and thickening of the gallbladder. He says he wants a CT scan to check in more detail and also to look at my small intestine. No mention of gallstones and I don't really get the typical attacks others mention. Anyone can get gallstones from what I know although some groups are at higher risk than others. Having my CT on the 24th.

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