MRI Scan of the head - My Experience
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- čas přidán 22. 09. 2018
- This afternoon I've been for a Brain MRI Scan. I thought I'd document my experience for anybody out there that may be worried about having one of these types of scans. I hope it helps.
Also, you two are the sweetest. 💕 :)
You two are so lovely, so lucky to have each other, lots of love xx
Thanks Carole. Much love to you also.
Had MRI last Sunday. I’ve had 1-2 last several years. It is a huge challenge for us MSers! Whoa!! Pain laying in any direction, jittery legs and arms, stresses of trying to keep still! CHALLENGING!! Great news last two have shown no new lesions!!
That's awesome new Sheridan, please for you!! I also found recent MRI's VERY challenging, I've had a few just recently so I managed to devise a way of coping my keeping my left leg bent, this is the leg I have a lot of pain in. It's no fun.
I love you guys, I laugh all the time. I was diagnosed almost 12 months ago with PPMS. Had my 3rd MRI last week and it seems this time I have had a big reaction to the Gadolinium dye used for the scan. I have been ill and due to the symptoms I thought that the Corona virus had got me (it hasn't) I love your honesty and it is the same thing that I do on my channel (although I do have a tongue in cheek attitude) keep up the great work!
Hey there KP and thanks for the message. I'm terribly sorry to hear you have a PPMS diagnosis, I hope that you're managing your symptoms ok and that they're not too bad currently. Yes, I've heard it's possible to have a reaction to the Dye they inject when having an MRI, and I'm sorry to hear you did. I've been fortunate not to have this reaction just yet. Good to hear you've evaded the Corona Virus so far, so have we! Super pleased you've been enjoying our videos, stay well my friend.
Lots of love to the motherland. Keep uploading and keep creating new content. Our videos help and share what we experience. There are times when we are frustrated and others when we need to laugh. In these times stay safe and stay strong. Tons of love from down under
Thank you my friend, means a lot. Sending much love and healing thoughts to you and yours also.💞 Take care.
Thank you both for the good laugh today, I've needed that all day! I've had my 10th MRI this year and I am very claustrophobic, but it's getting better with each MRI. I always have a bit of a panic attack before they put me in the MRI tube, but calm myself after I get in place for the test. Glad you did not choose Tysabri, I have heard too many bad things about it. Had to wipe a few tears away while watching you stroll around your yard and feeding the birds. Hope the steroids hang in there and continue to help for a while longer than last time! So many people take for granted the little things that they do everyday that us with MS have to fight to continue to be able to do those same little things. Hugs & prayers sent to you both!
Thanks Rona, the MRI scan I’ve just had was also my 10th, since my first one in 2012. I’ve been counting as well. I’ve not quite made my decision yet, I’ve got to discuss it in detail with my MS nurse but I’m leaning heavily towards Ocrevus now. I’m worried about even the tiniest risk of PML, I’m just not prepared to do that, I’ve got enough problems. I’m still better than I was thanks to the steroids, but the pain is slowly creeping back. Fingers crossed it’s just a blip.
Yes I just wanted to say also, I agree with you about the little things. Walking being one of them, I would give anything just to be able to have a stroll round the shops or just down the road without the difficulty I have now. I get so tired of it all. It really makes us appreciate the little things in life doesn’t it. I’ve even had to hand over my beautiful garden now because I can’t do it. Fortunately I have the most amazing family who help, even my wife has grown some green fingers.
Enjoyed the vlog,you covered the MRI process very well. I am surprised they did not give you a CD of your scan afterwards. I get scans twice a year and the dressing area is quite funny. It's always interesting to hear any differences in process but the technician follows the very same procedure here. I'm glad you reached a decision,excited to see if you will chronicle your time on it. Teresa,your most capable and caring wife did not have to wheel you this time. Happy Sunday! Avril
Thanks Avril .. we never get offered the scans on CD ever unfortunately. And even in the past when I’ve tried to obtain them it’s been troublesome. But I feel it’s our right to have access to them if we wish. The scan went quite well I would say considering how badly my last one went, I was able to manage the pain in my leg much better this time. I hope you’re doing ok.
Really, really helpful, Neil. I have a brain MRI coming up soon. It seems you wing right through these tests and medications quite well. Same with your lumbar puncture (no headache). You give us hope!! And the dynamics between you and Teresa are truly entertaining and FUNNY. Hope you two are going along okay. Some days are so hard on us, I know.
