ANA Discussion Forum
General Category => AN Issues => Topic started by: bambi81 on March 25, 2009, 04:22:05 pm
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I went in and got my MRI done today. Did anyone feel weird after they inserted the dye? My right arm is heavy and tingles and I feel at tad "slow". The guy that did it was really nice, but I wish he could have told me the results. Waiting is driving me nuts. He said "no news is good news" until I hear from my doctor. It made me feel better, but then I got to wondering if he knew, but was just trying to lift my spirts. I live in Kansas City, anyone on here live around here and/or know og a good surgeon??
Whitney
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Hi Whitney,
I didn't have any reaction to the dye when I had mine done, but I know some people do. That said, it sounds more like an issue with the injection itself, perhaps hitting a nerve. If it continues, you may want to check with a doctor.
Ernie
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Thanks Ernie,
Sounds like you just had your operation, how are things coming along for you?
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Just read and replied your other post and then saw this one, glad to hear you got your MRI done - they didn't tell me anything either - irritating isn't it?! I didn't have a reaction to the dye either - it was really cold going in though. Like Ernie - I'd probably check with a doc just to make sure all is well - sounds like could be an injection issue, but best to make sure eh?
JB
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The wierd feeling went away after awhile. Glad I didn't see the needle, I had a washcloth over my eyes. It took FOREVER to get all of the dye in me!! I should know Friday, Monday at the latest. I'll let you all know what I find out!!! Thanks for the support!!
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Thanks Ernie,
Sounds like you just had your operation, how are things coming along for you?
Hi again Whitney,
I had my AN removed 3 weeks ago today! Happy Anniversary to me! :) Actually, I'm doing quite well. My recovery was easier than most. If not for some post-op swelling (which steroids handled nicely), I would have been off all meds in a week. I still lose my balance when turning my head from side to side or up and down, but the brain is compensating slowly but surely :).
How are you holding up with the waiting? I had my MRI on September 30th of 2008. I picked up my films a couple of days later and the report was inside. I refused to look at it, but my wife is a nurse so she couldn't help herself. That was a heart sinking feeling for me. I didn't even know what a vestibular schwannoma was (another name for the AN). When I went back to the ENT he said he was hoping he was wrong, but that I had a tumor in my head that would eventulally require some action. The rest is history.
I did ignore the tumor for quite some time. I had a wedding cruise to go on the first week of January, so I had already decided not to do anything til then. The nice thing about most AN's is that they grow so slowly. You have time to research and get multiple opinions.
I hope your MRI comes up clean so you don't have to endure any of the treatment options out there, but if not, you are in the best place in the world for information, support, and prayers.
Boy, I ramble.
Ernie
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They do know. At my first MRI, the techs wouldn't look at me as I left. Since my docs said they were sure I didn't have an AN because they are very rare, I was sure, too. It was a week after 9/11, and I'm claustrophobic, so my biggest concern was that there would be some news flash, and they'd take off and leave me in that Tube O' Gloom forever.
At a subsequent MRI after years with the same tech, he actually told me that it hadn't grown, but don't tell anyone I told you. So, they definitely see the tumor if it's there. They are sworn to secrecy, however, uh, well, except unless if . . .
Nancy
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Hello Whitney,
I've had contrast that felt like it came out of the refrigerator and it fells like they are pressing ice water into your viens. It is a cool tinggling feeling that rushes through your arm. I had one tech. tell me that they try to warm it up to almost body temp. before the give it to you but it isn't always warmed up when they inject it. Good Luck I'm sure your MRI will be clear.
Dan in Germany
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I'm pretty sure the MRI place I go to keeps their dye in the freezer too! Brrrrrr.... But I'm willing to deal with that for a few seconds to get a nice 45 minute nap!
The MRI techs do know if there's something obvious, like a glowing golf ball, on your scan, but they're not allowed to tell you. Unfortunately, most of them have a terrible poker face, and I know when I had my first one, I knew right away something was not right.
But, like he told you, no news is good news until you hear otherwise, so try to relax until you get a chance to talk to your doctor about the results. I know, easier said than done. But, worrying about it isn't going to make it go away in the next few days, if, in fact, there's a glowing golf ball on your scan too.
