The MRI
Every two years I go in for an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) reading to monitor the multiple sclerosis. Today was my day to do it so I thought I would share the experience for those who have never had one.
I started by lying down on the table and the nurse having me scoot up until my head was in the right position. She then gave me headphones, placed a Hannibal Lector-type mask over my face, and rolled me in the machine. There's absolutely no room to move. It could be difficult if you're claustrophobic, but I just try to think about other things. With classical music now coming from the headphones, I started to hear the clicks and buzzes from the machine. After about 20 minutes, the nurse rolled me out to give me an injection of gadolinium. I believe this helps in contrasting the images. Then, she rolled me back in for another 20 minutes. That was it.
I hate getting MRIs. I hate waiting for the results. But, I love that science has progressed enough that we can take these images of the brain and use them as a tool in monitoring the disease.
Comments
My name is Dunya and I have been with MS for the past 2 years. I do understand about the MRI. I just had another one done last week. I hate going in there, even though I know it needs to be done. Hope all is well. I am starting to write and sell Ebooks about my "MY MS BLESSING" Check it out if you are interested.
Hope you enjoy!!! Take care and keep up the good work with your site.
Posted by: Dunya | November 13, 2006 03:38 PM
You know, I ALWAYS fall asleep in those things. Like a mother's womb to me I suppose. I suppose it's an acquired taste ... like steak tar-tar and kippered herrings.
Posted by: mdmhvonpa | November 13, 2006 03:53 PM
It is nice that there is MRI now. Unfortunately, it's not very accurate or informative. It's best use is to confirm an MS diagnosis. After that, it's somewhat useless. They are unable to correlate MRI results with clinical symptoms. People with similar MRI results can produce wildly different physical problems. Most of the latest studies suggest that there is damage occuring in what appears to be normal white matter on MRI. This field is growing, but there's a lot of ground still left to make.
Posted by: Allan | November 17, 2006 03:13 PM
Get several copies of your MRIs and other tests on CD! Keep a copy and have an extra one or two for future doctors who will need to follow your progress.
Posted by: patrickm | August 30, 2007 12:41 AM