hilery79
02-29-2004, 11:58 AM
Hi,
I will be having an MRI tomorrow and I had a couple questions. The MRI is of my brain and cervical spine-about how long will I actually be in the scanner? I am a little claustrorphobic, so I'm a bit nervous about it. Also, I have a permanant metal retainer on my bottom teeth. I was just wondering how this would effect the results. My Dr. said it might cause some blurring of the images, but since the metal is in my mouth would it effect the view of my brain/neck?
Thanks in advance for any replys.
Hilery
I will be having an MRI tomorrow and I had a couple questions. The MRI is of my brain and cervical spine-about how long will I actually be in the scanner? I am a little claustrorphobic, so I'm a bit nervous about it. Also, I have a permanant metal retainer on my bottom teeth. I was just wondering how this would effect the results. My Dr. said it might cause some blurring of the images, but since the metal is in my mouth would it effect the view of my brain/neck?
Thanks in advance for any replys.
Hilery
Sponsor
luvmyboys
02-29-2004, 01:57 PM
I had the exact same mri that you are having about a year and a half ago. It wasn't that bad. I had contrast solution with mine in an IV in my arm so I was more nervous about that. The test takes maybe half an hour. At mine they offer to play music for me, but I decided no. It is a very noisy machine with lots of clunking and grinding noises. They said that's what it's supposed to do. They put things over your ears and what resembles a catcher's mask over your face. It's important to lay as still as possible when they say to (usually when the machine is making noise). It's hard to move anyway with all that stuff on your head. There is a squeeze bulb panic button that you hold on to also so if there's a problem you squeeze it and they can talk to you through a microphone and get you out right away. Don't worry though. It's the easiest test I've ever had to have done and I've had a lot of those digestive tests. Just relax and take deep breaths. Close your eyes and think about good things.
hilery79
02-29-2004, 02:47 PM
I had the exact same mri that you are having about a year and a half ago. It wasn't that bad. I had contrast solution with mine in an IV in my arm so I was more nervous about that. The test takes maybe half an hour. At mine they offer to play music for me, but I decided no. It is a very noisy machine with lots of clunking and grinding noises. They said that's what it's supposed to do. They put things over your ears and what resembles a catcher's mask over your face. It's important to lay as still as possible when they say to (usually when the machine is making noise). It's hard to move anyway with all that stuff on your head. There is a squeeze bulb panic button that you hold on to also so if there's a problem you squeeze it and they can talk to you through a microphone and get you out right away. Don't worry though. It's the easiest test I've ever had to have done and I've had a lot of those digestive tests. Just relax and take deep breaths. Close your eyes and think about good things.
Hi,
Thank you so much for your reply. I will also be having it done with contrast, but I've had just about every ounce of blood drawn out of me over the past 6 months so needles don't bother me too much anymore. :)
I was worried because they told me I would be there for about 2 hours. I'm glad to know the actual scan will only take a half an hour or so. I feel better knowing what to expect.
Thanks again,
Hilery
Hi,
Thank you so much for your reply. I will also be having it done with contrast, but I've had just about every ounce of blood drawn out of me over the past 6 months so needles don't bother me too much anymore. :)
I was worried because they told me I would be there for about 2 hours. I'm glad to know the actual scan will only take a half an hour or so. I feel better knowing what to expect.
Thanks again,
Hilery
luvmyboys
02-29-2004, 03:14 PM
I hope I didn't give any wrong information to you. I know I wasn't there for two hours though. There are several questions to answer and forms to sign and fill out ahead of time, but I know the test is in segments like they'll say this portion will take 2 minutes. Then it will stop and then they'll say something like this is the longest segment and will take 10 minutes, etc. These are just examples. I know my total time on the table couldn't have been over 30 to 45 minutes. And it's not scanning the whole time. Needles don't bother me either, but usually what they put in the IV that makes me nervous. I've had lots of IV's with hospitalizations and GI tests. I didn't have any problems with the contrast dye though. A little bit of warmth in my arm was all. Good luck. I hope everything turns out okay for you.
hilery79
02-29-2004, 03:33 PM
Thanks so much for your help! I really appreciate it.
