C-spine T-spine-What does this mean?

[luvnGod]

I got back from my C and T spine MRI and I feel as though I have been on a roller coaster.  I asked my neuro for with and without contrast and for a 3T machine.  I called his office yesterday to double check everything and he only ordered without contrast saying that the insurance company wouldn't approve the contrast.  Called insurance and they said it was the doctor decision.  I also called the hospital last night and the technician told me I was scheduled with a 3T machine.  So, at least I had that going for me.  Well, I go this morning for the MRI.  As I was laying in the machine getting ready to be pushed in, I just happened to ask, this is the 3T machine right?  The technician said, "No, this is 1.5 T.  We do not do MRI's on the spinal cord in the 3T becuase they are stronger and pick up interference such as pulses, etc.  We don't even have a radiologist that will read them if they are done on the 3T."  I was very discouraged, but went through with it, praying the whole time.

I have a friend that works in Radiology and had briefly looked over the report.  She said, she needed to check with a radiologist about some of the things noted, but does remember a mild protrusion at C5 and C6 and it mentioning soci at T8 or T9 and something along the lines of sensory.  I know this is a bit disorganized and info is missing, but does anyone have an idea of what any of that means???

Thank you and blessings
Stacie

[jensequitur]

If he thinks there's no need for a followup, it sounds like he's going to blow you off.  I would see if you could get a copy of that report.

[luvnGod]

Yes, I'm sorry it was foci.  I hope to know more soon, but the neuro doesn't want me to call him until Thursday.  He had told me there was no need for a follow-up we could just communicate over the phone.  He said he would speak with me directly...let's hope that still stands.  Thank you so much for responding.  It helps to get some insight!!

Blessings

[jensequitur]

Soci doesn't ring a bell, but it might have been foci - which means more than one focus of enhancement.  So it could mean that you've got a couple of lesions, but without the text, I'm really just guessing.

[luvnGod]

Yeah, that's what I thought too, that I had totally been taken for a ride!  I even said that I knew several people with MS who have insisted on 3T and she explained that that was incorrect thinking!  Grrrrr....I'm very upset about the whole thing.  Any idea what the comments about the MRI could mean?  I know it's pretty hazy.

[jensequitur]

Wow, that information was totally incorrect.  Radiologists would prefer that spine MRIs be done on a 3T - many neurologists won't get them done on anything less.

What a mess.  I would be really pissed if the hospital told me I was scheduled with a 3T, but then they turned around and put me in a 1.5T.

The no contrast is okay - it only picks up new lesions.

[luvnGod]

OH and it was also noted that contrast is needed to clarify??