tawnyjade
03-05-2008, 01:56 AM
I just got the call earlier today from the MRI dept. at the hospital in Honolulu with the stronger MRI to set up an appointment. After making the appointment, I asked what the MRI was for. She said "brain". Just brain. No spine or anything else.
What are they looking for?
What should I ask my doctor to include in the MRI? (The neuologist sent a note to my PCP to order the MRI.) The MRI I had done a couple of years ago was of the brain. It was normal. I'd really like to either rule out MS or deal with it proactively.
I mean, if I have to get to the airport, park the car and fly to Oahu, rent a car and then get lost in the horrible traffic, fight for a parking place (if I find the hospital) and then return the rent a car, go through security, etc. to get home, I want to make sure I get the right tests. So that means the entire day is shot as well as at least $200 for plane tickets, etc. (And I ususally like to treat myself to a nice meal while I'm over there because our restarants are the pits here. And a trip to Sam's and Costco)
Thanks you all!
Tawny
What are they looking for?
What should I ask my doctor to include in the MRI? (The neuologist sent a note to my PCP to order the MRI.) The MRI I had done a couple of years ago was of the brain. It was normal. I'd really like to either rule out MS or deal with it proactively.
I mean, if I have to get to the airport, park the car and fly to Oahu, rent a car and then get lost in the horrible traffic, fight for a parking place (if I find the hospital) and then return the rent a car, go through security, etc. to get home, I want to make sure I get the right tests. So that means the entire day is shot as well as at least $200 for plane tickets, etc. (And I ususally like to treat myself to a nice meal while I'm over there because our restarants are the pits here. And a trip to Sam's and Costco)
Thanks you all!
Tawny
Sponsor
limpster
03-05-2008, 09:56 AM
Hi There:D
If you haven't had a brain MRI in the last couple years, docs are probably looking for lesions.
My neurologist has me get an MRI about every 2-3 years to see if there are any new lesions or if the olds ones are active or not.
Take care and keep us posted.:angel:
If you haven't had a brain MRI in the last couple years, docs are probably looking for lesions.
My neurologist has me get an MRI about every 2-3 years to see if there are any new lesions or if the olds ones are active or not.
Take care and keep us posted.:angel:
tawnyjade
03-05-2008, 01:34 PM
Is the brain MRI sufficient? Should I ask for an MRI of anything in particular.
Barbbelle
03-05-2008, 02:00 PM
Hi Tawny!
I take it that you don't have a dx yet. If your brain MRI was normal a few years ago and you are still having problems you probably do need a brain MRI to see what is going on. Do you have a Neurologist? I would explain your situation to the dr (PCP or whoever) and tell them that they need to get it all in one visit to the hospital. They may suggest to get a brain and cervical spine with and without contrast. I am so intrigued by where you must live! It must be paradise. You may want to ask them if they need any other tests while you are there. Hope this helps. Good luck!
barb
I take it that you don't have a dx yet. If your brain MRI was normal a few years ago and you are still having problems you probably do need a brain MRI to see what is going on. Do you have a Neurologist? I would explain your situation to the dr (PCP or whoever) and tell them that they need to get it all in one visit to the hospital. They may suggest to get a brain and cervical spine with and without contrast. I am so intrigued by where you must live! It must be paradise. You may want to ask them if they need any other tests while you are there. Hope this helps. Good luck!
barb
tawnyjade
03-05-2008, 03:33 PM
Thanks, Ladies.
The neurologist sent a note for the PCP to order the MRI. I think something about insurance coverage. No DX yet.
I want to make sure before I call the doctor's office that I know what is important to be included in the MRI. I got the impression from the Neurologist that the MRI a couple of years ago of the brain wasn't the area he wanted to see.
So, brain and C-spine?
Yes it is paradise here, and I am thankful every day that we moved here 7 years ago. I am spoiled living in such a mellow area of the Big Island, and hate the hustle-bustle of Honolulu on Oahu. I always get lost.
The neurologist sent a note for the PCP to order the MRI. I think something about insurance coverage. No DX yet.
