MRI issues
 

I had an MRI of my brain this morning. I had quite a few problems with it. I am going to give a list:

1. Lower back started to spasm
2. Ears hurting
3. Head tingling
4. My stomach area felt like my insides were shifting
5. Pain at the base of my skull when it was over
6. So loud that it drowned out the music that they were piping in
7. Right hand going numb numerous times

They just let me lay in there crying after I stated that I wasn't doing well. They didn't even offer me something to help.

The MRI was of my brain to see if I have epilepsy and if so, what the cause of it is. I also have been really irritable since this happened.

I'm sorry you have such a stressful experience.

An MRI can be a very stressful event, especially if it is your first. The stress and strain to lay perfectly still combined with the noise can cause a lot of anxiety. Then there is the claustrophobic aspect. I just had one 5 weeks ago.

At mine, they offered a knee pillow so my back was less strained. It was worth it. First time I had a knee pillow in 6 MRI's.

I can understand why they did not offer any help. First, the tech is not allowed to interact with the patient in a medical way. Second, there is not much they can do but let you rest and recover.

Now, it is time for the wait to see. My report was available that afternoon but I was not apprised of the results for 2 weeks. The images were sent to the Cleveland Clinic for review in my case. They are supposed to be very good at interpreting MRI's.

I hope you can find a way to rest and relax and resolve the discomfort. Moving around will probably be good.

My best to you.

I did have the knee pillow and it was a medical assistant that I was asking for assistance. She was injecting me with the contrast, which has left a very nasty looking bruise. The tech was very kind. I just have a bad disc in my lower back so being in one position for more than 5 minutes, unless I am sitting, my back starts to spasm. I found out that they do have an open MRI that also is upright. I will just have to insist on that one next time.

The good news is that they gave me a CD that I am going to be able to see with my neurologist on Friday. I am very interested to see what my brain looks like.

An open MRI does not have the fine resolution to image the tiny issues in the brain. They are great for abdominal issues.

The med assistance needs to get retrained. There is no excuse for bruising. It is poor technique. Most med assistants have very limited skill and knowledge sets.

I had a contrast injection done by the tech and went out like a light. Scared the tech. We were alone in a semi-trailer that housed the equipment so she had no back-up. She was about to call a code when I started to come to.

I would have enjoyed having the contrast knocking me out. They did offer sedation but I told them I didn't think that I would need it. I now know differently. It is either that or ask for a chill pill from whomever wants me to have the MRI.

I wish that they were more like CT scans. Those are way more quiet and faster.

CT Scans do not image the fine things well. There are PET and SPECT imaging systems that can image some issues. They are quiet like a CT Scan. They utilize an injection that acts like a contrast. They can image the metabolic processes in the brain and other issues. The Amen Clinics are quite skilled at SPECT imaging.

I was only out for a minute or so. It would be nice to sleep through the imaging but many of us do not tolerate anesthesia well. I know I do not.

I am scheduled for an hour of full anesthesia this Friday for nasal deviated septum surgery. I do not look forward to the recovery from the anesthesia. Then on the 27th, I will have anesthesia for shoulder surgery needed based in my recent MRI. Hopefully, it will be twilight, not full anesthesia.

Here is contact info for the Amen Clinic in Bellevue, WA

Amen Clinics - Northwest
616 120th Ave NE c100 Bellevue, WA 98005
(425) 455-7500
amenclinics.com

Might be worth a call.

I will check them out next time I need intensive imaging.

Amen may have some idea about your struggles. They do not do imaging for outside doctors.