Let's hope all they find is a brain in there! ;)
Lori
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Let's hope all they find is a brain in there! ;)
Lori
There was supposed to be a brain in there? No wonder the surgeon said the AN was a non issue when it came to my brain functions :).
Ernie
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Yeah, he definitley didn't have a good poker face. He was so nice and joking around with me before the MRI, then when I was done, he was different. It could be my imagination, but I guess it's better to be prepared to get bad news then going in expecting good news and getting bad news. I am pretty sure I have an AN, I just feel odd things on the right side of my head. If it's not AN then there is definitley something going on that is not normal....... ???
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Whitney, I hope you get some answers soon, waiting is so hard. My story is similar to yours, 4 months of hearing loss, fullness, etc. My ENT also thought it was nerve damage, so sure that he ordered the MRI (because I told him I was afraid i had a tumor) and told me he'd call me with the results and "see you in a month". Boy was he surprised. Oddly I was not. :( And funny you say that about the MRI tech, she was a lot more "careful" with me after the MRI and told me "good luck". I should have seen the writing on the wall. If there is anything in your head that shouldn't be there, then I hope its the smallest, easily treatable thing possible.
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I live in Kansas City, anyone on here live around here and/or know og a good surgeon??
Obviously you should wait for your results before looking for a surgeon, but a surgeon may or may not be necessary.
If you do have an AN, and it's small to medium size, radiation is an option as well as surgery. It's a personal choice based on many factors, but that's another story for another day :)
Let us know what your MRI results show.
Jan
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Hi Whitney,
Welcome. I started having hearing problems about a year ago. I went to my doctor off and on, but took my time (kept thinking my hearing would just come back after whatever was up was over). Anyway, in the fall, I made an appt with an ENT; that's when he said I needed the MRI with the ink that starts with "G" that i can't spell. I tried to ask my tech as well if he 'saw anything' and he replied, 'I don't read them; that's up to your doctor.' I figured he might of known something but wasn't going to say anything. I think ? i actually left with the films and we looked at them as a family - totally clueless, of course. We ended up just looking at the pictures trying to figure out which 'animal' they looked like (kind of like when you look up at the clouds and see shapes.
I think i had my follow up about a week later and my doc told me about the AN then. I had never heard of an AN. I came home googled it, found this site, and have been on it ever since ! (i had translab 8 weeks ago).
Nice to meet you!
Let us know what you found out.
Keri
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I didn't even feel my contrast going in, so she must have warmed it up exactly right. Hang in there! We will probably both get our results about a day apart as mine was the day after yours. Fingers crossed!
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Good luck to both Bambi & Micro,
Just remember that the techs, when they don't give you a report, are doing just what they are supposed to do. Can you imagine one telling someone they have an AN & it turns out not to be an AN? Or tells someone all is clear, & it's determined, a day or so later, to not be clear by a neurosurgeon studying the film? Yikes! What a mess that would be! (Can't you just hear someone yelling, "Lawsuit!"?) ::)
Do remember this, though: Although you may be joining the AN club, it is not the worst club to be in, and an AN is not the worst thing to have. Scary, yes. Especially at first. But do concentrate on all the great support you have in this forum, and concentrate on all of the good outcomes, people's progress, and their overcoming their fears and physical problems. I don't mean to minimize what you are facing.....your journey will be different from others' journeys...you will face things that some others don't, possibly...but you can get through this....and you will be a stronger person for it all.
God bless you both; let us hear from you,
Kathy
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Well, it is 4:40pm and no call from the doctor..... The MRI guy said it would probably be today. Well, it's either good because it's nothing or not that big of deal.....OR....It is something confusing and needs extra looking at.................. WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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And, Thank You Kathy!! I know in the end, regardless of what I find out I will definitley look at life different. If it is nothing, I will definitley never take my life and health for granted again!! If it is an AN, I know that I have many people that care about me and will be there for me. I WILL get through this!!! Thank You ALL for the support, you have been a true blessing to have to turn too!!! ;)
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I doubt it needs extra looking at, so don't start imagining all kinds of weird stuff. Either, it's not that big of a deal, or he's busy with patients. Try to put it out of your mind and do something fun. If you don't hear from him today, just relax until Monday. Then call the office and calmly ask for your test results.
Anyway, that's my advice. Anyone else?
Nancy
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I agree with you, Nancy. It is hard to wait for the physician's call, but he or she could very well be caught up in the day, busy with patients, in surgery, or with an emergency. Even a family problem or emergency can cause a delay.
