ANA Discussion Forum

Pre-Treatment Options => Pre-Treatment Options => Topic started by: Sammict on May 07, 2008, 09:04:54 am

Title: Enhanced MRI (open MRI)
Post by: Sammict on May 07, 2008, 09:04:54 am
Hi Everyone

I had my consult with my Neurosurgeon yesterday I am waiting on surgery date. He wants me to have an enhanced MRI I forget to ask if it can be down in an open MRI. Has any had one done that was an OPEN?

Sam
 


Title: Re: Enhanced MRI (open MRI)
Post by: leapyrtwins on May 07, 2008, 04:47:06 pm
Sam -

I had my MRIs with contrast (gadolinium to be specific) but I did not use an open MRI so I don't know the answer to your question.  I'm sure someone else will know.

I just wanted to say that I hope you get a surgery date soon.  Sometimes waiting for the date can be almost as stressful as making your treatment decision.

Hang in there,

Jan

Title: Re: Enhanced MRI (open MRI)
Post by: Sammict on May 09, 2008, 07:32:31 am
Jan

Thank you I have been on egg shells all week waiting for them to call with a date. I should know soon.


Sam
Title: Re: Enhanced MRI (open MRI)
Post by: leapyrtwins on May 09, 2008, 08:19:11 am
Sam -

it's normal to be walking on eggs when you have an AN - and stress out, and scared, and frightened, etc.  But in the end you will be fine.

I'm hoping you'll have an answer soon.  When you do, please let us know.

Stay strong,

Jan
Title: Re: Enhanced MRI (open MRI)
Post by: Mickey on May 09, 2008, 09:32:19 am
I had an open mri done with contrast. It seemed to work out fine. There were no complaints and alot easier on the patient. Mickey
Title: Re: Enhanced MRI (open MRI)
Post by: leapyrtwins on May 09, 2008, 11:13:17 am
Mickey -

thanks for responding to Sam's question.  I was sure someone on this forum must have asked this question of their doctor(s).

Jan
Title: Re: Enhanced MRI (open MRI)
Post by: Sammict on May 09, 2008, 11:41:46 am
Mickey

Thank you that's good to know.

Sam
Title: Re: Enhanced MRI (open MRI)
Post by: wendysig on June 17, 2008, 06:59:40 pm
Hi Sam -
My first MRI was open but my doctor was not happy with the quality.  He is sending me for a high resolution MRI w/contrast on Thursday.  I asked and he told me high resolution MRIs are never open.  I was glad I asked so I can prepare mentally to have this done.  I hate small  tight spaces although I am not truly claustrophobic.  He offered me Valium when I told him it would probably make me very nervous.  I chose not to take it though.  Did your doc use t he term "high resolution"?  If so, I'd say it's not an open MRI.  You should call and make sure.  If you think this will scare you too much tell him.  I'm sure he will be sympathetiic and offer you Valium or something if you want it.  Good luck with your MRI.  I'll be watching for your next post to see how it went.

Wendy
Title: Re: Enhanced MRI (open MRI)
Post by: Sammict on June 25, 2008, 07:28:48 am
Hi wendy

I haven't been posting in a while I had surgery to repair my ear drum and bone in my AN ear. I did ask about the MRI it is a contrast MRi and it can not be done in an open MRI. He did suggesst a Valuim I am considering it. My MRI has been postponed until a few days before my Translab surgeryin September. I have never taken a valuim so i don't know what it does i am a little nervous about taking it but even more nervous about a closed MRI.

Thanks Sam
Title: Re: Enhanced MRI (open MRI)
Post by: leapyrtwins on June 25, 2008, 10:55:25 am
Sam -

good to see you posting again!

Not to get off topic here, but can you tell us how your recovery has been?

Are you doing well?

I sure hope so  :)

Jan
Title: Re: Enhanced MRI (open MRI)
Post by: lori67 on June 25, 2008, 02:42:07 pm
Hi Sam.

I hope the MRI goes well.  The give you headphones and let you listen to music, so I've always found them rather relaxing.

As far as your recent surgery, I hope you are doing well.  I was wondering why they would make repairs on the AN ear when they are planning to do translab in September anyway?  Was it to relieve pain until you get to surgery?  Just curious.

Lori
Title: Re: Enhanced MRI (open MRI)
Post by: Sammict on June 26, 2008, 08:46:02 am
Hi

My recovery is going well they made an incision behind my ear and removed some infected bone and sealed an infected ear drum.

They didn't want to do the Translab until they where sure the infection is cleared up. Otherwise I risk meningitis or other types of infection that could be life threatening.

I had some dizziness and vomiting after the surgery. It took about 3.5 hours I went in at 5:00 am I was sent home at 6:00 pm. For a couple of days I had to have someone  with me at all times.

 I had headaches my AN systems seem to be stronger and more difficult to deal with such as the numbness in my face and problems with my eye where harder to manage.

It's been two weeks today I am back to work and feeling really good. I have a few follow up visits with doctors before we schedule translab. Doctors are hopeful for sometime after Labor day. I can't wait to get a date.