Thank you Elaine, we really appreciate your kind thoughts. Teresa and I really enjoy doing the videos and we shoot the footage "as is", that is exactly how we really are in real life. I pride myself in reporting the experience exactly as it happens for me. It's not always without problems though, but I try my best. Thanks again - Neil and Teresa.
Hello Neil, Man you and I are going through it we are. I was diagnosed in 2014 at 51 when my right hand went numb. As of December 2016 started needing a cane to walk. April 2018 started needing a walker and now need a wheelchair to move any distance. Legs quit so put QuickStick hand controls on my car. Took delivery of a power wheelchair three weeks ago. My handicap accessible van will be ready Monday after Thanksgiving. Thank you for your videos I have been following you, this is some crazy stuff we deal with. Good to have a friend who knows what we deal with. I have been to the mountain trying to feel better or just function some days. If you need to talk I have some experience. I have been on Techfidera, Aubagio and now Ocrevous. I've tried diets, acupuncture, massage. I have eaten so much turmeric I now have an East Indian accent. My back is so tight, hips hurt legs go straight from spasticity. December 5th I am scheduled for a Baclofen pump trial. We shall see. Chris in Albuquerque
Hey Christopher, thank you for your message which I read with interest. You sure have, and are going through it aren’t you. Know that, I do understand and whilst I’m currently feeling a bit better, I’ve been there, and not long ago either.
I too have a lot of spasticity in my legs, and I know that feeling where they straighten on there own and we don’t have a choice in it. I was interested to hear about the stiffness in your back, I suffer terribly with this. I also get a lot of muscular pain in my lower back, my theory is because my back is compensating for my poor walking walking gate. The muscles become over stressed and literally burn.
I see you’re currently using a wheelchair, so was I. I literally couldn’t walk more than a few feet, sometimes I couldn’t even turn 180 degrees standing in the spot without help from my wife (mainly because of my stiff back and complete lack of balance).
This all changed after having steroids on my birthday (10th Sep). I’ve had a small taste of life once again, and I’m terrified I’m going to loose it. Sadly this is what usually happens after about the third month from having steroids.
I’m guessing you’ve had steroids before Christopher, have they ever help improved your mobility?
Good luck with the Baclofen pump, I tried this drug in the smallest of doses but it seemed to make my already wobbly legs worse. So I stopped. I wish you luck with the pump though.
Best regards -Neil.
You two are so funny I almost tinckled I laughed so hard
Ahaha Glen, what ya like! Yep, that my wife for you😂😂
Good decision, Neil!
Its funny how I'm subscribed to like 100 channels and yet I get the most excited to watch you two! After months of waiting I have finally got a proper doctor with my insurance. Hopefully soon I'll meet with a neurologist and get an MRI scan.
Have you had your testerone checked, neil?
Hey chip, ahh thank you so much that’s really kind of you to say so. I’ve recently had a blood test, but not sure if testerone is included in the test. Why do you ask? Take care.
You guys are too funny. 😆🤣💜
😊
I totally understand the Bladder issues. You don't even have to say anything about if and I will know because I have the issue as well.
It’s one of the worse things trying to adapt life around. You have my sympathies also Jessica, it’s very hard to deal with.
Teresa, you’re funny, thanks for the laugh. And, suite....it should be a suite for the price, lol. Hoping for a treatment plan for you and better days ahead Neil. God, what we go through with this horrible disease, at least you can laugh about it.
I think if we didn’t laugh Karen, we surely would cry. We’ve just got to get on with it the best we can haven’t we, in the hope that we can slow things down and maintain the best quality of life for as long as possible. How are you doing, I seem to recall you’ve not been so good recently? I hope that you’ve improved somewhat.
Well I'm glad you remembered to pack your brain that day, lol! Boy did your face ever get red when Teresa talked about that seat with the slats. Oh I forgot to mention on last video, Teresa can't steal your saying because as a couple, what is yours is hers and what is hers is yours! Best wishes and hugs to the both of you! Stay strong and keep up the good work!
As a rule, I do tend to pack my brain first thing when I get up .. but on occasion it does prefer to stay in bed whilst the body trundles around without it lol :)
Ah well, Teresa has a different version of that saying, she says "What's hers is hers, and what is mine is hers also" lol. I think that is female logical somehow. I hope you're well.
Thanks for sharing. I have had an abdominal MRI before, but not a head one and I am a wee bit terrified. I am terribly claustrophobic and the whole mask thing really freaks me out. You sound so calm about it. I hope I can be too!
