BS: MRI-anything I should know?

Subject: BS: MRI-anything I should know?
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Oct 06 - 03:43 PM

I am currently in the process of taking an MRI soon...around Labour day I fell off a mate's horse and got knocked unconscious. A catscan showed there was an abnormality in my head...more than my own psychotic thoughts I suppose. A nuerologist Friday confirmed this. He says it appears to be fatty tissue.

Anyway, is there anything I should know before taking an MRI? Anything that a doctor doesn't usually tell you? How long does it normally take? I gather that it is a powerful magnetic field, so I suppose i should take off all jewelry, beforehand. Are there any aftereffects I should know about?

Subject: RE: BS: MRI-anything I should know?
From: Peace
Date: 08 Oct 06 - 03:55 PM

Look here.

Many more sites available with a google of

MRI effects

One i heard about from a friend who underwent a scan was that she fely claustrophobic and 'out of it' while going through the scanner. But there was no lasting effect.

The people doing the scan will ensure that you have no jewelry on, etc. But it's wise to do that before you get there. No point having a steel necklace strangle you.

Subject: RE: BS: MRI-anything I should know?
From: Ebbie
Date: 08 Oct 06 - 04:08 PM

I understand that they routinely give a sedative beforehand to those who are claustrophobic. I think claustrophobia is quite common in people when the head is also inside the tube.

I had it done on one knee once, so most of my body was not inside. In my case the painful part came about because the technician, after cautioning me that if I moved any part of my body while the scan was in process she would have to begin over, she wasn't able to get it to 'set up'. She didn't tell me until almost a literal half hour had gone by. I had thought all the humming and clanking sounds meant that things were going swimmingly. Then she left the room to get a different 'cone'. Of course, she cautioned me not to move while she was gone.

My body was already uncomfortable, almost in pain, at this point and I was looking forward to just 15 more minutes of immobility. (It is surprising how painful it is to hold completely still; evidently we move and adjust position far more often than we're aware of.)

Anyway instead of 45 minutes the process took almost two hours. I was sore the whole next day, which had nothing to do with the MRI itself.

Subject: RE: BS: MRI-anything I should know?
From: Jeri
Date: 08 Oct 06 - 04:14 PM

They'll make you take off any metal, and talk to you about possible metal slivers you might have in your body.

I had 2 MRIs of my head. The worst thing for me was holding still and being bored. The machine is very loud. They gave me ear plugs, and your techs should do so as well, but you may want to ask before you go, so you can bring your own if necessary.

I think my time in the scanner lasted about 20 minutes, but it felt like longer because I was bored and couldn't move. No lasting effects.

Subject: RE: BS: MRI-anything I should know?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 08 Oct 06 - 04:18 PM

Do they fasten your head in place too?

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: MRI-anything I should know?
From: Jeri
Date: 08 Oct 06 - 04:25 PM

I was in a little framed thingie that cradled my head so I wouldn't move. I think I could have gotten out quickly if I'd freaked, but it was comfortable and I'm not claustrophobic. They had a little mirror setup, and looking in the mirror, it was just like there was a big old window in the thing. I could watch the techs, and they could watch my feet. There was quite a bit of talking going on, too - mostly them making sure I was OK and telling me when they were going to start making loud noises.

Subject: RE: BS: MRI-anything I should know?
From: M.Ted
Date: 08 Oct 06 - 04:25 PM

There is a newer technology, called an "Open MRI" that doesn't require the tube enclosure. Ask about it. Also, there are newer technologies, such as SPECTSCAN and PETSCAN, that can pick up damage and abnormalities that MRI misses--

Subject: RE: BS: MRI-anything I should know?
From: Rapparee
Date: 08 Oct 06 - 04:27 PM

I had an MRI of my knee; they braced it with sandbags and told me not to move. "Boring" to gentle a word....

The only side effects were that I erased all my computer disks and credit cards, collected quite an assortment of metallic junk on my kneecap, and was strangely attracted to light poles.   8-)

Subject: RE: BS: MRI-anything I should know?
From: GUEST,Maldenny
Date: 08 Oct 06 - 04:44 PM

Sometimes they play music while you're inside to take your mind off things, they asked me to bring my favourite CD.

Don't be put off by all the banging and clanking - it's meant to happen, it's not going wrong!

Subject: RE: BS: MRI-anything I should know?
From: GUEST,TIA
Date: 08 Oct 06 - 04:47 PM

I am claustrophobic, and have to get regular brain MRI's (no jokes please). I highly recommend a towel over the face so that you can't look up even if you want to. I tried simply keeping my eyes closed, but happened to glance up, and freaked. The mirror thingy didn't fool me either. So, get the towel. They can do it even if your head is in the clamp doohickey. Also, they will probably offer you headphones - TAKE 'EM! With head towelled and music piped right into my head, I now fall asleep. My only chance ever to get a daytime nap. Nice.

