MRI question - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

nellie99 · 07-31-2004, 01:34 PM

I have an MRI on Monday, and I was just wondering, typically, how long it takes to get the results back. I'm not really worried about having anything show up, but as long as I have to have it done, I guess I'd be curious to know the results. I HATE all this medical junk!

Jewel2 · 07-31-2004, 04:58 PM

Hi Nellie,
It all depends on the radiologist who will read them. Most of the time it takes less than a week for them to get a report to your doctor. I always request an actual copy of the report rather than just relying on my doctor's interpretation.

Hope they turn out fine!

Julie

nellie99 · 07-31-2004, 11:42 PM

Jewel2,
Thanks for the quick response. I have been having a few odd things for a year now, but I never went to the doctor - not big on the medical scene! I had to go in because of pain around my gallbladder, and I just got to talking to my doctor about this other stuff going on. I am really not worried about MS because it really doesn't seem like the problems everyone else has gone through. Actually, my ailments seem trivial after reading this board.

It started last summer with my right arm not doing what I wanted it to do. It was very noticeable when I'd play catch or darts with my sons. It didn't happen all the time, but it was very embarassing. I also tend to drop things when I am holding them with my right hand. This also doesn't happen all the time, but it happens enough to be noticed. I have also had some balance problems here and there. Again, nothing that happens on a regular basis, but it's embarassing when it happens. Now, for the past month, I have had very painful muscles, and they are extremely stiff. I stood on the plane when coming from Italy because I couldn't stand the pain. It seems like it gets worse when I'm sitting, but then if I stand, the muscles in my back become intolerable. I also have had these bright spots in my eyes like when you close your eyes real tight for awhile and then open them. They just come on all of a sudden and then they are gone. Personally, I think everything has to do with poor circulation, but my doctor insisted on having an MRI done.

Sorry to bore you with this. Just gabby tonight, I guess. At any rate, I have my MRI Monday, and my gallbladder function test Thursday. Fun week ahead!!!!!!!

Thanks again for providing the info.

Jewel2 · 07-31-2004, 11:53 PM

Hi Nellie,
Ooh. I just had my gallbladder removed in January. I feel so much better with it gone, but the first 2 days after the surgery were painful. I hope yours is fine!

Your symptoms could be MS, but they could be lots of other things as well. An MRI is a good place to start. Did your doctor order them with and without contrast? The contrast allows them to better see any active lesions. Do you know what part of your spine they'll be filming?

I'm going to bump up a thread about an MS mimicker called Chiari. Read through it and see what you think. Your symptoms fit that as well. But again, at this stage they fit a lot of things.

Take care,
Julie

nellie99 · 08-01-2004, 05:48 PM

Jewel2,
I don't recall my doctor saying anything about contrast or about looking at my spine. All he said is that I have an MRI of the head tomorrow. I really didn't ask anything about it. Live and learn, I guess:-)