Hopefully I'll get some answers with the results of the MRI.
hilery
Hopefully I'll get some answers with the results of the MRI.
hilery
willow42
02-29-2004, 09:54 PM
hilery79~
I had an MRA & MRI with contrast this past week. I was in the Dr.'s office for 2 1/2 hours, but only in the machine for a little over an hour (not continuously-only about 20-30 min at a time). The machine does make quite a bit of noise. They played music, which was rather soothing..actually, very soothing...I fell asleep for a little while...Just keep your eyes closed & try to relax. The needle used for the injection was really small. It's not that bad. The time sort of flew by for me. Good Luck!!!
I had an MRA & MRI with contrast this past week. I was in the Dr.'s office for 2 1/2 hours, but only in the machine for a little over an hour (not continuously-only about 20-30 min at a time). The machine does make quite a bit of noise. They played music, which was rather soothing..actually, very soothing...I fell asleep for a little while...Just keep your eyes closed & try to relax. The needle used for the injection was really small. It's not that bad. The time sort of flew by for me. Good Luck!!!
hilery79
02-29-2004, 10:18 PM
hilery79~
I had an MRA & MRI with contrast this past week. I was in the Dr.'s office for 2 1/2 hours, but only in the machine for a little over an hour (not continuously-only about 20-30 min at a time). The machine does make quite a bit of noise. They played music, which was rather soothing..actually, very soothing...I fell asleep for a little while...Just keep your eyes closed & try to relax. The needle used for the injection was really small. It's not that bad. The time sort of flew by for me. Good Luck!!!
Hi,
Thanks for your reply. What exactly is an MRA? I remember my Dr. mentioning this, but he decided on just the MRI for now.
Ashlyn
I had an MRA & MRI with contrast this past week. I was in the Dr.'s office for 2 1/2 hours, but only in the machine for a little over an hour (not continuously-only about 20-30 min at a time). The machine does make quite a bit of noise. They played music, which was rather soothing..actually, very soothing...I fell asleep for a little while...Just keep your eyes closed & try to relax. The needle used for the injection was really small. It's not that bad. The time sort of flew by for me. Good Luck!!!
Hi,
Thanks for your reply. What exactly is an MRA? I remember my Dr. mentioning this, but he decided on just the MRI for now.
Ashlyn
injured betty
02-29-2004, 10:32 PM
Hi,
Thanks for your reply. What exactly is an MRA? I remember my Dr. mentioning this, but he decided on just the MRI for now.
Ashlyn
They are going to put you in this machine that is like a tunnel. They do offer music but if I were you I would take headsets and have my own music. I have done it twice. They music they have is easy listening. It doesn't come close to drowning out the sounds of the MRI. (magnetic resonance imaging)
You might want to go to http://www.cis.rit.edu/htbooks/mri/inside.htm (http://) and read about it from one of the guys who won a Nobel prize in this area. I found Chapter 13 to be very helpful reading before going in.
It can be a very intimidating experience, but the only discomfort that I felt was being on my back for so long and the music that they picked. Well, that and my co-pay :(
Good luck,
Thanks for your reply. What exactly is an MRA? I remember my Dr. mentioning this, but he decided on just the MRI for now.
Ashlyn
They are going to put you in this machine that is like a tunnel. They do offer music but if I were you I would take headsets and have my own music. I have done it twice. They music they have is easy listening. It doesn't come close to drowning out the sounds of the MRI. (magnetic resonance imaging)
You might want to go to http://www.cis.rit.edu/htbooks/mri/inside.htm (http://) and read about it from one of the guys who won a Nobel prize in this area. I found Chapter 13 to be very helpful reading before going in.