Subject: RE: BS: MRI-anything I should know?
From: Bill D
Date: 08 Oct 06 - 05:12 PM

I had to have one a few years ago to figure out what was causing the pain in my arm..(turned out it was a tiny bone spur irritating the nerve in the 3rd vertebrae)

The thing is, you MUST not move, so they will possibly restrict your movements.

It was very painful for me, as the position I needed to be in caused the pain to be worse, and last for long minutes, but the test itself causes no pain. The clanging & pounding noises are disconcerting, but unless you are claustrophobic, it will not be a problem.

Subject: RE: BS: MRI-anything I should know?
From: Divis Sweeney
Date: 08 Oct 06 - 05:25 PM

I have had two MRI's done both for a back condition. You will be fine. Not much room in there ! They will give you headphones to cut out the noise. It sounds like a road drill a couple of streets away. Keep your eyes closed, no peeping please, the lights do a bit of flashing. Mine both lasted about 40 minutes. If I had to go through one in the morning, I would do it no problem.
You will be fine.

Subject: RE: BS: MRI-anything I should know?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 08 Oct 06 - 05:52 PM

I had my head examined a few year ago (not before time I hear you say!), and found it quite claustrophobic. The NHS don't run to such things as headphones, ear plugs or even the towel over the eyes. I'm lead to believe that you're across the pond where I think things are a bit more sociable?

Keeping still was the most difficult bit for me, as soon as they say 'don't move', you want to scratch or twitch...

Try not to worry about it, relax into it, and keep telling yourself it's for your own benefit.

Good luck.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: MRI-anything I should know?
From: Divis Sweeney
Date: 08 Oct 06 - 06:00 PM

Liz your head always seems fine to me, you keep it where as I loose it it a lot !

Yes in the North of Ireland they are fine about it. I agree about the twitching, my nose needed a scratch, rubbed it off the machine as it's only a few inches above you.

Subject: RE: BS: MRI-anything I should know?
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Oct 06 - 06:42 PM

I had two last year before surgery. The first one, at the *big* hospital was not pleasant, mostly because they forgot to give me the right sedative (I am claustrophobic) but they did put on my own CD and talked with me the whole time, plus one of them kept his hand on my lower leg so that I would feel more *connected*. That touch really helped.

The second time was at a smaller, osteopathic hospital. Small, intimate, lots of face-toface, sitdwon time with the doc and techs in charge. Room with a beautiful mural, my own music, soft lights AND the right sedative. It was light night and day between the first and second.If I remember rightly, I was able to bring my own special pillow, though it wasn't my head they were checking.

Advice? Be sure to voice any concerns and demand, if you have to, answers. Would I do it, again, if need be? Absolutely. It was not nearly as scary as I thought, esp. the second one.

We do have a place now which advertises the open ones, but my docs refused to use it, citing accuracy. Personally, I heard through the medical grapevine, the place was being blackballed by the "establishment" for being outside the box.

All the best,

kat

Subject: RE: BS: MRI-anything I should know?
From: Jeri
Date: 08 Oct 06 - 06:42 PM

One of mine was done in an Air Force hospital, and the other in a Veterans' Administration (VA) facility. Nothing fancy. I think they try to make you comfortable because it costs them money if they have to re-do tests. I didn't get any flashing lights, though. I guess it works out - we get hearing protection any you get the light show.

I forgot to mention this - they do some tests, then they usually inject you with something that enhances the results, and do some more tests. No side effects or residual effects from that.

Subject: RE: BS: MRI-anything I should know?
From: GUEST,Kait
Date: 08 Oct 06 - 06:50 PM

I had one just recently on my head, and clausterphobia didn't affect me, but two things every one should know:

1. DON'T WIGGLE!!!!! They just make you do it again and it takes forever.

2. Girls, if you have to have one done, wear a bra with no underwire or clasps and you can keep it on and be more comfortable.

Subject: RE: BS: MRI-anything I should know?
From: Bev and Jerry
Date: 08 Oct 06 - 06:52 PM

Just before you go in, ask how much the test costs. The answer will keep your mind focussed for at least an hour and the test will be over before you raalize it.

