Topic: My brain MRI radiologist gave me CD results; read 1st post.
bettyg
Unregistered
posted
Updated 4-17-06, I talked to radiologist. Told him I was going to new LLMD out of state this week. I asked to view mri scans. He surprised me; would I like a burnt copy of the CD? YES. So he handed that to me Friday. I gave him 2 copies of brain MRI info photos from Harvard that someone had posted here on lymenet.
I've spent a little time looking at them; over 130-160 images in all! But I've gone to the 1 area where my white spot showed up to try to find something there myself.
Just wanted you to know that this is an option to: a CD of your images! Betty
4-6-06, I picked up my PCP's dictated letter about my brain mri, and the paragraph he discusses it...
"after 2 wks. from my brain MRI, I picked up yesterday my "official" letter from dr...
Your MRI of the brain showed one small, white matter infarct in the left frontal region inferiorly which is old in appearance.
Othersise, the radiologist stated it was NORMAL.
A white matter infarct is usually a small vessel that closes off and sometimes is indicating of a "MINI STROKE" in people where they might transiently have a neurological deficit that then goes back to normal.
These are found in many people as they get older, who never have any symptoms whatsoever and does not indicate any serious neurological problem." *********************************************
Radiologist David Larson's findings on Betty's 1st BRAIN MRI ever:
Axial TR1 and T2 images were obtained along with coronal FLAIR sequence and axial diffusion study, following by postgadolinium T1 images in coronal, axial, and parasagittal planes.
There is no shift of the midline structures, abnormal mass effects, or abnormal areas of enhancement.
The ventricular system, cortical sulci, and basilar cisterns are NORMAL in appearance for this "age" group.
No unusual extra-axial fluid collections are identified.
Coronal FLAIR imaging demonstrates one small DEEP white matter infarct in the left frontal deep white matter.
This does NOT exhibit restriction of diffusion coefficient to indicate acute or early subacute infarction. It is therefore felt to be OLD in nature.
Otherwise, no evidence of deep white matter or subcortical white matter infarcts are identified. No unusual extra-axial fluid collections are seen.
IMPRESSION: Small deep white matter infarct in the left frontal region inferiorly, which is old in appearance. Otherwise unremarkable exam.
DL/bjg To the RNs on my list receiving this: What else do you get out of the above please? Thanks my online friends! ********************************************/ FYI, my whole brain MRI experiences are now in this 1st post of my 3 different posts.
My PCP called 8 am today. Finally, I have news after 4 days of waiting patiently.
Radiologist found 1 white mass; a small vessel closed off and it looked "old". (I couldn't write fast enough to get the technical terms so he explained it this way to me.)
Zero symptoms of lyme disease. He didn't see anything except signs of "aging process".
I asked my PCP to see the MRI results. Yes, I could schedule an appt. w/David Larson who read them & he'd explain them to me.
He's still waiting for dictated letter to get back to him and will send that plus a copy of David's actual report. We've been doing this for 5.5 years so he's used to it for SSDI purposes.
MY FEELINGS: I am disappointed he did NOT see any CHRONC LYME in my brain due to ALL the neuro symptoms I've been having and especially this past year. To me, it would have been conclusive "evidence" the lyme HAS gone to my brain since I've had this 36+ years .
OBSERVATION: "old" closed off vessel. As a toddler, I climbed up a farm trailor, and then fell to the concrete floor. Later, Mom noticed I was having "memory" problems so took me to a local female MD who gave me weekly head massages for 2-4 years. Eventually my "lost" memory came back. I wonder if that old closed off vessel is the result of that permanent injury? I'll never know.
When I meet w/David, I'll take my internet copy of Harvard's brain & testings on it to see if anyone gave him 1 of 2 copies they made for me! Betty
Thank you ALL for the love, concern, & support you've given me while I waited online as well as all the PMs I received.
Also for the many birthday greetings I received yesterday on the 1 day I was feeling better after the brain MRI side effects! Thank you for your kindness to me/others on this special lyme board. Betty ========================================== Thank you iceskater, blackbird, azure, & peaceful,
Would you believe at almost midnight Thurs. pm, and I still do NOT know what the results of my brain MRI are?
I called my PCP office at 830 am & talked to RN asking her to note in my chart about my strong reaction to tubes: constant, bronchitis couth, and also right side of mouth has a big canker sore in it; not before procedure.
She said MD has NOT received results from person reading them, but he would dictate a letter unless there is something drastically wrong with them. Later, I called drs. office back, whenever diction is done, call me & I'll pick up since I'm 5 minutes away.
I'm been so completely fatigued today; in bed napping a lot today.
My throat, neck, and gut hurt so bad from ALL the hard coughing I did last night.
Ten more minutes folks & I celebrate my 57th birthday right here on lymenet! WHOOPIE. I was born at 810 am. Mom said she was going up the stairs at 8 am, and dr. kept rushing her, "Alice, you've got to hurry, the baby is on the way." I was born impatient; and still am today.
Hope you all have a great weekend. I plan too. --------------------------- Blackbird and all, thank you for your concern! I won't know anything until sometime later today, Thurs.
