Awaiting MRI to test for MS :( *Update*

Savvy_Sue

teabag29 wrote: »

(brain and spine with contrast whatever that means).

It means they take some pictures, and then inject dye into your arm, which provides a better contrast than the normal fluid sloshing around your body. Nothing to worry about (assuming knowing what the contrast means is better than not knowing!)

SarahPennySaver

teabag29 wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies I really appreciate them. I have an appointment with the consultant next week as my symptoms are ongoing and getting worse while I wait for the MRI (brain and spine with contrast whatever that means). Does anyone else who has MS ever get a pins and needles type feeling in their head especially at the back, its driving me nuts along with the itch that just wont go.

Also my sinusitis is back badly (if that's what it is, constant runny nose and sneezing and pain in nose and eyes, got diagnosed same time as all my symptoms started years ago), does anyone else find they get a lot of colds when their MS flares up?

So sorry to hear everything you're going through. Have you got a date for your MRI now? I work as secretary to a neurologist as usually if they request an urgent MRI patients should get an appt quite quickly. Of course it depends on your local hospital and waiting times etc but if you haven't had appt pls ring the radiology dept and chase it. It shouldn't happen but letters do get lost and you obviously need to know what's going on ASAP.

Hope everything goes well at your appointment and you get some answers soon. Sarah x

Errata

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

It means they take some pictures, and then inject dye into your arm, which provides a better contrast than the normal fluid sloshing around your body. Nothing to worry about (assuming knowing what the contrast means is better than not knowing!)

My experience of an MRI scan was as above, except I had to lay still after the contrast was injected via a cannula , not even allowed to read, for an hour before I went on the scanning table, which took another half hour. Never been so bored in my life.
Wishing you well.

Savvy_Sue

Errata wrote: »

My experience of an MRI scan was as above, except I had to lay still after the contrast was injected via a cannula , not even allowed to read, for an hour before I went on the scanning table, which took another half hour. Never been so bored in my life.
Wishing you well.

No, they leave me on the scanning table and it doesn't take very long at all!

They're only doing my brain (and only part of it at that), so maybe that's why I get off so lightly. OP, if concerned then phone and ask what's being done.

teabag29

Thanks, i have an appointment with the neuorologist this Wednesday so i will discuss it all and my ongoing symptoms

NotBothered

Absolutely. All patients are different, not just MS patients. My decision was based on the fact that there was a 29% chance of the two different drugs I had tried of preventing a future relapse, whilst the side-effects I was experiencing were 100% affecting every aspect of my life. My symptoms (loss of sight, MS hug, invisible itch, spasms, blah, blah, blah) are far more manageable for me than the way I was feeling when I was on the medication. This is NOT the case for everyone. My Neuro had reservations about my decision but I told him that I was not saying Never, just "Not Now" and he respected that.

Everybody knows themselves best and I hope are far more qualified to look at the options as a whole. I tried it, didnt like it and said no. For now.

I keep myself upto date on developments and look at the pros and cons of all new meds that become available, but strongly believe that now I have experienced the depression and anxiety on two different meds, i am probably more prone to that particular side effect than perhaps others are, so will steer well clear of anything that mentions it as a side-effect.

The most important thing for Teabag to remember is that he/she is NOT alone and there is so much support out there for us. Grab it, it definitely does help to talk. When I was first diagnosed I imagined that every little pain and tingle was the beginning of the end - lol. It's really not, and sometimes is completely unrelated to MS but is always good to chat to people to find out if anybody else is experiencing the same sort of thing.

Stay strong - everybody!

Errata

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

No, they leave me on the scanning table and it doesn't take very long at all!

They're only doing my brain (and only part of it at that), so maybe that's why I get off so lightly. OP, if concerned then phone and ask what's being done.

Thanks, it could be. Mine was a nose to toes job.:)

Ames

I had a brain scan a few months ago looking for vasculitis. I was taken straight in, didn't need the contrast drink just the contrast injection. I lay down and went through the scanner (a doughnut shaped one, not the fully enclosed ones you might have seen on TV) a few times.

I get pins and needles in the back of my head sometimes, but the scan was clear (well, positive in the sense that it proved I do have a brain!).

Savvy_Sue

Ames wrote: »

the scan was clear (well, positive in the sense that it proved I do have a brain!).

:rotfl: Yes, it's good to see the pictures, isn't it? I KNOW I have brains, I have Seen Pictures!

gers1976

Hi teabag,

Did you get an appt for your mri yet ?

I had my appt with the Neuro on the 7th May at which point he done a few basic tests he then decided I need to have a mri.

I have now got my appt for mri on 4th June which is 4 weeks since original neuro appt. I'm shocked at how quick the appt has been although it's at half 8 at night lol didn't realise they actually done these things at that time unless for emergency xx