It can be a very intimidating experience, but the only discomfort that I felt was being on my back for so long and the music that they picked. Well, that and my co-pay :(
Good luck,
willow42
03-01-2004, 10:44 PM
Hey, hillery79~
How'd it go today?! Hope all is well. The MRA you asked about is a Magnetic Resonance Angiography. It's an MRI of the arteries. Same deal as the MRI, but they use a different "bird cage".
How'd it go today?! Hope all is well. The MRA you asked about is a Magnetic Resonance Angiography. It's an MRI of the arteries. Same deal as the MRI, but they use a different "bird cage".
hilery79
03-02-2004, 12:09 AM
Hey, hillery79~
How'd it go today?! Hope all is well. The MRA you asked about is a Magnetic Resonance Angiography. It's an MRI of the arteries. Same deal as the MRI, but they use a different "bird cage".
Hi,
Thanks for asking. :) It went a lot better than I thought it would. I got a little anxious toward the end, but overall it wasn't too bad. I will see my Neurologist on Fri., so hopefully I will get some answers.
Do you know if a regular MRI would show a blocked artery or clot? This is one of the things I was concerned about.
How'd it go today?! Hope all is well. The MRA you asked about is a Magnetic Resonance Angiography. It's an MRI of the arteries. Same deal as the MRI, but they use a different "bird cage".
Hi,
Thanks for asking. :) It went a lot better than I thought it would. I got a little anxious toward the end, but overall it wasn't too bad. I will see my Neurologist on Fri., so hopefully I will get some answers.
Do you know if a regular MRI would show a blocked artery or clot? This is one of the things I was concerned about.
upshutter17
03-02-2004, 02:04 AM
MRIs are really neat. A clot usually I know drs request an Ultrasound. A DVT (Clot) usually means pain and swelling of the legs or arms (whichever extremity it's on). MRAs are angios...invasive....pretty much any angio is. MRAs take a little longer...something like 80 minutes instead of the usual MRI approximate 40 minutes. Were you really claustraphobic in there? A lot of people need to be sedated before they have an MRI. Some MRIs have a little mirror so you could actually see the techs in action....but a lot of people close their eyes tight! Well, hope the MRI went well. Have a nice day!
Upshutter
Upshutter
luvmyboys
03-02-2004, 12:42 PM
Hi,
Thanks for asking. :) It went a lot better than I thought it would. I got a little anxious toward the end, but overall it wasn't too bad. I will see my Neurologist on Fri., so hopefully I will get some answers.
Do you know if a regular MRI would show a blocked artery or clot? This is one of the things I was concerned about.
I'm glad things went okay for you. When I had my MRI's, they were of my c-spine, neck and head and carotid arteries, so I would think they would show blocked arteries to some extent.
Thanks for asking. :) It went a lot better than I thought it would. I got a little anxious toward the end, but overall it wasn't too bad. I will see my Neurologist on Fri., so hopefully I will get some answers.
Do you know if a regular MRI would show a blocked artery or clot? This is one of the things I was concerned about.
I'm glad things went okay for you. When I had my MRI's, they were of my c-spine, neck and head and carotid arteries, so I would think they would show blocked arteries to some extent.
hilery79
03-02-2004, 03:51 PM
Thanks for the replys upshutter and luvmyboys. :) Upshutter, I haven't seen you on the panic board in awhile-how are you doing?
luvmyboys,
Since, my MRI was of my brain and cervical spine, would the images show my entire neck or just c-spine? I assumed that it would be of my entire neck, but I wasn't sure. I have some symptoms of poor circulation to my head(fainting, facial/scalp numbness, constantly lightheaded), so I'm hoping they will be able to see if there is a blockage or something.
Thanks again,
Hilery
luvmyboys,
Since, my MRI was of my brain and cervical spine, would the images show my entire neck or just c-spine? I assumed that it would be of my entire neck, but I wasn't sure. I have some symptoms of poor circulation to my head(fainting, facial/scalp numbness, constantly lightheaded), so I'm hoping they will be able to see if there is a blockage or something.