For an extra fee, you can be sedated. (at least here in the States) Or be prescribed Valium or Xanax or Ativan... Ask your doctor, it helped me for two 1 1/2 hour MRIs.
Here in Canada there is no fee, so not sure about that, but I will definitely ask my doctor about a sedative. Thanks!
Hi Gwenny/Lee .. in the uk it’s possible to get something to calm you down I think but only upon request. They tend not to offer it to you.
Gwenny, the MRI scans you at the centre of the tunnel so for a head scan you won’t go that far in. The mask has a prism mirror on it so you can see out into the room. But I found if I just glanced down I could see into the room anyway. I also found the hospital scanners had a much wider diameter than the one I had on a lorry.
Hahaha Teresa! The "little bum" story was hilarious.
I was surprised that you had your MRI on a Sunday. Very cool. That doesn´t happen here. I´m glad it went well. And that they found a brain in your head :D
Some of the hospitals in Denmark will make a cd with the images if a patient wants to take them home. I believe it costs around 15-20 pounds. I wish I had asked when I had the brain MRI that led to the diagnosis, but I didn´t know about it then. Definitely ask.
Making a decision about the DMT is wise. I will of course support whatever decision you make, but making one lets your brain rest a bit. Just because you have a brain doesn´t mean it should be working around the clock ;)
Thanks Rikke, glad we were able to make you smile about the little bum story. That’s Teresa for you😁
We are never offered the scans on cd, but it would be good. I tried to get hold of some before but proved to be quite difficult. Still didn’t get them.
I’m leaning more towards Ocrevus now especially after all the research I’ve done. I might do another video about my decision at some point. The serious side effect of Tysabri are really off putting, JC virus, PML, chronic and serious infections, possibility of meningitis, liver issues. Yet with Ocrevus the side effects are more minimal. And it’s an infusion every six months as opposed to four weekly.
Thanks for sharing your experience. I just had the same MRI with contrast last Wednesday. Luckily, I always fall asleep and it's a decent experience for me and the X-Ray technician. No results yet, but I assume I'd get a call or a letter from the hospital if it was bad. Good luck to us both!
Hi Elisabeth, you fall asleep in an MRI scanner! Wow, you are very gifted 😊😉 They are so very noisy, it’s gave me a headache. Yes good luck to the both of us. 👍
Teresa your hillarious 😂 Thats good for Neil too to keep his spirits up,
Really glad the Mri went ok Neil and you weren't too uncomfortable. I enjoyed both my Mri scans cos the fella took one look at me and said Susan its the Rock channel for you on the radio so I was madeup, I was in for 1 hr 40 mins on my last one and then had afew mins break and went back in for another half hour I was nackered after it and abit dizzy. MY very 1st scan I was abit scared, the machine looked like a massive polo & it was really old but I was fine, they put my head in a vice before the headphones went on & I found the mask ok but I can see why some people get clostraphobic in them.
I just wondered Neil only cos im on it but when you came off Rebif did they say anything to you or anything about your Ms progressing because you wouldnt be taking it?
Ive been on Rebif 3 yrs and theres times when its so painful to inject and the egg size burning hot lumps sometimes last for days that ive had afew times when ive said to Dave that ive had enough and want to come off it and the only reason I carry on is im scared to come off it incase it makes me worse without it!.
Ive not bothered ringing my nurse this time I think im on my second relapse but just dont see the point of ringing them cos all they do is write it down so ive not told them, I still have bad insomnia but after 2 days of not sleeping ill eventually fall asleep but its like a full 18 hrs sleep & nobody can wake me up its like my body just shuts down and every time I suffer memory loss after it.
My bladder at the moment is getting on my nerves I havent been out the house for about 7/8wks now cos I dont feel secure enough, bought myself some Vit d & b vitimins to see if that helps cos ive lost 2st in about 6wks & im hardly eating cos everything tastes horrible to me atm & im going off things I usually like plus im drinking milk which ive not done for at least 10yrs but atm cant get enough of it,
Anyway glad your feeling slightly better, hopefully the Mri results will be good & fingers crossed you'll be ok on the Disease Modifying Drugs, Goodluck Hun, keep fighting keep smiling & laughing with Teresa, its the best medicine ☺👍
Talk to you soon love Sue xxxxxx
Thanks for your message, so glad we were able to make you laugh. Not laughing at me falling through the seat by chance are we??🙈😉
Ok, In answer to your question .. Rebif was my first DMT and I only took it for a couple of months. I just stopped it as didn’t like the side effect and I felt rubbish a lot of the time. My MS nurse didn’t think it was a good idea for me not to be taking anything, so we decided on Copaxone which I stuck to for two years. That is until I was so damaged by injection site reaction I just said enough was enough and stopped. That was the end of 2015 (I think).
