So close to a 3T!

Well, I had my second brain MRI done last night, and it turns out I was a hallway and two months away from a 3T machine.  

I asked the guy doing the MRI about the machine's strength. He said it was 1.5T, that the brand new 3T was being set up across the hallway and would be ready for use in about two months. He said because I have possible MS, he would have used it if it were ready because it would detect lesions better. He said he had recently trained on one and that he was very impressed with it. He seemed so proud of the cadillac across the hall, but my heart sank a bit when he said I was in a 1.5T. It was closed though.

Tlhings went smoothy until he went to push the contrast -  only half would go in. It just stopped, and he could get the rest to go. I don't know why. I sure hope it doesn't make a big difference.

I was supposed to have a t-spine, but something happened, and the tech didn't have the orders for it. I've let the doctor's office know, so I guess I'll be going back for round two soon.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend.

Cass

[deborah0904]

I'm so sorry that you didn't get to have the 3T MRI.  I'm supposed to have an MRI in December and have been told it will be on a 3T.  I can't wait.  Well, I hate lying in the machine because I'm claustraphobic but will have an rx for valium or something.  But, I can't wait to see what difference the 3T makes.  Maybe next time you can have the 3T.  I hope you can anyway.  Best of wishes.  I hate to hear you may have MS.  This is a great forum.

[Weakandfalling]

I share your claustrophobia regarding MRI scanners.  So, when I enter the room, I don't even look at the MRI (until it's all over and I'm getting up).  Of course I pop a Xanax 0.5 mg about 30 minutes before beginning the MRI.  That's the only time I ever use Xanax - and boy, does it make me feel mellow!!  I feel sooo relaxed during the MRI -it's actually an enjoyable experience!!

WAF

[deborah0904]

Thanks, I'll have to ask for that.  Valium just didn't do it for me last time.

[Quixotic1]

As we just recently discussed, the 1.5T machines are gaining on the 3T by virtue of better software.  If the center is keeping up with the new technology, you may be losing little or nothing at all by get imaged on a 1.5T.

Don't lose any sleep over it.  I'm trying to decrease the emphasis (that I created) over worrying whether we get MRIs on a 3T machine.

Quix

[PastorDan]

I'll just venture a wild guess, though, that the newer/better software would produce better images on a newer/better 3T machine than the same software would generate on an older 1.5T.

[cassrox]

The technician sure was bragging about it.

[Karen99]

While it may be true that good software will improve images on a T1, the chances of having the best of the best sits with the T3.

Why drive an old VW bug when you can ride in a mercedes.

(and I did love my old vs bug when I owned one)    :-)

[Quixotic1]

You all are very likely correct.  If you compared a 1.5T with a 3T and everything else was the same - equipment, software, techs, techniques I would bet that the 3T would be superior.  

The point I was making is that with advances in all these things we cannot make automatic judgments about one over the other any more.  A good, well-equipped 1.5T with the best software could easily rival a 3T with poorer software.

But, Karen, you are right in that since we have no way to judge all these factors we may be better off trying for the 3T when it is possible.  We just shouldn't beat ourselves up over not getting the 3T.  The 1.5T may be just fine in terms of showing lesions.

I know this is a major reversal from what I have said previously, but the software (which can cost $100,000 or more) really can beef up the resolution of the less poerful machines and the software has really seen some great advancements.

Quix

[Fluffysmom]

Even though my 3T MRI was on a machine with not-so-great software, the difference of the images between that and the images done on a 1.5T the year before are pretty impressive.  Definitely mercedes vs VW...

I'm glad that the 1.5 software is getting better.

[fdmh]

My specialist also said he received more info with the 2T, but mine was done on 3T and he could actually look at it both ways, based on the software, if that makes sense.  
As far as not liking them, mine plays music and I be sure to take my silky sleep mask.:)

[ozzy66]

Hey Cass:

I'm right in step with you. I had my 3T MRI of spine and neck yesterday.  All of my previous ones (which were only one area at a time and approx 30-45 mins) I did very well with.

Yesterday, OMG, after about an hour I had to ask him to pull me out for a minute.  Laying there made my left  leg hurt terrible and then I got very hot. (I made the mistake of asking for a blanket prior to test) It was sooooo long! Almost 2 hrs.

Also, he did NOT wait after injection to proceed.  He started again immediately.  I did wonder if it even had a chance to work.

He said he has been doing these for approx 25 years and he loves to work with the 3T. He said the images are amazing....although I looked at mine and have no clue what I'm actually looking at most of the time!