Anyone had an MRI for Endo? What does it entail and have the results been helpful?

[Hughffy]

[LittleMissManx Moderator]

Hi Hughffy

An MRI scan is more detailed than a CT scan or ultrasound and can show areas of endo deposits although not guaranteed. It is also useful in diagnosing adenomyosis which is where endo is found within the womb.

The MRI scan involves lying on a narrow bed which moves into a large cylindrical machine. You are left alone in the room whilst the scan happens but you are in constant contact with the sonographers through head phones and also by being given a panic button to use if you feel the need to stop the process at any time. The scan usually takes 30 mins to complete.

I found the staff very helpful and reassuring in describing the process and what to expect. They are used to dealing with anxious and apprehensive patients and took time to explain what would happen. One of the most surprising things for me was the loud noises coming from the MRI machine whilst its taking the scan pictures but this is entirely normal!

I had the MRI scan some months after being diagnosed with endo through a laparoscopy. A lap remains the most effective way of confirmng the presence of endo.

Hope this helps, x

[wdwfan1973]

Hi there, I had an MRI scan of my stomach area to check for endo. I had to lie down with my arms crossed behind my head for half an hour. It's very noisy in there but the staff were wonderful. They give you a pump to hold in one hand in case you panic and want them to stop. I was offered a blindfold so I didn't have to keep my eyes closed, this really helped me. My husband was allowed in and he held my hand the whole time. Endo was found on the wall of womb and I was diagnosed with adenomyosis. I have now had the Mirena fitted as apparently it is known to help with the pain of adenomyosis. As much as I didn't enjoy the experience it did help me and if you are offered one I would take it. If the Mirena works then I may not have to go through surgery, I am playing the waiting game to see if it will ease my pain or not. 7 weeks in and nothing yet although I do know I will not notice any difference for at least 3 months. Hope this helps you xx

[JulesUK]

I didnt mind the MRI at all, didnt mind the noise as I didnt find it very loud and didnt mind being in the machine itself, the only issue I had is the doctor struggled to find my vein (which I get sometimes) I cant remember what it is exactly but I think its some kind of fluid which goes into your bloodstream for the scan. I found it usual and think it would be helpful to have them more often or earlier but Im guessing that its quite an expensive treatment to have. Hope yours goes well. J.

[Zolta]

Had MRI scan two times. One before my laparoscopy and cyst drainage and another after. Mine showed a reduce in size of endometrioma showing that surgery and Prostap injections successful in shrinking the cyst. xx