Quite an ordeal! Info said I've remain in my clothes but was given gown with METAL snaps; which is a no no for the MRI magnets. So I questioned both women about that. "You might have to switch gowns back there!" I didn't..their metal snaps were acceptable to MRI.
Then they had NO anesthesiologist, ANEST, for my schueduled 1 pm appt. So nurse hadn't put in a IV nor made me droggy.
Radiologist RN came in then; they had someone available; let's go.
I took 2 copies from the BRAIN & TESTS FOR THE BRAIN from this web site prepared by Harvard. Never got to talk to the person who was going to read my mri. But I kept telling everyone to give him that extra copy so he could go online & look at the LYME MRIs to see what they show up & compare with whatever shows up on mine.
4 people worked on getting me going. Room must have been 30 degrees, and I had to keep asking for blankets & was ignored for awhile until my squeaky voice made it known ... I wanted those heated blankets NOW.
RN got the iv in, but it kept stinging over & over. I commented about that as well as the BP cuff being so tight that my arm felt like it was going to explode. It went up to 180-200; I run 120-130 but ANEST said earlier it was 158; I can't imagine why with all the delays & problems.
ANEST asked why he was at this "picnic" today; told him I was claustrophobic. Then what meds are you on..14 now.
Diabetes is a high risk problem. I can give you a MILD one where you might wake up and hear the noise of the mri, or put you all the way to sleep by running the tube down the throat.
Told him that I can't get to level 4 sleep said my sleep apnea study. Well, that's another problem. As we kept talking, we found 2 more problems.
Finally said, I wanted the whole thing, I did NOT want to wake up. My hearing was as bad as my eyesight & I was wearing my 2 darkest sunglasses until they put me to sleep.
ANEST was putting in the med to make me sleepy, and the med was leaking all over the place.
Then the tubing was hooked to some machine they hadn't used in awhile and the batteries were DEAD! They were SPECIAL batteries but thank goodness they had an extra set from last time's use.
Then ANEST wanted to get me propped up higher for him to work with, so they helped me sit up and placed the pillow behind my lower-mid back. I adjusted myself in their head holder for comfort for me. Took 45 min. to get to this poiint.
Once I was under, I didn't know anything going on...thank God. That round hole was so small that they said a pair of music microhones would NOT fit in there. I brought my xmas music to listen to, but no way. I heard nothing...good.
I awoke promptly in recovery room; there 5-8 minutes then taken to my room. I was so dry of course. I love my water, and drink 3-4 32 oz mugs/day. I had to settle for a few small sips earlier and had my plain jello at 6 am. I was starved & they brought me ice chips, 4 toast/jelly & 7 up to drink. I was there 4.5 hours. Hubby went home to wait..5 minutes away. His tremers are bad & he would have been that much worse in that small, cramped room I was in.
After getting out of the recovery room, I started coughing, and have continued the BRONCHITIS sounding cough. It got really bad, so I called short stay so they could add that to my file as a result of the throat tubing side effect; too late, it's closed out. Talk to your PCP who sent you here for mri tomorrow.
Got home and went to bed for awhile in between pee calls galore. I'm just weak, and tired but I can't sleep more than 30 minutes.
My excitement was watching TVLAND's TV AWARDS honoring these shows: Dallas, Cheers, & I can't remember the show's name for the 1st black family with J J Walker, "dynamite".
Their skit was so cute earlier with them playing the theme songs from each of the honored programs and by the original singer if still alive.
Billy Crystal honored comedian Sid Ceasar with a lifetime award; that was good & so touching.
I'll post results as soon as I get them. I have to admit I told ANEST/gang that with as many things that could go wrong, MURPHY'S LAW, that I hopped everything was done now for my 20-25 minute MRI without any problems there. They agreed.
Again, thank you Blackbird/others for your thoughts & prayers.
Glad it's over; just hope will like the result that they CONFIRM I have brain lyme causing all my neuro problems. =========================================== Last Wed. 3-22-06, I attempted to have a brain MRI in an "open" MRI, but the minute they put the headgear on that I didn't know was coming; I went ballastic!
I have severe claustrophobia since being locked in a car truck with my younger brother who pulled it down innocently as we unloaded the trunk w/groceries. Was in there 3-4 hours until supper time, Mom came outside looking for us on the farm.
I asked her to put me under; NO, can't do that ere; will need to do this at hospital under anesthescia.
So I plan on taking the link I found here 2 nights ago about the MRI brain ... LYME, MS, & ALZHEIMER'S.
I hope they find something for all my confusion besides neuro lyme or to confirm it. Bettyg
Michelle M
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7200
posted
Sweet dreams, Betty!! With an experience like that it's easy to understand why MRI's and you don't mix. Hope this turns up some answers. Keep us posted!
Michelle
Posts: 3193 | From Northern California | Registered: Apr 2005
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char
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8315
Wishing you luck with the MRI. I've had several during the course of disease(s) and they weren't helpful at all in ruling out lyme disease or pinpointing anything.