But if you haven't heard, Bambi, by Monday, I agree with Nancy that picking up the phone and calling is the thing to do, for peace of mind!...or to face whatever it may be.... With God's help and your personal support system,& with your friends in this forum, you will be surrounded with blessings!
Waiting to hear your news,
Kathy
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He also may have not received it in time to look at it good because of a delay from the MRI people...any # of things could have happened. My doc told me 5 days (had mine on Thursday) and am going to count on 5 business days since the weekend is her and nt even expect it until next Thursday. I will admit, though, that I had my cell phone turned on at work for a just in case. LOL Waiting is hard when you don't know whether to worry or not. Hang in there!
Becky
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Bambi & Micro,
We're praying both of your MRIs are AN free,
Rich & Scarlett
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Thanks. I'm hoping for nothing or at worse? Meniere's Disease.
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I'll be thinking about you today, Bambi! Here's hoping the doctor calls with good news for you!
Becky
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I'm thinking about you too Becky!! We'll have to make a toaste, one way or the other!!! Good Luck!!! ;)
Whitney
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Hi Becky and Whitney,
This waiting for your MRI results is driving ME nuts too! I get on the forum and look and wonder, 'gee, i wonder if they've heard yet."
Whitney - i was also freaked out about my hair. when the guy shaved what seemed like all of it off (he wasn't) i kept negotiating - 'do you have to take some from there? don't you have enough?' i thought i was going to look awful. i didn't realize until i got home and was able to wash it for the first time what a good job he did. you can't really tell - and the part underneath my longer hair that's missing makes it actually easier to take care of. and regarding the anesthesia - i had some of those worries too - 'what if i don't go under, or wake up, or don't wake up?' that part ended up being the easiest. i had never had surgery either so that 'loss of control' i though was going to be tough.
Hang in there, Becky and Whitney! We'll all be anxious to hear your results. We're all here for you!
keri
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I'll be thinking about you today, Bambi! Here's hoping the doctor calls with good news for you!
Becky
I'm thinking about you too Becky!! We'll have to make a toaste, one way or the other!!! Good Luck!!! ;)
Whitney
I posted this in the weekly synopsis that David does, but I'm praying that both of you have a clean and tumor-free MRI result!
Ernie
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Thanks Ernie. And best wishes Whitney and Becky. May the results be unremarkable. But know that whatever comes back, you have friends here to support you.
David
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Hope the MRI results are almost here... this waiting is not fun for me - let alone you guys!!!
Becky - my Mum has Meniere's.... don't wish for it. I'll stick with my now removed AN!
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I broke dowm and called the doc's office today. Unfortunatley both the nurse and my doc were out. The receptionist told me my results were in though. She said the doc will be in in the afternoon and will call me then. Tuesday is my busiest day, wonder when the news will come????............I will of coarse let you all know what I hear!!!.......................... ::)
Whitney
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HI Whitney,
At least we're counting hours now, not days! Not that that helps much. I think we're all going crazy waiting too! Any news on Becky? I have a way of missing important posts sometimes.
keri
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No news and can't sleep! Been tossing and turning for the last 3 hours. :-\ I'm glad that I've been doing my job so long that I can do it with little sleep!::)
Whitney, kind of glad to find out you haven't heard anything as I thought maybe since you hadn't posted, it meant it was bad news and you were upset. Hang in there, girl! ;)
Becky
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I broke dowm and called the doc's office today. Unfortunatley both the nurse and my doc were out. The receptionist told me my results were in though. She said the doc will be in in the afternoon and will call me then. Tuesday is my busiest day, wonder when the news will come????............I will of coarse let you all know what I hear!!!.......................... ::)
Whitney
That drives me crazy! Didn't you just want to reach through the phone and grab that report? Ugh! I hope they call you first thing in the morning! My Dr.'s office did that to me and I guess I'm still a little upset about it. ::) :D
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YES!!! I wan't to say to the receptionist, "JUST TELL ME, YES OR NO!!!" AAHHHHH!!!!.................. Good luck with your surgery tomorrow, Anissa!!! You know we will all be thinking about you and praying it all goes smoothley!! :) I'll let you all know what I hear, probably won't be until later evening.