I want to make sure before I call the doctor's office that I know what is important to be included in the MRI. I got the impression from the Neurologist that the MRI a couple of years ago of the brain wasn't the area he wanted to see.
So, brain and C-spine?
Yes it is paradise here, and I am thankful every day that we moved here 7 years ago. I am spoiled living in such a mellow area of the Big Island, and hate the hustle-bustle of Honolulu on Oahu. I always get lost.
Barbbelle
03-05-2008, 04:43 PM
The areas where demyelinization can occur are the brain, cervical and thoracic spine. If they do see plaques and give contrast, they can tell if the plaques are active or not. Good luck with this!
MSNik
03-05-2008, 07:41 PM
Tawny, Barbelle is absolutly right, however they usually only MRI the brain first, and then the Cspine if nothing shows up on the brain. Due to your unusual circumstances with having to Island jump, I would defiantely request that they at least do the brain and Cspine at the same time. I had mine done togehter last week, it took about 2 hours to do both, but it was worth not having to go back to do it again! (By the way my MRIs showed stability, something,in my case, to be very thankful for).
Try to see if they can get them both approved, but if they cant, and they only ordered the brain, try at least to find out if it was ordered with and without contrast....having the contrast can make a difference. If there is anything "brewing' up there, it will pick it up, whereas without contrast, its a possiblity that they might miss things which are actually starting to show up.
hang tough (or is it ten?;)) and relax....nothing horrible will happen if you cant get more than the brain done...get that great meal...do some shopping and enjoy your day...
Nikki
Try to see if they can get them both approved, but if they cant, and they only ordered the brain, try at least to find out if it was ordered with and without contrast....having the contrast can make a difference. If there is anything "brewing' up there, it will pick it up, whereas without contrast, its a possiblity that they might miss things which are actually starting to show up.
hang tough (or is it ten?;)) and relax....nothing horrible will happen if you cant get more than the brain done...get that great meal...do some shopping and enjoy your day...
Nikki
tawnyjade
03-06-2008, 10:48 AM
Mahalo (Thanks!) Nikki.
I'm so glad for your MRIs showing stability. Good news is always good!
I have an appointment with the rheumatologist (he flies over once a month from Honolulu) this morning in the same building as my PCP. I'll go by her (PCP) office after my appointment and see if I can talk with the nurse about adding both the c-spine and t-spine with and with out contrast. If I can only get one added, should it be the c-spine?
Does it make a difference if when they do the MRI you are feeling well, or would it show more on a bad day? Or, are lesions there regardless of how healthy or horrible you are feeling at the time? (I have been feeling much less rotten for the past couple of months. I do have days that I just can't do much of anything where walking across the room takes so much effort, and the pains I get around the ribs are still excruciating, but don't last long.)
My mom is coming over from Florida for about 2 weeks. She gets in tonight. My dad just got a ticket and is coming on Sunday. So, I'm going to take full advantage of the situation and schedule my MRI for when they leave Hilo on the 17th to go back home. I'll fly over to Honolulu with them and spend one or two nights there. I'll get my MRI and maybe even see the Neurologist the next day to review with him. And get a few good meals. And some shopping!:cool:
Hang loose!
Tawny
I'm so glad for your MRIs showing stability. Good news is always good!
I have an appointment with the rheumatologist (he flies over once a month from Honolulu) this morning in the same building as my PCP. I'll go by her (PCP) office after my appointment and see if I can talk with the nurse about adding both the c-spine and t-spine with and with out contrast. If I can only get one added, should it be the c-spine?
Does it make a difference if when they do the MRI you are feeling well, or would it show more on a bad day? Or, are lesions there regardless of how healthy or horrible you are feeling at the time? (I have been feeling much less rotten for the past couple of months. I do have days that I just can't do much of anything where walking across the room takes so much effort, and the pains I get around the ribs are still excruciating, but don't last long.)