Thanks again,
Hilery
luvmyboys
03-02-2004, 04:41 PM
Since, my MRI was of my brain and cervical spine, would the images show my entire neck or just c-spine? I assumed that it would be of my entire neck, but I wasn't sure. I have some symptoms of poor circulation to my head(fainting, facial/scalp numbness, constantly lightheaded), so I'm hoping they will be able to see if there is a blockage or something.
Thanks again,
Hilery
I would think as long as the doctor knew those symptoms that he/she ordered the test they thought would be best for you. I know mine were done at two different times. I don't remember which one was done first. I had had a really bad headache where I couldn't walk a straight line and felt as if I was getting slammed in the forehead with awful waves of dizziness. My left eye also went very blurry for about 3 days. I kept bumping into the wall. I went to the ER and of course they gave me a shot of nubain and an antinausea medication. The doctor ordered an MRI and then had me see a neurologist. He thought I had a stroke. I am only 34 years old, but was on a birth control pill. So, the neurologist also ordered an MRI of whatever didn't get done the first time. Everything came back normal so they figured it was the birth control pills and diagnosed as migraines. They thing the blurred vision was from the nubain because that didn't start until after that shot. Funny thing is I am still getting the migraines though no wall bumping dizziness and I had to stop taking the pill. I still get lightheaded sometimes, but it was a scary thing to go through. The nubain also caused vomitting despite the anti-nausea medicine. Demerol does the same thing to me.
Thanks again,
Hilery
I would think as long as the doctor knew those symptoms that he/she ordered the test they thought would be best for you. I know mine were done at two different times. I don't remember which one was done first. I had had a really bad headache where I couldn't walk a straight line and felt as if I was getting slammed in the forehead with awful waves of dizziness. My left eye also went very blurry for about 3 days. I kept bumping into the wall. I went to the ER and of course they gave me a shot of nubain and an antinausea medication. The doctor ordered an MRI and then had me see a neurologist. He thought I had a stroke. I am only 34 years old, but was on a birth control pill. So, the neurologist also ordered an MRI of whatever didn't get done the first time. Everything came back normal so they figured it was the birth control pills and diagnosed as migraines. They thing the blurred vision was from the nubain because that didn't start until after that shot. Funny thing is I am still getting the migraines though no wall bumping dizziness and I had to stop taking the pill. I still get lightheaded sometimes, but it was a scary thing to go through. The nubain also caused vomitting despite the anti-nausea medicine. Demerol does the same thing to me.
upshutter17
03-02-2004, 10:44 PM
Hey Hilery79, I haven't been around in a long time. I had to deal with my panic one on one/face to face. I've also had a lot of drs appointments for my knee..and school to deal with. So I'm back now! I'm feeling better now!
C spine is your neck. The farthest it would stem to is like the beginning of your back/right before it. Because then it begins your thoracic spine, then your lumbar spine (lower back). I'm not sure whether it shows a clot...I would think for some extent, but I have known doctors to use other scans to see clots. I'm glad your MRI went well. How have you been??? I haven't been around to read. :)
Upshutter
C spine is your neck. The farthest it would stem to is like the beginning of your back/right before it. Because then it begins your thoracic spine, then your lumbar spine (lower back). I'm not sure whether it shows a clot...I would think for some extent, but I have known doctors to use other scans to see clots. I'm glad your MRI went well. How have you been??? I haven't been around to read. :)
Upshutter
hilery79
03-02-2004, 11:27 PM
Hey Hilery79, I haven't been around in a long time. I had to deal with my panic one on one/face to face. I've also had a lot of drs appointments for my knee..and school to deal with. So I'm back now! I'm feeling better now!
