Jill E.
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9121
posted
Hi Rob,
Is it an MRI of the brain? the spine? Please be a little more specific if you can.
I've had the brain and full spine MRIs when I was symptomatic with Lyme but misdiagnosed MS.
MRIs can be done either with contrast dye (usually gadolinium) or not.
Most radiologists and neurologists prefer using the contrast dye because it helps the image have more contrast and they can see things more clearly.
The first time I had an MRI a decade ago (non-Lyme issue) I had a very allergic reaction to the contrast dye. They said in 35 years no one else had an allergic reaction. But I'm very sensitive and I did.
So I've refused to have contrast dye until my recent brain scan and the doctor insisted. I explained my situation to the technician, who has had a couple of other people with allergies to it. She she used half a dose, infused it very slowly, kept asking if I was OK, and it went fine.
I'm not saying any of this to worry you. I have you no history of super-sensitivities, don't worry. But I have to be concerned about anything given to me.
MRIs, as you have probably heard, are NOISY!! It sounds like being at a heavy metal concert. Lots of clicking sounds. If Lyme has made you at all sensitive to noise, talk to your technician about this.
Depending on the facility, they might give you headphones with music, might not. Ask them for whatever they can give you - headphones, ear plugs, etc.
Also, some people are claustrophobic if they are dong a brain scan, meaning your head is going to go into that donut-shaped machine. If they are scanning a lower part of your body, then it won't feel so claustrophobic.
One facility put a little mirror on my head that allowed me to look out at them, rather than up into the machine. Even though I'm not claustrophobic, it helped.
For the last one, I had already developed mild tremors. They ask you to hold still, but it wasn't an issue because they said they work with Parkinson's patients so I was no challenge to them.
No, it won't show yeast. You need to do a specialized test - blood or stool - for that. Maybe through Great Smokies Lab (now Genova) or some practitioner or lab that understands and believes in candida (some mainstream doctors don't).
Good luck - it's an easy test. It will be over before you know it.
Jill
-------------------- If laughter is the best medicine, why hasn't stand-up comedy cured me? Posts: 1773 | From San Diego | Registered: Apr 2006
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AZURE WISH
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 804
posted
If you have issues with being in a tube for a little while hearing lots of clanging and banging...
You might want to tell your dr that... you can be given valium or something to take prior to quell the anxiety.
Your dr should have told you what he is looking for when he ordered the mri.
It shows a lot more than an xray. For example: the condition of your spine.
I recently had an MRI of my brain with dye to look for demyelination from the Lyme. This is
apparently sometimes found with neurological symptoms. Doctor explained the dye (gadolidium)
can pick up the demyelination moreso than without the dye. The test itself was pretty quick and
didn't bother me whatsoever. As Jill said, it is loud at times and you are confined and have to
remain still. They offered me headphones and my choice of music which was very helpful. Hopefully your test will go as smoothly as possible. Good luck.
Posts: 64 | From Maryland | Registered: Oct 2006
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posted
I had an MRI of my brain and upper spine when the ducks thought I had MS.
They did use dye for me, which was no problem.
It wasn't a bad experience for me (especially compared to a spinal tap!), just mildly disconcerting, but I second the advice to keep your eyes closed - I'm not claustrophobic, but it is a very small area.
Also, I was offered a blanket before I went in and said no, which I deeply regretted after a short while. I thought it would be like an x-ray - in, quick snap, out - but I was in there for quite some time and was freezing!
Good luck1
Posts: 106 | From Michigan | Registered: Oct 2006
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trueblue
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7348
posted
Bring ear pugs if it is not an open MRI, incase they don't have any. Some provide them if you ask and some don't. The enclosed ones can sound like a jack hammer.
The open MRIs I've been to were much easier on the ears with piped in music and sometimes you can bring your own CD.
Valium or Xanax makes it easier for fidgety me to stay still. Ask beforehand if this is ok.
I've had multiple Brain MRIs, both of my sholders, all 3 sections of my spine, some more than once.
Good luck I'm sure you'll be fine. When is it?
-------------------- more light, more love more truth and more innovation Posts: 3783 | From somewhere other than here | Registered: May 2005
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Michelle M
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7200
posted
Hi Rob.
A closed MRI is better from a diagnostic point of view. (Though patients obviously like the open one better!)
I have had two closed brain MRI's. No problem.
Excellent advice to just keep your eyes closed. Ditto on the blankie!!
Takes around half an hour, all told.
In spite of the clanging and banging, if this can be believed, I actually fell asleep during the last one. (Forgot to take my Provigil.) When I say I have trouble staying awake I am really not joking. Even during a brain MRI.
Do the contrast for sure. Diagnostically very helpful.
Hope all goes well!
Michelle
Posts: 3193 | From Northern California | Registered: Apr 2005
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posted
Hi Rob, I just had Mri w/ and w/o contrast of brain, cervical spine and thoracic spine. they can usually only do two of these tests at a time, so I had to go back for the thoracic spine. Like everyone said if your not good in small spaces you might get anxious. It is noninvasive except for the gaddium injection..so painless. the different sounds as the test is performed is quite interesting...sorta like a starwars odyssey, lol! No it won't show yeast.
Posts: 145 | From NorthEast US | Registered: Aug 2005
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