Had my routine 3-month interval MRI today at Cedars-Sinai. The appointment was at 9:30 AM so of course I left at 5:45AM to beat the SoCal crush up Interstate 405. Surprisingly, I arrived at 7:30 AM which gave me the opportunity to have breakfast.
I decided to check in early about 45 minutes before my scheduled time and was pleasantly surprised to get called in only a few minutes afterwards. The MRI went as normal. The vein at my right elbow even cooperated this time. It has been shy for the past two years, probably because of overuse from my two stays at the hospitals. So all of my IVs and blood samples have been either at the hands or forearms prior to today. As customary, I fell asleep due to the soothing beats generated by the MRI machine.
Since my scan was completed early, I decided to check in early as well for my meeting with Dr. Hu. Again, to my pleasant surprise, I was shown in and didn't have to wait long for Dr. Hu. The first thing he said was that everything is stable to my great relief. We both then went over my scan from about a year ago to days and everything looks the same. After viewing the scans, Dr. Hu mentioned that he'd like to keep me at the 3-month MRI cycle for my next two MRIs and then will likely move me to the 6-month MRI cycle. I am not sure how I feel about this yet. In a way, it's nice to be on a 3-month MRI schedule because there's less anxiety about what could be going on up there in my brain. However, I suppose the 6-month MRI schedule would in a way signify that circumstances are such that I needn't worry too much about things overall.
Wait a minute, they let you eat before your MRI? They make me fast for 12 hours, then when that contrast goes in it goes strait to my mouth. yuck. But seriously, I just got moved to a 6 month schedule, and I am loving it. A lot less worry. Months go by and I don't even think about it.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I've never been prohibited from eating before. Were you given a reason for the fasting requirement? I've been okay with the contrast. There was only once where I *might* have had a slight reaction to it. Basically the arm that had the injection had this slight burning feeling for a few hours after. However, it was only that one time. Haven't had the issue in tasting the contrast though.
DeleteGlad to hear the 6-month schedule is working out for you. I suppose for me, only time will tell on how I feel about it.
Hi there John, I was reading up on few of your posts and had quick question about your blog. I was hoping you could email me back when you get the chance, thanks so much~
ReplyDeleteEmily
Hi Emily. I'll try to help as best I can. Just let me know where I can email you.
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