MRIs today

[cramp_n_mystyle]

I had my 3 MRIs today,brain,cervical & thoracic.Glad it's behind me!It was torture! All I've ever had before is a brain MRI;maybe 45 min in the machine.I was in there like about 3 hrs today;some without contrast/some with.

Even though I had earplugs in and cushion pads next to my ears,the noise was awful!My nerves were raw!My back was killing me from laying flat on it for so long!My right leg started moving and right foot & toes started cramping.I wanted to beg for relief but she just kept telling me how long the next scan would take! Arrrghhh! When she finally said the scans were done,I was ready to sprint for the door (ha!),but she said there were a couple of x-rays I had to take.I came home and went to bed for a couple of hours!

[cramp_n_mystyle]

Found this in my research.It was from a page on Spine Health (Boston Children's Hospital)

"Hemangioma occurs most often in the thoracic spine. These tumors affect adults and are known to be progressive vascular masses that can cause vertebral collapse and paraparesis (slight paralysis)."

[essdipity]

I have a hemangioma that extends the entire length of my t-spine. This is pretty common, without symptoms and completely harmless.

ess

[HVAC]

I know waiting for answers is hard. Waiting has always been the hardest part for me too.

Alex

[cramp_n_mystyle]

In doing research,I found out that hemangiomas are benign.But with them being vascular in nature,it's hard for me to understand how there wouldn't be growth & symptoms! If it's not what's causing my symptoms,I wonder then if the weakness in the lumbar area is getting worse?!!! Oh well,only 3 wks to wait to get the answers! :)

[Joiedecour]

I second what K says. I have a T-spine hemangioma too and was told it is not doing anything at all to cause sx.

[kwarendorf]

Hi CMS-

I wouldn't be overly concerned with the hemangioma. The are non-cancerous and tend to be harmless. I have one. It was found on a routine chest x-ray. it is completely asymptomatic.

Kyle

[cramp_n_mystyle]

I won't see the neurologist until Aug 25th...I really don't know what he might be thinking! Except I'm pretty sure that since those x-rays were also taken,he wants a thorough look at the hemangioma...and that it will probably be the priority for now! He already knows the neurosurgeon I've seen in the past,and would be able to discuss options with him.

I'm already feeling more pressure in the spine.It's in the lumbar area where I already have a weakness;but I'm wondering if having a hemangioma at T 7 might worsen it.I cannot rise out of a chair without my crutch,and I'm becoming pokier at walking! I'm beginning to worry about the reality of bedrest! I'm going to keep moving as long as I can!

[kwarendorf]

Things tend to slow down here on weekends. I's not necessarily related to negative tests results, just life getting in the way :-)

About your negative MRI, there afe many here who have been diagnosed without the appearance of lesions on MRIs. All your reuslts mean is that you will have to look a little further. I hope your doc doesn't rule anything out because of your results. If he,she does you may want to consider a second opinion.

Kyle

[Joiedecour]

I hope you are ok with this. - people on this board are sometimes a little insensitive to negative results. It is hard to be told the test shows nothing and yet be given no explanation. Since no- one has replied to your post, I wanted to tell you I am listening. Maybe your neurologist will be able to help further - I hope so.

[cramp_n_mystyle]

Picked up my MRI results today (written).All normal,except for hemangioma in the posterior half of the T 7 vertebral body.

[cramp_n_mystyle]

I asked about that as I was leaving.I will probably stop by the hospital tomorrow and get a copy of the test results.

[Lulu54]

I hope you thought to get a copy of your MRI test results so you have it for your records and in case you go somewhere else for a second opinion.  It's not too late to call them and get your own copy- it's importantto do that with all of our tests.

Good luck with answers - they have to be coming for you.

[cramp_n_mystyle]

Taking notes! Wish I'd done this BEFORE the MRIs!All I'd ever had before was a brain MRI,so I had no idea what to expect!

I'm really glad that my neuro is being so thorough! If MS is the problem,I know he'll find it!

[Joiedecour]

Sorry your time was so uncomfortable in the machine : ( but glad you are moving forward in the search for answers. Will you an appt to discuss results? Do let us know.

[essdipity]

I have been in MRI machines as long as 2 1/2 hours, and it's no fun, that's for sure. At the same time, I do realize that MS is far worse than any MRI, so putting things in perspective is really needed.

Try to consider how important MRIs are in the diagnostic and progression scheme of things, and what life was like before this tool came to be.I think that will help.

I have learned to 'go to my happy place,' as Kyle says. Not just during MRIs, but for lots of purposes, including getting some ever-elusive sleep. For me, that means picturing a wonderful beach, with gulls squawking above and waves pounding below. Feeling the warm sand, smelling the rough but soft toweling, digging in so I'm really comfortable.

You get the idea. The discomfort and awful noise don't go away, but they exist in the back of my consciousness instead of at the front. It's possible to do this in many situations, and if one has MS, it comes in very handy.

ess

[HVAC]

I always take Adivan helps with the long position. I even find my short CT scans hard since I have to have my arms over my head. Luckily it is only minutes.

Alex

[PastorDan]

After my last three-act tube trip, I felt like I was buzzing for quite some time afterward.  I have another tomorrow, but it's brain only.  Like Kyle, I did drift away for a while during the journey last time.  (If I want to get through a period of annoying sounds, I have often found that focusing my thoughts on the constant ringing in my ears helps, and can often put me right out!)  If my feet flopped at all, I was oblivious to it.

I hope you recuperate fast and fully.