I also hope the anesthesia goes easy on your immune system. I've had a heck of a time bouncing back each time I've been anesthetized.
quote:I hope they find something for all my confusion besides neuro lyme or to confirm it.
I'm confused. Are you thinking or hoping your symptoms aren't due to TBDs?
Anyway, wishing you luck this afternoon.
-------------------- Posts: 703 | From Almost Heaven | Registered: Aug 2004
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Foggy
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1584
posted
Yes, been there, no fun. I took some Ativan, pu on the headphones, and had them put a towel over my eyes. When I cranked up the tunes, I tuned out and was actually pretty mellow.
The towel was key. When I opened my eyes, I didn't see the machine thus didn't feel as clostrophobic. Hang in there betty, it'll be over before you know it.
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5dana8
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7935
posted
Hi Betty
Sending some prayers up your way today
and healing thought for you and inner peace and contentment.
Good luck with the test.
dana
-------------------- 5dana8 Posts: 4432 | From some where over the rainbow | Registered: Sep 2005
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
quote:Originally posted by Biting Back:
bettyg,
quote:I hope they find something for all my confusion besides neuro lyme or to confirm it.
I'm confused. Are you thinking or hoping your symptoms aren't due to TBDs?
BB, I'm just so confused; I really don't know what I am looking for to be honest! I feel it's all TBD and I DO WANT TO CONFIRM THAT.
Being put under, I've never had a problem with that except once where they gave me too much and I had to hang onto the walls!
My appt. is TOMORROW at 1 pm.
Thank you all for your comments & wishes! I will post later but won't know results until next work day from my PCP. Bettyg
posted
Betty, I am glad to hear you are back home and made it through.
I have yet to figure out why some radiology departments act like the one you were at, and others are flawless.
Why higher some of those folks? Not the point here. Your throat should feel better in a couple of days. The sore throat and cough always gets me.
I hope you are able to get some more rest and feel better soon.
I will email you later today. Take care!
Posts: 114 | From USA | Registered: Sep 2005
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
Thank you iceskater, blackbird, azure, & peaceful,
Would you believe at almost midnight Thurs. pm, and I still do NOT know what the results of my brain MRI are?
I called my PCP office at 830 am & talked to RN asking her to note in my chart about my strong reaction to tubes: constant, bronchitis couth, and also right side of mouth has a big canker sore in it; not before procedure.
She said MD has NOT received results from person reading them, but he would dictate a letter unless there is something drastically wrong with them. Later, I called drs. office back, whenever diction is done, call me & I'll pick up since I'm 5 minutes away.
I'm been so completely fatigued today; in bed napping a lot today.
My throat, neck, and gut hurt so bad from ALL the hard coughing I did last night.
Ten more minutes folks & I celebrate my 57th birthday right here on lymenet! WHOOPIE. I was born at 810 am. Mom said she was going up the stairs at 8 am, and dr. kept rushing her, "Alice, you've got to hurry, the baby is on the way." I was born impatient; and still am today.
posted
up for my results coming Sat. am from PCP. bettyg
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
up; I put my MRI brain results info on original post plus how bad the procedure went prior so it's all in one area vs. scattered all over my post. Betty
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
up -- have any of your MRIs showed a closed off blood vessel? This is all new to me. Thanks!
My interpretation of this MRI is that it is normal except for an old small stroke. An infarct is an area of damage where the tissue dies.
You could have had a small stroke that you didn't even notice or you could have had mild symptoms that you thought were realted to lyme.
I am an RN
Patti
Posts: 340 | From Ohio | Registered: Oct 2005
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
Patti, thank you so much for your RN expertise on your interpretation of my mri!
No one had mentioned a stroke. PCP asked me to wait until I got radiologist report before I called him to set up a visit to go over mri w/radiol. This should be a lively conversation now.
I did hear privately from another RN that "white hypertensive flair image is possibly indicative of LYME, so this would apear to be that the frontal area is where yu had a hit of lyme in the past. It does not sound as if there is any progression or spread of lyme appearance."
Thank you both for your professional opinions! Bettyg
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riversinger
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4851
posted
Betty, it is very common for an MRI not to show anything, even with severe neurological symptoms. With Lyme, a SPECT by a LYme knowledgeable radiologist is much more likely to show something.
My MRI was completely clear, even though I was having severe headaches, visual disturbance, and cognitive problems. Six months later, a SPECT showed global hypoperfusion in my brain, consistent with Lyme disease.
The problem is that Lyme doesn't always cause a change in the structure of the brain, and that is what the MRI measures. However it does cause a change in the FUNCTION of the brain, and that is what a SPECT measures.
riversinger
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4851
posted
Betty, hypoperfusion menas that not enough blood is getting to the brain. When it is global hypoperfusion, it means it is not getting to all parts of the brain. This is seen in infectious causes.
Sometimes injury or other causes will show lack of blood flow to specific areas. Even depression shows as lack of blood flow to the brain, but only in specific areas.
posted
Riversinger, thank you for a user-friendly words to understand my question to you. Even my brain got that. LOL You have a SPECIAL GIFT of putting into words; those that are user friendly to us late-stage lymies!
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