Bev and Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: MRI-anything I should know?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 08 Oct 06 - 06:52 PM

Oh, and take the small change out of your pockets!!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: MRI-anything I should know?
From: Don Firth
Date: 08 Oct 06 - 07:58 PM

My sister has had a couple MRIs taken of one of her knees. She was a world-class figure skater back a few decades back, and recently her "landing knee" gives her some trouble from time to time. Other than the usual immobility and general boredom, she says it's no sweat. Not something she'd take up for a hobby, though.

Not that I'm anticipating the necessity, but I have a titanium rod in my left femur. Busted it real bad six and a half years ago. Is the prohibition about metal only for ferrous metals, or all metals? I've been assuming that titanium is not a ferrous metal, but I don't really know. It might be a good idea to know ahead of time, just in case.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: MRI-anything I should know?
From: Bonecruncher
Date: 08 Oct 06 - 08:15 PM

And don't forget to remove all body piercings, especially those which cannot be seen with your clothes on!
Colyn.

Subject: RE: BS: MRI-anything I should know?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Oct 06 - 12:22 AM

MRIs are not bad at all. The imaging tests I don't like are the ones where they inject something or make you drink cup after cup of the contrast stuff. There is one where they have a hypo with a chamber about the size of a Campbell's soup can that at a precise moment in the procedure is injected very quickly, it's quite warm going in, it gives you a really weird sensation, and then a few minutes later you can get dressed and go home.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: MRI-anything I should know?
From: Barry Finn
Date: 09 Oct 06 - 12:35 AM

I've had more than a few, none were upsetting. Sitting still for some one like me isn't easy for 45 minutes but it still wasn't bad, a bit boring though. I have steel in both feet & it never was a problem. The noise isn't really a bother & there were no light shows.

Barry

Subject: RE: BS: MRI-anything I should know?
From: open mike
Date: 09 Oct 06 - 03:10 AM

8i did not realize i was claustrophobic,
but when they started inserting me into
that solid tubular tunnel i could not
take it..so they re-scheduled me for
the open style machine with air openeing
and a sedative and then i made it thru.

there was a nerve in my neck which was
causing tingling, numbness and partial
paralysis in my hand...the noise, the
cost of the procedure and the fear of
not being able to play guitar scared
the feeling right back into my hand!

good luck..and the magnetic resonance--well,
jsut consider it good vibes!!

Subject: RE: BS: MRI-anything I should know?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 09 Oct 06 - 04:18 AM

I guess, reading the posts, it's a personal thing. You don't know how you will react until it happens to you. If you're at all nervous, ask one of the nurses to keep talking to you, even if you can't answer, just hearing that someone else is there is a great reassurance... I was worried that they'd all gone off for their tea break and left me there, semi nekkid, with my head in a magnetic dustbin!

Turns out I do have a brain, it functions very well and sometimes has been known to be inspirational... it's me balance that was all to cock!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: MRI-anything I should know?
From: Mr Red
Date: 09 Oct 06 - 06:45 AM

keep still as possible. I understand there is a faint taste of electricity which comes from movement. Yer gotta breathe though.

Apparently the newest prototypes are more noticeable because the magnet is stronger - I doubt you will see them though.

Subject: RE: BS: MRI-anything I should know?
From: GUEST,Mingulay at work
Date: 09 Oct 06 - 08:21 AM

Patient "So, what's it like Doc?"
Doctor "What, the MRI or the shits?"
Patient "No, the MRI"
Doctor "They say it's very noisy"
Patient "What, the MRI?"
Doctor "No, the shits"

(With apologies to Spike Milligan)

Now had two of the things, and found them noisy and slightly claustrophobic, although own music and angled glasses help.

Subject: RE: BS: MRI-anything I should know?
From: Barry Finn
Date: 09 Oct 06 - 06:45 PM

My dog had to have an MRI done once, she was tipsy on two feet ya know. So, after the MRI the Doc says that there's nothing wrong with the dog. Baffled I asked for a 2nd opinion. The Doc goes & grabs this cat from the other room & says when all else fails I use this cat. She alway knows when there's something wrong with a dog. So the Doc puts the dog back up on the table & the cat walks around the dog a couple times nods at the Doc & the Doc says "see I told you" the cats says the dog's just fine. Satisfied I go home.
A week later I get a bill & it states that I owe $25 + $125 a total of $150 for the procedures. I call up billing right away & complain & ask what were the 2 procedures. They said it's $25 for the MRI & an additional $125 for the CAT Scan.

Barry

Subject: RE: BS: MRI-anything I should know?
From: GUEST,Adrianel
Date: 09 Oct 06 - 10:27 PM

Several years ago, the British Medical Journal published in its Xmas issue a study of several couples having it away inside an MRI machine - very instructive. Think of the possibilities while you're being scanned and you won't be bored. It might help the claustrophobia too.