C spine is your neck. The farthest it would stem to is like the beginning of your back/right before it. Because then it begins your thoracic spine, then your lumbar spine (lower back). I'm not sure whether it shows a clot...I would think for some extent, but I have known doctors to use other scans to see clots. I'm glad your MRI went well. How have you been??? I haven't been around to read. :)
Upshutter
It's good to see you back and I'm glad you're feeling better. :)
I am also doing better with my panic disorder. I hardly ever have panic attacks anymore. But, I've realized that all of my symptoms that my GP kept blaming on anxiety are more than just anxiety. I've also been seeing many Dr.'s to rule out different disorders. The Neuro is pretty much my last resort, so I'm really hoping I get some answers.
Take care, Hilery
C spine is your neck. The farthest it would stem to is like the beginning of your back/right before it. Because then it begins your thoracic spine, then your lumbar spine (lower back). I'm not sure whether it shows a clot...I would think for some extent, but I have known doctors to use other scans to see clots. I'm glad your MRI went well. How have you been??? I haven't been around to read. :)
Upshutter
It's good to see you back and I'm glad you're feeling better. :)
I am also doing better with my panic disorder. I hardly ever have panic attacks anymore. But, I've realized that all of my symptoms that my GP kept blaming on anxiety are more than just anxiety. I've also been seeing many Dr.'s to rule out different disorders. The Neuro is pretty much my last resort, so I'm really hoping I get some answers.
Take care, Hilery
upshutter17
03-04-2004, 02:46 AM
I really hope you will find what's wrong. Never give up...no matter how many times you think you failed. Never give up hope, because it WILL get better. If the neuro thing "fails" don't stop there. Whatever you do, don't give up hope. I did a while back, and that's when it all just fell apart. It took a lot to get me going again. If there's anything that you take from my posts or from me, let it be this: Never give up hope, never lose faith in yourself, if you believe in yourself then how can anyone else not? Also, if you fall down, you have to get back up again. I regret losing hope and myself...but now I can make the most of my time and myself. Keep hope alive. Take care and let me know what happens.
Upshutter
Upshutter
hilery79
03-04-2004, 02:33 PM
I really hope you will find what's wrong. Never give up...no matter how many times you think you failed. Never give up hope, because it WILL get better. If the neuro thing "fails" don't stop there. Whatever you do, don't give up hope. I did a while back, and that's when it all just fell apart. It took a lot to get me going again. If there's anything that you take from my posts or from me, let it be this: Never give up hope, never lose faith in yourself, if you believe in yourself then how can anyone else not? Also, if you fall down, you have to get back up again. I regret losing hope and myself...but now I can make the most of my time and myself. Keep hope alive. Take care and let me know what happens.
Upshutter
Hi Upshutter,
Thank you for your words of encouragment. :) Hopefully, I will get some answers tomorrow, but if I don't I'll keep trying. I'll keep you posted.
Hilery
Upshutter
Hi Upshutter,
Thank you for your words of encouragment. :) Hopefully, I will get some answers tomorrow, but if I don't I'll keep trying. I'll keep you posted.
Hilery
upshutter17
03-05-2004, 12:13 AM
:bouncing: Thanks.
Upshutter
Upshutter
hilery79
03-05-2004, 04:54 PM
I had my appt. with my Neuro this morning and my MRI turned out normal. I guess it's good to know there is nothing serious, but I was really hoping for an explanation of my symptoms. Next, I will be having an EEG(because of my fainting spells) and a nerve conduction study. He also prescribed Neurotin for my headaches and tingling.
Thanks to everyone for your help,
Hilery
Thanks to everyone for your help,
Hilery
upshutter17
03-05-2004, 10:30 PM
What type of EEG are you having? Those are really neat exams! What other exams have you had?
Upshutter
Upshutter
injured betty
03-05-2004, 11:09 PM
I had my appt. with my Neuro this morning and my MRI turned out normal. I guess it's good to know there is nothing serious, but I was really hoping for an explanation of my symptoms. Next, I will be having an EEG(because of my fainting spells) and a nerve conduction study. He also prescribed Neurotin for my headaches and tingling.