Thanks Sam
Title: Re: Enhanced MRI (open MRI)
Post by: Debbi on June 26, 2008, 10:37:01 am
Hi Sam-

Just a comment on the valium versus MRI claustrophbia.  I opted for the valium which turned out to be a good decision for me.  The valium basically makes you feel very relaxed and you should have a driver as you should NOT drive after taking this type of drug.  After the MRI, I did a few things around the house, then napped for an hour - after that I felt fine.  I do have very severe fear of tight spaces, so for me some sort of sedation is necessary.  If you are concerned about how you'll react to valium, maybe your doctor could give you a lighter dosage (5 mg).

Hope everythign stays on track for your Sept. surgery.

Debbi
Title: Re: Enhanced MRI (open MRI)
Post by: Sammict on June 26, 2008, 11:12:34 am
Thanks Debbi

I feel much better about taking the valium. That's good to know I can request a smaller dose.

I was hoping someone would sahre thier experience with taking the valium before the MRI I feel much more comfortable about it now.

Thanks Sam
Title: Re: Enhanced MRI (open MRI)
Post by: leapyrtwins on June 26, 2008, 01:12:18 pm
Sam -

happy to hear of the positive surgical results.  Thank you for updating us.

My mom takes something called Adavan to calm her down prior to an MRI because she's allergic to Valium - it might be another possible option for you.

I hope you get your date soon.

Jan

Title: Re: Enhanced MRI (open MRI)
Post by: Debbi on June 26, 2008, 03:12:57 pm
Xanax is also an option.  (Gads, I sound like a druggie, don't I?  Well, after being hauled feet first out of an MRI hyperventilating several years ago, I don't take chances anymore - better to be serene and tranquil, even if it is drug induced!)   :D

Sam, you could also ask your doc to prescribe a "test run" of valium (or whatever) to take ahead of time just to see how you react.  Seems extreme, but that way you could know for sure how your body reacts.  As I said, for me, I just found it quite calming - exaclty what I needed!

Debbi
Title: Re: Enhanced MRI (open MRI)
Post by: lori67 on June 28, 2008, 10:56:34 am
Thanks Sam.  I was just curious about the surgery you've already had.  Makes sense to me now.

Lori

Title: Re: Enhanced MRI (open MRI)
Post by: Sammict on June 28, 2008, 03:23:22 pm
thanks everyone I'm feeling better about the MRI

thanks Sam
Title: Re: Enhanced MRI (open MRI)
Post by: cmp on July 11, 2008, 01:09:39 pm
Sam--

Glad to hear you are recovering well from your eardrum surgery. I hope you'll soon have your surgery date all set (and be able to enjoy some good summer fun between now and then!)

I'm not particularly claustrophobic, but MRIs REALLY freak me out at this point (I think each one I need to get now is about 3X harder than the one before), so when I needed one the month before my surgery, I asked about an open MRI. It turned out Mass General Hospital (where my neurosurgeon is based) doesn't have that type of machine--what Wendy says about the quality of the image being an issue in "open" vs traditionally closed machines makes sense.

I think Debbi's suggestion that you try a test run of something to help relax you is a great idea! (I have such unpredictable reactions to meds myself, particularly if the dose is too large, that I think I'll opt for this route myself before getting the "baseline" MRI I'm scheduled for at the end of August).

Best wishes--

Carrie
Title: Re: Enhanced MRI (open MRI)
Post by: AMD on September 02, 2008, 10:52:49 pm
Hi Sam,

I am a nurse when I am not camping out on this forum, and I can tell you that Valium, Xanax, Ativan, etc. all usually help "take the edge off" for most people.  BUT, as with any medication, one cannot truly know with 100% certainty how it will affect him/her until they take it.  There are a few out there who take these meds, and have adverse reactions (not necessarily allergic) but it just doesn't do what it was intended...like you may be more anxious.  That is most likely a low probability.  The same thing can happen with Tylenol or Advil too, so please don't be afraid to use one. That is what they are there for.  As stated by the others, you will need someone to drive you home, as they will not let you drive if you take one.

For me, MRI's are no problem.  I consider myself lucky on that.  "Closed" MRI's often give better quality images than "open" MRI's. So it may depend on what exactly they are looking for.  Most places have protocols, and certain tests must be done in certain MRI's, etc.  I didn't get headphones in mine, but I got earplugs, and it didn't take too long.  The lady talked w/ me through a speaker and kept me up to date and relaxed.  You may want to talk with your doc or have him put you in touch with a radiologist from the facility you will be having this done at, if you have questions.  Try your best to relax and I am sure you will find out that it may not be as bad as you thought  ;)

Hope everything goes well!!!

Amy :)
Title: Re: Enhanced MRI (open MRI)
Post by: AMD on September 02, 2008, 10:54:28 pm
Wow, i didn't realize how late in the game I am!!  Sorry !  I am sure you have had your MRI by now.  Hope all went well :):)   :D