Helpful Hints from Heloise- MRI Orders

[Audrey_M]

Some of you may recognize me as being conspicuously absent for a while from this forum. I say long time no see to all of those who remember me, and hello to those have joined while I have hidden in the shadows.

The gist of this is to make sure that you confirm the protocol for an MRI before the procedure is done. I saw a doctor yesterday and he ordered an MRI of the brain; I talked about wanting it done on a T3 machine, something new in our area (yeah!). Today I talked to the person in charge of gaining insurance approval and discussed with her the T3 scan. I got a call from the intake person at the facility and had the wherewithal to ask if the scan was using a T3 machine.

Nope. So don't assume that everything has gone according to your conversations. I did manage to get the scan rescheduled with the T3 machine.

I hope, hope , hope that this MRI will lead to a conclusive diagnosis. I've been in limbo land for way too long and this is my second major "flare" within the past seven months. My job is now at risk.YIKES.

[Audrey_M]

For anyone who is interested, please check out the pix I have posted of previous MRIs. Even on a lower powered machine, I have numerous lesions, the largest of which is 10 mm. The neuro I was seeing (who specializes in MS) said that the lesions were not "classic" for  MS. My PCP suggested that I was not going to get anywhere with her, so right now I have to find another neuro.

I remember Quix getting very angry about the lesions not being classic. Quix, I miss your presence, wit and wisdom here and hope that things are going as best as they can for you.

Best I can tell, I have at least 12 lesions, most of which are more than 3 mm in size, and some involve the corpus callosum. It will be very interesting to see how the T3 images compare to the old images, especially since this is the first MRI which will be done when I am highly active with symptoms. I am very curious to see if any lesions enhance. My neuro exams all are highly suggestive of damage in the cerebellum.

This is bittersweet. I'm back here with old friends (who I have been quietly checking in on from the distance) and I'm not sure how I truly feel about being back here again.

[candy158]

Heh Audrey, I have missed you.  Glad that you popped up again.  I'm sorry about your flare, and the limboland, it is so very hard to be there.   I just went for a brain MRI yesterday, and I have to say, I forgot to ask about the T3 machine.  So, I don't know what I had.  

I did get a disc though, so will see it soon.

Hope you get an answer, and that your job will be OK....

I too, had classic lesions, they are saying it now, and it took them along time to admit it.  Hoping your neuro will be honest enough to you to tell you the truth.

Keep up posted,
((HUGS))
Candy

[Lulu54]

Audrey, it's good to see you pop up but I'm sorry you are still searching and going through another round of 'something.'  It is great advice to verify the doctor's orders before we go for any tests.

When it comes to imaging, particularly for a diagnosis of MS, the higher Tesla machine is preferred because the disease activity of MS can be virtually impossible to spot. The sooner lesions are identified, the earlier treatment can be started. The sooner the treatment is started, the better the chances of delaying increased disability.

Around here, if possible,. we suggest people request a 3T for their scans, especially if they have been in limbo for a long time.  The 3T has become more common, while the 1.5T MRI still seems to be the norm.  BTW, I was dxd on a 1.5T machine, but I have classic lesions.

see you around, I hope.
L

[caregiver222]

There are several advantages to the T3 MRI unit. The "T" stands for Tesla units. First off the images are degraded by vibration and time in the machine. A 3T machine takes the image more quickly so there is less time in the tube. The images are of a higher quality. In our area there is no difference in cost. They simply reserve the 3T for more complicated cases. This does not mean the 1T machines are obsolete, however they have an interest in amortizing the expenses and will do their best to discourage you from insisting on a 3T. The best was to find out which hospital has a 3T is to contact Siemans, the company that manufactures and maintains them.