I been on nothing since!
Sue, I’ve been learning quite a lot about DMT and Rebif is an older drug and as far as I can tell certainly not one of the most effective. It would perhaps be good to talk to your MS nurse about some of the more modern drugs such as Tecfidera, or Ocrevus. It all depends on how your MS is behaving, but worth the conversation perhaps.
So you’re loosing weight as well are you, it’s not good is it. I’m being fed choc bars in a daily basis🤔 it’s actually quite hard to gain weight.
Look after yourself and give some thought about the newer DMT. If ever you want to chat or video call about it, that’s no problem
You take care.
Great Video! I had a good laugh about the changing room. I think you've made a very thoughtful and logical decision about the medication. Also, just thought; I'd throw in a comment, albeit a bit premature, since you haven't got your JCV results back yet, is that you can be negative the day the blood was taken and be exposed to the virus a day later and then be positive without knowing it. Here in they States they check for it every 6 months, or so. Also, there have been a few reported PML cases on ocrevus, and 1 death that I know about, but that was from a person who switched from Tysabri to Ocrevus, so they also check periodically for JC whilst on ocrevus. I do hope all will be well and again, thanks for the upload. You are Both Stars in my book. :)
Thanks John, glad we were able to make you laugh with the video.
Yes I’ve been doing my research on Ocrevus too and honestly, I’m leaning more towards Ocrevus now. I’ve also read about the death from PML with the person who switched from Tysabri to Ocrevus.
Ocrevus no doubt will also be linked to PML in the not so distant.
All the research I do on Tysabri is full of warnings about the JC virus, PML etc but not only those, also serious and chronic infections, also opportunist infection (because of the weakened immune system), serious infections of the spinal cord or brain (meningitis). It’s actually quite difficult the glean out what good Tysabri does. I’m really quite worried about it now. I’m thinking Ocrevus now.
Hi Teresa, Hi Neil, thanks for your MRI experience!
MRIs aren't fun at all, loud and "comfy" as you said and the contrast is not fun either!
BTW contrast helps to let the "new" lesions glow so the radiologist can see, if they are "active" or older ones.
In my last MRI of my spine and neck I had one lesion glowing, looking like a duck! THis lesion is giving me trouble walking.
Well....as long as they look funny....
Have a great week!
sincerely Britta
That’s really interesting Britta, I knew the contrast helped with clearer images but I didn’t know that it made the lesions glow. As far as I know I’ve got no lesions in my brain, just spinal cord. I don’t have any brain related MS symptoms which I’m grateful for.
Neil Bradley be happy about having no lesions in your brain! They are making funny things like Fatigue, speech problems, brainfog aand balance issues and so on. The list is endless! I am having 48 lesions in my brain, but only 4 are active, the rest, well, is just there with making not much trouble anymore. The two I have in my spinal cord are responsible for my bad walking and sensationloss in my toes and fingertips,which makes it hard to buy shoes cause I don't feel if they fit or not.... or cutting veggies or herbs and cutting my finger and not feeling it. I recognizee it, when I see the blood on the herbs....that is very dangerous also sometimes.
Well, I had a pretty good day today and hope tomorrow will be the same.
Weather is beautiful and sunny, enjoyable in every way. Maybe we are going to Würzburg tomorrow for a little walk in the city (with my wheelchair of course).
Have a wonderful evening, Neil!
sincerely Britta
Hi Britta, that is how I know I don’t have any brain lesions, because I have absolutely no sign of symptoms such as brain fog, speech problems or fatigue etc. I am however interested to see what they think of my recent head scans. Well, I have exactly the same problems with wearing shoes because of not being able to feel my feet very well. However, I now know that I can by the Nike brand of shoe, size 11 and it will fit perfectly. I don’t even need to try them on in the shop. So I’ve managed to figure that one out!😉🤔
I do actually have numbness in two fingers on my right hand. Since starting with my symptoms in 2007 I’ve also suffered with really bad burning lobster red hands, especially a few years ago. It’s not so bad now, I think that is down to a lesion in my cervical spine.
I hope you have a lovely trip out tomorrow. Regards Neil.