Subject: RE: BS: MRI-anything I should know?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Oct 06 - 10:30 PM

But they said not to move. . . ;->

Subject: RE: BS: MRI-anything I should know?
From: Amergin
Date: 09 Oct 06 - 11:24 PM

I thank you all for the advice....tomorrow I ring them to schedule....and then go from there.

Subject: RE: BS: MRI-anything I should know?
From: TIA
Date: 10 Oct 06 - 08:58 AM

Only ferrous metals are a problem. I get MRI's despite titanium plate in my head.

Subject: RE: BS: MRI-anything I should know?
From: Donuel
Date: 10 Oct 06 - 04:34 PM

Urban legend ?

A loose fire extinguisher found its way into an MRI machine at 40 mph.

A tray of loose scapels found its way...

Subject: RE: BS: MRI-anything I should know?
From: rock chick
Date: 10 Oct 06 - 09:21 PM

I have had a couple over the years, nothing to it, the radiologist will tell you what you need to do, which is mainly do not move. They won't normally give you any results as the scans have to be read and a report sent to the doctor/consultant. Having said that I have always been told there was nothing to worry about on my scans but I suppose that is down to the radiologist really.

Good luck

Subject: RE: BS: MRI-anything I should know?
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Oct 06 - 10:05 AM

GUEST,Adrianel

Sounds more like an urban legend to me - there is barely (????) enough room and movement ruins the image as well as the taste.

Maybe (for scientific purposes only, of course) mounted, missionary position, smallish people but orgasm - I think unlikely.

The images are, as we speak, forming in my mind.............

Subject: RE: BS: MRI-anything I should know?
From: GUEST,Adrianel
Date: 11 Oct 06 - 08:46 PM

Not an urban legend - bmj.com (I think) is the site, and the past issues are available there. The Xmas issues (nearest issues to 25th Dec.) are always on the humorous side, though still medical. The main subject of the MRI was a trained acrobat (and well-known street performer), but they did get several others, and orgasms were involved.
The other one - unrestrained metal objects (including one that actually killed the poor patient) hurtling into the magnet is also not an urban legend. There is/was a website (sorry, I don't have the URL) with ten or a dozen photos of such objects - mainly chairs, but also an oxygen tank.

Subject: RE: BS: MRI-anything I should know?
From: GUEST,TJ
Date: 11 Oct 06 - 09:16 PM

I had a shoulder MRI back in July and it was an interesting and not unpleasant experience, largely because I had been well prepared for the closeness of the tube (*really* close, with the upper wall a couple inches above my nose) and loud (but they gave me sound-dampening headphones that also offered a choice of music from a couple dozen satellite channels, including a folk channel!). They also gave me a "panic button" to push if I felt are urgent need to come out of the tube at any point, and the technician explained in advance the number of scans they were going to do, and how long each would take, and then gave me updates over the headphones. Not moving, especially not scratching my itching nose, was the toughest part.

MRIs are a wonderful thing... they can provide images of soft tissue that's not very visible in x-rays (like my damaged shoulder tendons) and the inconvenience is, in my opinion, worth it to give your doctors a better view of what's going on inside you. Don't worry about it, and good luck.

Subject: RE: BS: MRI-anything I should know?
From: GUEST,TIA
Date: 11 Oct 06 - 10:25 PM

A local woman here was killed by a wrench inadvertently left in the MRI room.

Subject: RE: BS: MRI-anything I should know?
From: katlaughing
Date: 11 Oct 06 - 11:19 PM

Amergin, you'll do well, I am sure.

Subject: RE: BS: MRI-anything I should know?
From: Mr Red
Date: 12 Oct 06 - 08:46 AM

Well someone had to look....................

Magnetic resonance imaging of male and female genitals during coitus and female sexual arousal .

If you read the table 1/3 the way down the article it says "Movement artefacts" in some cases. Orgasms in others but you have to read it fer yerself.

Subject: RE: BS: MRI-anything I should know?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 12 Oct 06 - 05:15 PM

I found it very soothing and relaxing. But the alternative was being at the office....

Subject: RE: BS: MRI-anything I should know?
From: rich-joy
Date: 12 Oct 06 - 08:09 PM

The worst thing for me, was being forced to endure ENYA played through the headphones - AAARRRRRGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!!



Cheers! R-J

Subject: RE: BS: MRI-anything I should know?
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Oct 06 - 11:24 AM

Heard this last night in a Steven Wright show on Comedy Channel, and thought of you, Amergin:

Next week I'm gonna have an MRI...to find out if I'm claustrophobic!