Did you get a copy of your first MRI?

[sandythegeek2]

I've only had one MRI and it says I might have a demyelinating disease which the neuro said I might have MS. They didn't give me a copy of the images but I have noticed that others seem to get a cd of the images right away. Did you get a copy right away?  I'm thinking I should call my doctor tomorrow and tell them I want to pick up a cd of my MRI.  I want to look at my images some more after my own research.

[Lulu54]

One of the big lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina was how vulnerable our health records can be.  When the hospitals of New Orleans were so heavily damaged, years of records and test results were lost. All the historical data was gone.  And all kidding aside, that is why I keep a copy of everything - you never know when you might need them and they are no longer available through the provider.

I'm glad you are getting your copy today.  Have a good time looking at it and then put it away in a safe place.

[sandythegeek2]

Yay!  I called radiology and I get to pick up a cd of my MRI at lunch time today!!

[Lulu54]

yes, you really need to keep copies of all these records in case you need them in the future.  Facilities are under no obligation to keep your records for any particular length of time and they are often discarded from their systems.  

But as for getting it to study and do research, I must warn you that reading an mri is extremely complex and will probably make very little sense and often times cause use undue stress when we see something that really isn't something.  We all look at our pics, but quickly learn to leave it to hte experts who have studied this science for years.

Good luck in getting your copy.
Lulu

[sandythegeek2]

Thanks for the advice!  Thanks for the welcome as well!  This forum is helping me so much.  I will call the clinic that I had the MRI done at tomorrow and ask them for a cd.  I hope I can pick it up tomorrow.  

[rendean]

Hello and welcome since we haven't met
.
It's been my experience that if you call the facility where you had your MRI, they will happily give you a CD of your MRI.

If you are just starting this journey, you need to get copies of everything in case you change doctors.  Most just ask for a copy of "today's visit" and it is easily obtainable especially if your doc uses a computer to write his notes as he sees you.

Good luck with your research and I hope you stay well.

Ren

[SarahL2491]

you get the CD from wherever you had the MRI done.  Usually they will burn it for you while you wait.  The printed copy usually takes 1-2 days, depending on the facility.  You may/may not have to pay for it.

I've had hospitals say they are free, only first copy is free, some want $5, one I went to wanted $25, call the radiology dept where you had it done and ask them.

you should always keep a copy of your MRIs......always