Defensive Angry MRI Techs, Sloppy Films and Angry Patients

Since I’m not getting definitive results yet, I thought I would find out even more about my medical records.

I started with the facility that performed my only MRI.  I took time to prepare and made sure that I was speaking in a tone that wouldn’t be construed as accusatory.  The first person I talked to told me that it was an open 1.2 Tesla machine.  Long story short, I ended up talking to the MRI tech who confirmed the strength.  I asked her if MS Protocol was used and she said “what to you mean”.  I then asked her how wide the slices would have been if using ‘MS protocol”.   She got really upset and said “why do you need this information?”  I told her my new neuro said she couldn’t read the films because they were blurry.  I also asked her if they used software---she yelled OF COURSE WE DO!   She was unwilling to tell me what software was used and how old.  She hung up because she was scanning someone.  

I didn’t realize that his could be taken as an accusatory question.

These are the films that noticed the areas of hyper intensity on long LR

SEVERAL SCATTERED SMALL FOCI OF INCREASED SIGNAL INTENSITY ON LONG TR ARE SEEN IN THE PERIVENTRICULAR AND MORE PERIPHERAL CEREBRAL HEMISPHERIC WHITE MATTER BILATERALLY PRIMARILY IN A FRONTAL LOBE DISTRIBUTION???

But then in the summary he calls it a

Mild chronic ischemic change of white matter

These are also the films that found the Borderline Chiari Malformation----I don’t have symptoms of Chiari…i.e. Headaches etc.

I am still waiting for results of my spinal fluid after 14 days.  
________________________________________________________________
I’m so tired of this.  I have been through this waiting thing before with other illnesses with doctors who wouldn’t either believe me or wouldn’t order one more test until it became an emergency.

In one year I have progressed dramatically each month with only a couple of times when it seemed to calm down for a couple of weeks.  I can’t walk unassisted, both legs very weak, spasms that take my breath away, falling, exhaustion, facial numbing/itching, etc.  

And now eyes that aren’t tracking together.  Is this how the double vision starts?

I have to wonder, how much more neurological damage will be done before a diagnosis is made.  

[Zacksmomi]

I am so sorry you are dealing with this.  I don't understand how the system can be sooo screwed up.  
Are you getting any symptom relief or anything? Have you talked to your neuro about how the lab treated you?  This is an outrage.  

I really pray you get answers and relief in a BIG Hurry!!

Lots of love
D

[RedFlame]

Hi D,  It helps soooo much when people respond and help me feel so supported.  I am getting some relief with Neurontin, Tramadol, and a muscle relaxant.  I am going to have to work up the courage to get more help with that.  

I haven't seen my new neuro since they did the LP and we are waiting for results


Thanks you soooo much for thinking and praying for me!

God bless you

[Csativa]

I'm sorry to hear about the BS you had to deal with.  On one hand, it seems to be such a common "thread" that so many of us have to go through, unnecessairly.  On the other, it is so difficult at times to feel that you can reach out to someone effectively (but that's my issue.)  As far as the Tech's reaction to you, well I I could comment on and on what might be behind her reaction, however, it probably wouldn't do any good.  One thing I can relate to however, is the fact that it took so many years to finally get a confirmation of a dx so I could start one of the DMD's.  I too wondered how much damage was done while waiting, and waiting, and waiting.  this neither I nor doctors have an answer.  

It is not my intention to sound "corny" here, but the best you can do is to keep the fire alive and be persistant. Do not ever give up asking questions out of concern that you will get simmilar responses as you explained above.  #$@%* them, is the stance  have developed over the years!  We are the ones paying for the service, we are adults, and we all have the right to demand to be treated at least with a modicum of respect.  If a medical professional can't understamd that, which many do not, then they are in a sad place.!

Frank

[risnerrose]

Kinda cloudy in my thinking today, but I believe that an open MRI is not sufficient for MS . . . so protocol could not have been followed??????  

[addicted2harleys]

I am sorry you are having such trouble with the MRI people, Lois!  I would suggest calling back on Monday morning.  Try asking again.  If you don't get your answers, call back at the end of the day...maybe you will hit a shift change and have someone new to try to talk to.