Thanks to everyone for your help,
Hilery
When you start the Neurotin make sure that you have someone to stay with you the first day. It can be a little tricky the first few days :)
Thanks to everyone for your help,
Hilery
When you start the Neurotin make sure that you have someone to stay with you the first day. It can be a little tricky the first few days :)
hilery79
03-05-2004, 11:32 PM
What type of EEG are you having? Those are really neat exams! What other exams have you had?
Upshutter
Hi Upshutter,
I'm not sure what type of EEG I'll be having. I didn't know there were different types. They said I would need to get up at 1 am so I would be able to sleep for part of the test.
As for the other tests I've had....let's see if I can remember them all :)...I've had cardiac tests including several ekg's, an echo, and holter tests...I've had a chest CT scan, brain CT scan, lots of labs, urinalysis, x-rays of my spine, and now the brain and c-spine MRI. I'm sure there's probably more I'm not thinking of. :)
Have a good weekend!
Hilery
Upshutter
Hi Upshutter,
I'm not sure what type of EEG I'll be having. I didn't know there were different types. They said I would need to get up at 1 am so I would be able to sleep for part of the test.
As for the other tests I've had....let's see if I can remember them all :)...I've had cardiac tests including several ekg's, an echo, and holter tests...I've had a chest CT scan, brain CT scan, lots of labs, urinalysis, x-rays of my spine, and now the brain and c-spine MRI. I'm sure there's probably more I'm not thinking of. :)
Have a good weekend!
Hilery
hilery79
03-05-2004, 11:38 PM
When you start the Neurotin make sure that you have someone to stay with you the first day. It can be a little tricky the first few days :)
Hi,
Thanks for the advice. :) I'm a little leery of starting this med. My Dr. said I might feel a little drowsy at first. He has me starting out at 100mg 3 times a day and then gradually moving up to 300mg 3 times a day. I'm hoping for as little side effects as possible. I've never had much luck starting new meds. :)
Have a good weekend!
hilery
Hi,
Thanks for the advice. :) I'm a little leery of starting this med. My Dr. said I might feel a little drowsy at first. He has me starting out at 100mg 3 times a day and then gradually moving up to 300mg 3 times a day. I'm hoping for as little side effects as possible. I've never had much luck starting new meds. :)
Have a good weekend!
hilery
injured betty
03-05-2004, 11:41 PM
Hi,
Thanks for the advice. :) I'm a little leery of starting this med. My Dr. said I might feel a little drowsy at first. He has me starting out at 100mg 3 times a day and then gradually moving up to 300mg 3 times a day. I'm hoping for as little side effects as possible. I've never had much luck starting new meds. :)
Have a good weekend!
hilery
This is one of those drugs where you build up to the desired dose over days and then *never* stop taking them all at once. Brain fog is a very common reaction to this drug. You might reseach this drug on the net before taking it. Drowsy, I think is an understatement.
:)
Thanks for the advice. :) I'm a little leery of starting this med. My Dr. said I might feel a little drowsy at first. He has me starting out at 100mg 3 times a day and then gradually moving up to 300mg 3 times a day. I'm hoping for as little side effects as possible. I've never had much luck starting new meds. :)
Have a good weekend!
hilery
This is one of those drugs where you build up to the desired dose over days and then *never* stop taking them all at once. Brain fog is a very common reaction to this drug. You might reseach this drug on the net before taking it. Drowsy, I think is an understatement.
:)
hilery79
03-05-2004, 11:52 PM
Maybe I'll hold off on starting it. I have some family coming down this weekend and I don't want to be "out of it" while they're here. :) I'll definatly do some research on this med before I start taking it. Thanks for the warning. :)
Hilery
Hilery
upshutter17
03-06-2004, 04:41 PM
Sounds like you're having an all night/split study. There are several types of EEGs. Wear your pjs and bring a pillow :) . Meds can get realy tricky. You're introducing a foreign material into your body. That's why we have side effects, withdrawls, and reactions. I agree with doing some massive research on this med first. Keep us posted.
:wave: Upshutter
:wave: Upshutter