MRA question

[Deager]

Say all,

Jack has to have an MRA tomorrow (Monday). Anything I should be aware of? I'm going to have him take his pump off cause of the magnet, but anything else?

Thanks for your help.

Diane:confused:

[lgvincent]

Are you talking about an MRI? If so, I can tell you, the space inside the infernal machine is VERY TINY and the time seems to go on forever. The first time I tried the machine, I couldn't do it. I made a tape which they played for me while I was in there so I could judge how long I had been in and how much longer I would have to stay. Without it, I think I would have lost my mind (not that I'd be loosing much). You can also try having your eyes covered but I kind of looked upon that as wearing a blindfold in front of a firing squad. It's no fun, no fun at all. I wasn't aware of any problems other than the tight space. They usually keep all metal objects out of the room because of the intense magnetic field it generates. It's also VERY loud at times. Of course, your nose is probably going to start itching about 15 seconds after you get in there. It is awful because of the small space. I can't stand small spaces. I feel enclosed even when outside. I never could have served on a submarine.

[Deager]

lgVincent,

I know what you mean.....I'm terribly clausterphobic (sp?).

The doc said an MRA is a bit different from an MRI in that Jack won't be in one of those tubes cause it isn't being done to his whole body.....just his hips on down. Otherwise, it is pretty much the same. He also has a metal rod in his leg from breaking it a couple of years ago, so they expect his leg to hurt after. I'm wondering what you or others did about your insulin routine that day. Jack is on a pump, so he will be disconnecting it for an hour or so.

Diane

[lgvincent]

Oh, sorry. I can't afford to use the pump so I just took my regular injection. Perhaps someone else can help.

[SunniD]

Think it's best to take your pump off because of the magnets.
Believe the procedure is a relatively easy one to make it through as long as you can handle the claustiphobia for the few mins. involved.

Have also heard that an MRI wouldn't be done on you if you have been in a war due to possibility of shell fragments or if you have a tattoo (lead inks). I just found this interesting info.

Have heard of one person who was pumping and lost her job
working at a MRI because she couldn't wear the pump close to the MRI but had no problem working in the area at other jobs outside of the room.

SunniD

[PepsiLvr]

Taking the pump off is a good idea. It would be a shame to screw up a $6000 pump. Also, I had an MRI done about 6 months ago (only on my foot). It was called (open MRI) this will practicually eliminate the clostrofobic (sp) aspect. It's no big deal except you do have to lie still for a while so I took some pain pills to avoid twitching or moving around ;) . Oh, I just realized that his MRI was today. I hope all went well. God bless.

[Deager]

Thanks all,

Well, it turns out an MRA is a more extensive procedure than an MRI. I got to be in the room with Jack while he had it done. He was strapped down, headphones put on and then he was slid in and out of a machine that looks like a jet engine. Jack isn't claustrophobic, but even so, the top of the tube was at least 9", if not more, away from his face so I don't think it would bother even me. It took about 40 minutes.

I've already requested a copy of the written report. Hopefully I'll have it soon and I'll let you know how it went.

Ah, life.......

Diane

[dpav]

I know this is late but just to back up the decision.
I have had a cpouple of these and I simply take the pump off like I would if I were to take a shower. After, I simply reconnect.
The closed ones are a mess to handle. But I have had open and closed MRI's.
Don

[mg_2204]

... never had a problem with claustrophobia. I was in such painnnnnnnnnnnnn that I didn't mind being in this noisy tube. Pain from my back injury of course, not from the MRI.

I don't think they'd allow a pump anyway. They make you remove everything.

I hope everything went well!

Marie
:)