If you don't get your answers, I would go higher up.  You paid for those results.  You have a right to your questions being answered.

I am thinking on the same lines as risnrose.  I am sorry, but I do know that the Open MRI is not the best.  I believe I heard it is not sufficient for MS protocols, too.  Quix had replied to a post I made about MRI's.  Here is the thread:

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Multiple-Sclerosis/Questions-regarding-diagnostic-stage/show/1256505?personal_page_id=1411271#post_5758032

Not sure if you saw it or not, but it was really helpful for me in finding out info on my MRI's.

Hope this helps and hang in there....

Addi

[RedFlame]

Csativa---Thanks for your support!   It is really hard to find answers and I have a hard time reaching out, I think I am afraid.  When I see/talk to a medical professional I just clam up---I’m afraid I will say/do the wrong thing.   It seems like each one wants the case presented in a different way.  

The first neurologist I saw came in and the first thing she said was “you have too many symptoms” then the next neurologist said  “…oh you have to tell me all these things”   Some where in my myself I know I have to keep on going---and as all of you know it just seems useless at times.

Addicted2harleys and risnerrose---I am going to call on Monday and see if I can get someone that isn’t feeling rushed and/or defensive.  I actually tried to find someone higher up but kept getting connected to the tech.  I really wasn’t trying to slam her but I think she took it very personal.  

I totally agree with both of you about the MRI.  I was promised that it was going to be a closed machine and when I got there it of course was not.  My present neurologist said we had to follow MS protocol so hopefully better testing will occur.

I can’t thank all of you enough, really.  When all hope feels lost----- hearing from people who have been there makes a world of difference.

lois

[AMO]

hi lois,

well, youu were much kinder than i would been!
youu deserve goodd quality   imaginnng this day and age. if you have not paid yet, i  would dispute costs for them. Is there another location available to ggo to ?
and , does your ins company have an office to have a  something like kan advocate coordinator? ( do not think that sounded riight:) i have been offered phone nurse to handle things in such casse.
It is so difficult  to be your own advocoate when all you want to hide your head some days.
keep posted , amo

[RedFlame]

Hi AMO, Thank you so much for responding!

I know, it's really hard not to get angry.  My insurance has already paid but I think I am going to call them tomorrow and see what can be done about it and see if I can have new films at a better place

I think I know what you mean, there is something new called a navigator or something like that.  I do need one.

I have since moved to Ann Arbor where there are several 3T machines.  I am hoping for new films hope hope hope..

[siv1]

Sorry you are having to put up with BS. We pay for the service and insurance, and there is nothing wrong with asking question and demanding for the best service.

Even tho at times insurance companies thinks they know better by just reading your medical report compared to a Dr that actually examed you and deny something.

[Sparkysarah]

Hi Lois

They don't call you red flame for nothing! I can really sense your frustration and anger when you have tried to be polite and just ask for clarification and accurate answers to your questions about your MRI.

I agree with the others..maybe try and ring up again and hope that someone else answers...but overall it sounds as if you need to get some more scans done somewhere else. You need answers and I will say a prayer for you today and hope that you make some progress.

With love and keep that fire burning

Sarah x :)

[RedFlame]

I know it just seems to be an ongoing drama!  I will keep calling, looking, and searching for answers.  

Somehow I will have new films done in a 'closed 3T MRI'.  

Yes, I am definitely known for my red-headed stubborn and fiery persona.  I am good at advocating for others.  Now I need to learn to do it for myself.

Thank you for thinking of me and praying for me!   lois

[vic447]

I work in the healthcare field, okay I'll admit it I am a nurse. I have NO experience with adults because I have only cared for preemies my entire career. I am sorry you had such an awful tech to deal with. There isn't a day in the hospital when someone doesn't lash out like that. IT IS NOT YOU OR YOUR PERFECTLY RESONABLE QUESTION !!!! No more than the cashier at Wal Mart who is mean that day,she isn't mad about your groceries. There is just no good reason for treating someone like that no matter what they are doing ,what they are asking for. I am sorry you had to deal with the rotten apple in the bunch.....like you need that right ? I wish it was a requisite to be able to put yourself in th patients shoes before working in the hospital !!!    Take Care Vickie