My mom is coming over from Florida for about 2 weeks. She gets in tonight. My dad just got a ticket and is coming on Sunday. So, I'm going to take full advantage of the situation and schedule my MRI for when they leave Hilo on the 17th to go back home. I'll fly over to Honolulu with them and spend one or two nights there. I'll get my MRI and maybe even see the Neurologist the next day to review with him. And get a few good meals. And some shopping!:cool:
Hang loose!
Tawny
MSNik
03-06-2008, 08:29 PM
Tawny, am I allowed to be jealous? That seems to trite, but honestly, the idea of flying over to the big island for a day or two sounds too good to be true. Having "done" Hawaii several times, my favorite island is Khauii, but I also adore Maui...
Anyway, youre in good hands- and you seem to have things under control.
If you have a choice of one over the other- go for the Cspine...more lesions are known to show there, then anywhere else; however its still the Brain which will have the highest chance of showing lesions...ok?
as for whether or not feeling good will be detrimental...not really. Its always good to have an MRI when symptoms are flaring because when done with contrast, those new lesions will GLOW and point the doctor towards why you are having symtoms...BUT if they were happening a few months ago, and have evened out by now, the scar tissue (thats what lesions are) will still show up on an MRI with or without contrast...unless they are so tiny that the MRI machine doesnt pick them up this round...if you have a normal amount of lesions or very few, anything new is going to show up..I say that with a chuckle. I have over 50 lesions on my brain and my Neuro stopped counting a few months ago..however, what he does look for when I have my MRIs done is anything which shows up with contrast (nothing has in the past year) and he also ALWAYS checks my last MRI with the most recent side by side looking for things to "jump out at him" as being new..
youll be okay, and its really good that you are having this done. It cant hurt you.
let us know what happens...have fun with your family!
Hugs
Nikki
Anyway, youre in good hands- and you seem to have things under control.
If you have a choice of one over the other- go for the Cspine...more lesions are known to show there, then anywhere else; however its still the Brain which will have the highest chance of showing lesions...ok?
as for whether or not feeling good will be detrimental...not really. Its always good to have an MRI when symptoms are flaring because when done with contrast, those new lesions will GLOW and point the doctor towards why you are having symtoms...BUT if they were happening a few months ago, and have evened out by now, the scar tissue (thats what lesions are) will still show up on an MRI with or without contrast...unless they are so tiny that the MRI machine doesnt pick them up this round...if you have a normal amount of lesions or very few, anything new is going to show up..I say that with a chuckle. I have over 50 lesions on my brain and my Neuro stopped counting a few months ago..however, what he does look for when I have my MRIs done is anything which shows up with contrast (nothing has in the past year) and he also ALWAYS checks my last MRI with the most recent side by side looking for things to "jump out at him" as being new..
youll be okay, and its really good that you are having this done. It cant hurt you.
let us know what happens...have fun with your family!
Hugs
Nikki
tawnyjade
03-06-2008, 09:12 PM
Hi there!
I got my PCP to order the c-spine as well as the brain, w/ and w/out contrast in the stronger MRI machine.
The rheumatologist was telling me this morning that my sx seem neurological. Geepers, I think I've been saying that for awhile now! He wants to see me after my MRI in Honolulu. I also will try to see the neurologist and have him go over the MRI results before flying back to Hilo. Are there any tests I should ask about while I am with him, if the MRI looks clear?
Anyways, I'll at least get the MRI, and we'll take it from there.
Tawny
I got my PCP to order the c-spine as well as the brain, w/ and w/out contrast in the stronger MRI machine.
The rheumatologist was telling me this morning that my sx seem neurological. Geepers, I think I've been saying that for awhile now! He wants to see me after my MRI in Honolulu. I also will try to see the neurologist and have him go over the MRI results before flying back to Hilo. Are there any tests I should ask about while I am with him, if the MRI looks clear?
Anyways, I'll at least get the MRI, and we'll take it from there.
Tawny
tawnyjade
03-06-2008, 09:32 PM
Oh, and Nikki, yes, you may be jealous! I am so lucky (and thankful) to live where I do!
Thanks so much for the info and the support. You are welcome to come visit any time!
Thanks so much for the info and the support. You are welcome to come visit any time!