I panicked a tiny bit cos before I went in I had an itch on my face but couldn't get to it. My fear is not being able to ignore a bad itch in there. But I did like the helmet in terms of it having a mirror so I could see in the room and watch the tech for something to do.
Hi Lisa, I’m well aware of that itch on the face lol, drives you crazy dos this it. 🙈
My right leg jumps a lot
I had brain, cervical, and thoracic scans at the beginning of the month. My brain scan took extra long becuase I was having involuntary movements in my arms. I also have lumbar and leg pain. I had each mri separately and my lower back flared up for a couple weeks after. They did try to help with a wedge under my legs.
I highly recommend the washcloth over the eyes. I also needed anxiety meds too. It was nice that they gave headphones with my choice of music. The panic button was nice too.
Hi Lorien, thanks for telling me about your experience with an MRI. It’s good that you’ve developed you’re owQn coping mechanism because it makes it more bearable for next time doesn’t it.
With me they tried the bigger wedge under my legs first, but my legs wouldn’t stop spasming and flapping around because of the way they were resting on the wedge. Very disconcerting when you simply just can’t stop them. The smaller wedge worked fine though.
I just love you two. You make a great couple. Your so funny. I'm new to your channel and as of now I do not have MS, but my PCP is sending me to a neurologist to get a brain MRI, like your wife said they won't find a brain either lol. I do have a question, was your vitamin D ever low? My PCP said normal is a 70 and mine is at a 10. Yes I know not good at all..
Hello Cheri, and thank you for joining this little community.. it’s very nice to meet you. In answer to your question, I’m not really sure as they’ve never really said. But I will be asking questions about a recent blood test in a few days at an appointment. I do however take Vit d, along with some other supplements which are popular amongst MS’ers. Sounds like you need to be taking Vit D if your levels are low. Good luck with your MRI, how do you feel about having such a scan?
@@NeilBradleyMS .. your welcome, yes my Dr gave me a prescription for vitamin D, it is 50,000 units once a week. This is my second week on it.. yes you should ask if they check yours. But it's good your already taken some.
@@NeilBradleyMS .. how do I feel.. I've had plenty of MRI's and catscans. But I have had a fusion on my back, so I can't do MRI's cuz of the rods in my back. But I'm not sure if it's ok to do one on my head since the whole body isn't getting scanned, but who knows.. I just want an answer of what I have. I know I'm getting weaker and weaker and I don't see myself walking in a year. I can't lift my legs when getting in and out of a car. I have to use my hands to lift them. When I grocery shop I will get horrible cramps all night long fm the walking. I have just been told I have fibromyalgia but I see other people that have it and they can do way more then I can I can't do anything like I used too.. I've been from Dr to Dr and I just get worse. So i hope whoever I see next will take the time to listen and figure out what I have.. thank you for taking the time to listen and answering back..
Hi Cheri, ahh it’s my absolute pleasure to listen to you. I really do hope you find a Dr that can figure it all out for you. Prior to having steroids both my legs were much weaker than they are now, and I was also lifting them with my hands for months, I still do a bit but they’re not as bad as they were. It won’t last though, I’m just enjoying it while it does though. It does sound like you have something neurological going on, especially with the muscle weakness in your legs. They may have to CT scan you then if you’ve got metal work in your back. Good luck with your quest Cheri, I hope you get some answers.
@@NeilBradleyMS .. thank you so much. My legs have been weak like this for like 4 yrs now and just getting worse. You are the best 👍 god bless I'm glad your a little stronger and pray you will get stronger
Is mri done with or without contrast to find lesions?
Hi - When I have the MRI done , as a rule it's always done with contrast.
@@NeilBradleyMS are lesions not seen without contrast?
@@sandhya431Its possible, but the contrast helps the machine highlight them showing them up better.
They didn't say what size brain they found Lol. I also heard Cliff is now available again for personal sessions if Theresa needs him🤔 ooh contrast erm don't like that nearly makes me pass out! Buurrr Dee dudududududu I remember well😂😂
Ahah Adrian, obviously they found a considerably large brain 🧠 lol. This is the second time I’ve had contrast, and no reaction so all good. I wonder why it has that effect on you.
Never edit the wifey bits out. Ever. 😁
I wouldn’t dare!🤔😉 I just like to tease her though ahah
I have had 8 MRI's.
I’m two ahead of you there, just had my 10th since 2013 😉 I’ve been counting as well. 😊