Whitney
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I'm really tempted to ask the MRI center for a copy of the report, but if they turned me down, I'd be angry even though I'd understand that it might be unethical?
Here we go again, Whitney! Good luck!
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I always get my report from the MRI center. I should have remembered and told you that. They'll fax or mail it to you at your request.
Sorry.
Nancy
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Bambi, I always ask for a copy of my films before I leave the MRI. When I had my very first MRI I got lots of films. I came home and plastered them against a window and could easily see a large something. I didn't freak out, I just thought okay lets' get it out. AH to be so naive....I like to get a copy of the films, now on CD, so I can look at them right away and I can take them physically to my dr. Yes the cd works on your computer...
Good luck today
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Waiting for your news & praying for you,
Kathy
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Of course! I should have thought of that. But I am always too afraid to look at my films. I had my doctor/mother look for me.
The CD is so cool because you can scroll through three-dimensionally.
Hoping for the best for you,
Nancy
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Hoping for an OK report. Go Jayhawks!
Maureen-fellow KU Alum
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I got my films and can't tell anything. If bright spots are tumors, I'm full of them! LOL Called the doc's office and she says they don't have the results and is going to call the MRI place and ask for the report. So guess more waiting. If he doesn't call tomorrow, I'm going straight to the MRI place when I get off work. I've got a headache and stiff neck that won't quit, but sure it's just tension.
Don't see any posts from Whitney?
Becky
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Hey Becky
Sorry you don't have any answers.
If you are really keen, you may be able to find some pictures on the internet of small and large tumors to determine the proper location. I have a small tumor - and as long as the slide was provided, it was incredibly easy to see (and I had no contrast).
I would find the ear canal of the appropriate ear, and one by one, go through each picture to see what you can see. On my MRI, you could see the nerves and everything, so it was so incredibly obvious.
I would be so interested in looking at the pictures, I would be able to put them down until I figured it all out. (The pictures are rather cool.)
Ann
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Here is a hint:
(http://i335.photobucket.com/albums/m447/sgerrard_01/mri-spg.jpg)
That's all I'm saying. ;)
Steve
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Mine isn't as perfectly round as yours is but only on one side like yours. :o It doesn't show up in every picture, though, so that makes me think it might not be one? ??? I have like 6 different sheets of films with several pics on each one. This is going to be a long 7 hours!
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Mmm... if you've got a white dot like Steve's (even if it's not perfectly round... mine looked like it had a tail which was a bit that was in the IAC) then you may well have an AN... but definitely wait till you talk to the doc. Mine wasn't on every picture either because they take a cross section of shots throughout your brain and so it will only show on the one's in the right section of the brain.
Here are some more pictures of people's heads:
http://www.facebook.com/photo_search.php?oid=8190517727&view=all
Good luck with the doc, hope the films don't show an AN but if they do, you're in great company, it's completely treatable and you'll be A-ok.
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Steve,
If size matters, yours is really small! ;D
I want to scan my film from Monday that I am carrying to the neurosurgeon tomorrow morning, but I'm afraid I'll bleach it out or something and ruin it so he won't be able to do the job. I have the CD from October. Maybe I can get a screen shot?
Mine is bigger than yours. Na-na-na-na-na-Na!
Am I getting giddy a week pre-op?
Becky,
Mine is smooshed all over the place since it grew, so it's taken the shape of the space available. Also, some films are without contrast, and the tumor does not glow in those. Honestly, just walk in there and demand your report. Tell 'em I said so!
Nancy
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Steve,
If size matters, yours is really small! ;D
Did Nancy really just say that? :o This can't be the Nancy we met here on the forum weeks and weeks ago, can it? ;)
Ernie
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*ahem*
mind outta da gutta's folks and back on track! :)
*groans* :D
Steve,
If size matters, yours is really small! ;D
Did Nancy really just say that? :o This can't be the Nancy we met here on the forum weeks and weeks ago, can it? ;)
Ernie
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Wow! That's the fastest I've ever been caught! 2 minutes!
Ok, back on track.
Becky, so you mean to say that when you look at your films, you CAN see a mass like what's in Steve's image? It wouldn't appear on all the images, because you are moving front to back/back to front in the images. If it were in all of them, you'd have a tumor the size of your head :).
I'm still hoping you don't have a tumor, but by your description, it's starting to sound like you do :(
Ernie