MRI Scan with Pacemaker

[Clarrie]

I had a colonoscopy on Monday but they couldn't do a full one as they found a malignant mass. I then had two CT scans and they contacted me yesterday to say they want to operate. However, one of the scans has now revealed I have a lesion on my liver and the hospital want to do a MRI scan. They have said that with some types of pacemaker you can have an MRI ? Has anyone with a pacemaker had an MRI? Am also worried about having the operation because of my AF which occurs about every 7 days or so and last for a couple of days.

Clarrie

[BobD Volunteer]

Your pacemaker card will give them the information as to whether or not you can have an MRI.

To be honest your AF is small beer compared to your other possible problems so best go with what they want to do for you.

[Clarrie in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob, they have my pacemaker card.

[jeanjeannie50]

Hi Clarrie

I agree totally with Bob's answer to your post. It's best to just do as you are advised by the experts.

I can understand how frightening this all is for you, it would be for anyone. I'm sending you my best wishes for a successful outcome. Please let us know how you get on with your next scan.

We'll all be rooting for you.

Jean x

[Clarrie in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thanks Jean.

[bantam12]

I have a pacemaker and have had several MRI’s , another due next month. I have to go to my pacing clinic first and they increase the rate of my pm to make it safe, then I go round for MRI then back to pacing to have it reset. All takes a bit longer but fairly straightforward.

[Clarrie in reply to bantam12]

Thanks Bantam. It's interesting to know this.

[Frances123]

I agree 100% with Bob and Jean. Your team will have all the information and will do what is best. I am so sorry you are having to go through all this and sending you a hug for a good outcome.

Please let us know how you get on. We are all behind you. x

[Clarrie in reply to Frances123]

Thank you Frances.

[opal11uk]

Hi Carrie, so sorry to read this it must be causing great worry. Now, I have had a pacemaker for almost 10 years and am due to having the battery replaced any day. When I had it fitted I was told that it was NOT compatible for MRI and if I had to have one then they would need to be involved and adjustments made....what the adjustments would be I have no idea. I have also been told over the last couple of years that the new one would be much smaller and be compatible with MRI so thats about as much as I know. As for AF and surgery, no problem, I had trauma followed by full hip replacement with no problems, also had breast cancer in 2008, no problems with AF whatsoever. Good luck x

[Clarrie in reply to opal11uk]

Thanks Opa.

[President2012]

I have a pacemaker and had an MRI recently for the same reason as you, a lesion on my liver. Apart from the nuisance of having to go to the pacing unit before and after there was no problem. Best of luck.

[Clarrie in reply to President2012]

Thanks President.

[Ppiman]

Lesions on the liver are common on CT scans, I gather, and an MRI is needed to make sure it is safe (which it usually is).

Bad luck on the colon troubles, but treatment these days is exceptional and very effective. A relative had similar two years ago and is now very well.

Steve

[Clarrie in reply to Ppiman]

Thanks Steve that's good to know.

[Auriculaire]

Do not worry about your afib. You need to let them sort your colon. Before my colonoscopy this week I asked the anaesthetist if they would still go ahead if I had an episode provoked by the horrible prep. He was very reassuring and said there was no conflict and I could still have it (this is France and there is no question of being awake for a colonoscopy!). I had 26cm of my colon removed in 2018 and recovered well from the op. It was not for cancer but my step father and an uncle were both treated successfully for bowel cancer.

[Clarrie in reply to Auriculaire]

Thanks Auriculaire.

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

All the best Clarie.

I know nothing about Pacemakers. I recently had MRI with contrast. I had to note down all ops, any metal, come without earrings, jewellery and I tucked my watch away.

Because your pacemaker is well away from your liver and lower colon I'm sure that you tell them what type of pacemaker and they will arrange the rest.

Stopping your anti-co agulant is important too. Prior directions.

Thinking of you so prayers are winding their way to you.

cheriJOY 75. (NZ)

[Clarrie in reply to JOY2THEWORLD49]

Thanks cheriJOY

[SamAdmin Administrator Arrhythmia Alliance AF Association]

Good morning Clarrie

Thank you for your post on the Atrial Fibrillation support forum.

The consultant doing the MRI scan should ask if you have a pacemaker before doing the scan, I think other members will hopefully be able to answer this for you.

Kind regards

SamAdmin

[Tapanac]

yes both my husband and I have had MRIs. They do have to do something with the machine and pacemaker and a cardiologist present, but absolutely no problem at all. I’ve also had CT scans no problem. Hubby has 3 lead and I have 2

I’m so sorry that they have found a malignant mass in your bowels. Are they definite as I was diagnosed with malignant tumour in pelvic area, but after the cancer team did all their tests it turned out non malignant so you hopefully might be ok. 🤞

Thinking of you as it is a worrying time

[bantam12 in reply to Tapanac]

“A Cardiologist present” 😳 that’s very unusual. In the various hospitals both my husband and I ( he had a pm as well) had MRI’s neither of us have ever had a Dr present.

[Tapanac in reply to bantam12]

Apparently in our hospital anyway they always do that. They do a certain day a week for PMs in MRI. I had someone come down too even when I had a CT scan and went through my medication and stayed behind the glass window? Never had that before PM

All the best

Pat x

[Clarrie in reply to Tapanac]

Thank you. It is definite as they have had the results of the biopsies they took and have now given me an appointment for 4 July to discuss the surgery with the consultant.

[baba]

I have an "MRI friendly" pacemaker but have not had an MRI. Glad you have replies from people who did.

Sending best wishes.

[Clarrie in reply to baba]

Thanks Baba

[DawnTX]

I am so sorry that you are going through this, but they will have your back. I don’t know how long you’ve had your pacemaker. Do you have a card that you were supposed to give to your doctors to read? Anytime I’m having something done. They need to be in touch with my EP first and I need cardiac clearance. Needless to say your situation needs attention ASAP.

I possibly have a back surgery coming up and will need a full MRI. My pacemaker is made so that is not a problem. If you have the card or an app, you should be able to see right on it the word MRI in some section of it. mine is only a year old. I don’t know how long it been making this type. Your EP is the one that should have the answer to this. Don’t assume the other doctors know about your PM I actually had an echo done the other day and the person was not aware, always better to be safe than sorry regarding giving information

they will take good care of you. There’s a lot of us out here with pacemakers and many of us have needed other medical care. Please let us know how you do.

[Clarrie in reply to DawnTX]

Thanks Dawn. I have had my pacemaker for 4 years now and the hospital have a copy of my pacemaker identification card and are checking whether it is okay for me to have the MRI.