CT Scans

msmicawber

Oh, I meant to say - the newer MRI scanners are more like a doughnut than a tunnel.

Savvy_Sue

Even with the MRI scan for your head, you can see out: it's a bit like wearing a space helmet! Not that I've ever worn a space helmet ...

You can't always have music on, and to be honest the machine makes such a racket I've never felt it would be worthwhile.

Barcode

Hi and thanks,

In the booklet for the ct scan, it said the staff have to stay outside because of the radiation, so I don't know if that applies to my partner (since the staff have to deal with it day in day out whereas we should only be an hour or so).

If I can see out, it'll be better, so that's slightly more reassuring. The noise won't bother me with my aids out. The MRI is this weds. Not nervous yet, probably will panic when I see the thing.

Sagaris

World's biggest coward here!
I had to have one done at short notice a couple of weeks ago - I'd been in hospital for a couple of days and the consultant mentioned on his way out that a CT scan of the head would be a good idea (inwardly I went :eek: big time) and within 10 minutes a porter was there with a wheelchair to take me down! I panic about things and am claustrophobic, so I wanted to get of the wheelchair and run - but I wasn't well enough!
When I got in the room I just had to take my jewellery and glasses off, and lie on the table. By now I was feeling horrible - I would have given anything to have my OH in there with me (he didn't even know I was having it done!) but I just had to get on with it.
Surprise, it was nonear as bad as I expected - I just lay there with my eyes firmly shut, and beathed deeply, it lasted 15 minutes and then I was out! Not anywhere near as bad as I'd feared, and I would have another one if I had to.
Hope it all goes well for you, would it be worth mentioning your concerns to your doctor, as I beleive they can give you medication (beta blockers) which will reduce your anxiety levels?

msmicawber

You're right about the staff exposure, Barcode. I've accompanied my son in X-ray suites and worn a lead apron. I don't think it's any different with CT scans, but if staff did it on a daily basis they'd their exposure could incrementally become too high. However, as a one-off, and with a protective apron, I'm sure they'd let your partner accompany you. I'm sure it happens all the time - especially since you wouldn't be able to hear instructions. (Largely 'keep still, please', but nonetheless ..)

Savvy_Sue

Yes, for me the instructions I've been able to hear have been "Nearly there," or "just starting the next run" and they always position my head initially with a headrest so I wouldn't have thought you'd need to move it - the whole point of these whizzy machines is that they can see a 'slice' and 'slice' from almost any angle, isn't it?

WeirdoMagnet

Sagaris wrote: »

...I just lay there with my eyes firmly shut, and breathed deeply...

Yep that's what I did. And I kept completely still, with my hands on the buzzer, resting on my tummy, and resisted the temptation to move my elbows, just in case they touched the sides and I realised just how small the tube was!

Whilst I was lying there, I could have done with a break TBH, but I figured that if I kept still, it would all be over lots quicker.

The worse thing for me was the noise - my MIL had had an MRI and said 'it's a bit noisy' - she now qualifies for the "Understatement of the Year Award"! After I'd had it she said she didn't want to worry me, but I wish I'd known!

Be prepared to be a bit light-headed afterwards - all that lying down left me a bit woozy! _pale_

I'm sure you'll be fine on Wednesday - and if you need any motivation, just think, you'll have to report back to us here how you got on - no pressure then!

Good luck,

Georgie

Need_More_Money_2

Barcode wrote: »

Hi and thanks,

In the booklet for the ct scan, it said the staff have to stay outside because of the radiation, so I don't know if that applies to my partner (since the staff have to deal with it day in day out whereas we should only be an hour or so).

CT scans are pretty quick, I don't expect it will take anywhere near an hour. Your partner might be allowed in the room, but would probably have to sign a form (because of the radiation dose) to be classed as a "comforter" or "carer".
As others have already said, the scanners are like donuts and either you pass through it or it passes over you, so you shouldn't feel enclosed. Most MRI scanners are enclosed though

Need_More_Money_2

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

Yes, for me the instructions I've been able to hear have been "Nearly there," or "just starting the next run" and they always position my head initially with a headrest so I wouldn't have thought you'd need to move it - the whole point of these whizzy machines is that they can see a 'slice' and 'slice' from almost any angle, isn't it?

Depending on the machine, the resolution might not be as good at oblique angles, so they might want to get your head in a particular orientation to ensure they get the best resolution images.

Barcode

I assumed it would take about an hour as I'm having three parts scanned, and they said twenty minutes per scan. Basically, with the MRI, everything is being scanned. Then hopefully, all will be clear, and certain parts will only need to be scanned on a less regular basis.

I'm hoping that since I'm currently symptom free for pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma (which is what they are scanning for since they can appear anywhere on the nervous chain), that nothing will be found. But, as I'm sure some will be aware, cancer can be quite insiduous and not present symptoms until quite late in the course of the disease. I'm cautiously optimistic though.

Yes, once I've done it on weds I'll report back. Hopefully it'll be less worse than originally feared.