MRI scans

[tempusfugi]

This is not really connected to PMRGCA but I was reading about MRI scans on another thread here today and it prompted me to write the following.

Can someone tell me about MRIs please? I mean I've had a couple so you'll be wondering why I'm asking but the reason is that I have become more claustrophobic as I've got older (didn't used to be), so I wasn't looking forward to being put in a machine and closed in. In fact, it wasn't like that at all because it was open ended, which made me feel better. OK, it wasn't that pleasurable because it was an MRI on my head, at the time, so you can imagine.

Since then, I've spoken to friends who've had MRIs and they tell me they were completely closed in to the machine. So are there different types of MRI machines used nowadays or was I just fortunate to have a newer model? Just interested to get your views.

[cycli]

there are different models and they also are set up individually so there is no common base line between them. This means comparisons between readings can't be compared just interpreted according to the way they were instructed to record whatever the specialist specified. Those results however can be relied upon but they only relate to that specific test.

It was the same for my bone density test. Different places so different machines and each was set up to a datum solely related to me and not a generic baseline. Therefore results were not comparable but did show condition of bone at that specific time.

In all honesty this seems a mad way to operate and shows a total waste of opportunity to get comparable readings.

[tempusfugi in reply to cycli]

OK thank you, cycli, for your reply. Seems maybe my friend were right then in that they had a different type to those that I had.

[tempusfugi in reply to cycli]

Morning cycli, tis funny because I apparently didn't see your complete reply yesterday, only the first paragraph. Don't know why that was. Anyway, it does seem that the NHS could do with a complete overhall of all their IT systems in so many ways, but I realise that won't be happening any time soon...

[Bcol]

I had to lie on a flat bed which then entered the cylindrical chamber for the full length of my body, like being in a narrow tube tube. Not a lot of room and lots of noise . Have to admit it wasn't the most pleasant of experiences and I did need to force myself to relax and do some deep breathing exercises for the twenty five minutes it took. For anyone who suffers from claustrophobia I guess it would be a bit of a nightmare. Very comprehensive report though, even though I didn't like the results much. That was a full back scan, I'm sure I had one on my foot about ten years ago why I just lay there with my foot only in the machine which was more like a donought.

[tempusfugi in reply to Bcol]

Thanks, Bcol. That is how one of my friends described it and I still thought it wasn't right, but you've now convinced me! The MRIs I've had, have all been shaped like a doughnut. Hope I never have to have the type you had in the tube though, funnily enough, many years ago I had an electroencephalogram (EEG) and I remember I was in a long closed in tube like machine, on that occasion. I was so relaxed about it, I fell asleep! Don't think I'd react like that nowadays.🤫

[Downtime]

I’m having one soon. I’ve had one before which I hated so I asked the consultant if I can have a tranquilliser. He gave me some temazapam tablets. You have to have someone to drive you home afterwards. We have two scanners and he said he would get me in the newer one which isn’t as claustrophobic. 🤞😬

[tempusfugi in reply to Downtime]

Oh! well that's interesting, Downtime. So your hospital has two different types of scanner. Good that you are having the newer one and that you are also having a tranquilliser. Am sure you will find the experience much better this time. All the very best👍🙂

[pegpowell]

I recently had one for my knee so I wasn't entirely in the open "donut hole." Ear plugs were put into my ears but it was still very loud. I was in a sitting MRI last year after hip replacement/

[tempusfugi]

Hi pegpowell, yes MRIs do seem to be extremely loud, especially on one's head! I was given music to listen to when I had the head one, but it was pretty much drowned out by all the clanging and banging, if I remember rightly. I don't mean to put people of having one, by saying this, because it's well worth having an MRI if offered imo.

I didn't realise there were sitting MRIs till I read something yesterday on the forum about them. Think a lot of people would prefer that type of scanner.

[sidra1968]

It depends on where they are scanning on your body, and on the facility too. Here they will prescribe low dose Valium for the hour before you go in..it's worn off by the time you are done. I now get it (like you, more claustrophobic as I got older). It helps like 50% in my opinion, but better than nothing. I would advise to ask for that.

[tempusfugi]

Thanks, sidra1968, that's useful info, though I think you're in the States? So may not apply here in UK but nevertheless, if necessary, I guess one could always request a tranquilliser from the Consultant as Downtime mentioned above. Am just interested to know the different types of scanner available...just in case!

[Sharitone]

I had one recently in a machine tht was 100x better than the one they tried to imprison me in 20 years ago.

[tempusfugi]

Good to hear things have moved on then, Sharitone. Those completely closed in scanners aren't particularly pleasant.

[Grammy80]

I'm off to bed so this is quick...and probably already written...if so, please forgive me. Straight from Google's mouth....

MRI and CT scans use different technology to create diagnostic images of your body. MRI uses radio waves, while CT uses X-rays. CT scans are used to diagnose different conditions than MRI scans. For example, if you had a suspected fracture, a CT scan is more suitable for finding the problem.Apr 5, 2023

😉💞

I think MRI is magnetic resonance images...

[cycli in reply to Grammy80]

yes Grammy80. That's why they ask if you have metal on you and if you have had metal swarf in the eye as the magnets pull these. Also body piercings, some of which could be extremely painful if they came out!!!

[Mayadill in reply to cycli]

I have an alloy rod in my spine and had an MRI which was fine in that respect, so I don't think it's all metalwork.

[cycli in reply to Mayadill]

no it's a magnet so only iron based. not all metal as my post suggested. Cheers.

[Grammy80 in reply to cycli]

Ouch!! glad I don't have any but the ears!!💞

[tempusfugi in reply to Grammy80]

Agreed, Grammy80, moi aussi with the ears. Those are the only piercings I have (for those who are interested)😉🤣

[Grammy80 in reply to tempusfugi]

Inquiring minds want to know...😆😅😂