As I was battling the pain today, I was thinking about how quickly I was diagnosed, based only on what I described to the neurologist. While I feel blessed that it only took a few months to be diagnosed, I started wondering if I need to worry about what is causing my Type II. Is it a tumor? Is it MS? Or is it a more benign cause? I'm without insurance at the moment, but I hope to have it again soon. Should I demand an MRI?
Beth
I’d say 80% of us have had MRI …standard to rule out those exact two things… Are they rare, yes, but do you need to rule them out as soon as you can…
if you have either, yes! If you were my friend.
If you are without insurance, is that why they told you to hold off on MRI.?
They never mentioned an MRI. I'm not sure why they didn't, but it seems like a smart thing to do. When I get insurance again, that is.
I'm having one with a General Anesthetic because I'm claustrophobic. Even so I am beyond terrified that they will let me wake up inside it. Come out to Australia and you can have mine. I'm serious. It's free. Did I mention that I'm serious. Did I also mention that I'm terrified.
Apart from that, everyone does seem to have one so I guess there must be a reason.
Lol! I'm sorry you're so nervous, Catwoman. Have they told you if your whole body will be in the machine, or if it will just be your head? Also, are they using an open MRI or a regular one? I've had a few back surgeries and have had an MRI on my head a long time ago. There is a huge difference between open and regular, and also between full body and only head in the machine. But when I have one this time around, I, like you, will be well-drugged!
When are you having yours?
Beth
I'm wondering if your neurologist actually has TN patients???? This really is protocol. At least in US.
I would find a new one when you can!
Hi Beth. You know, I couldn't bring myself to ask for any details. At all. Pretty sure but that herein Oz we just have closed ones.We're way behind the times! I had to be referred by my neuro to the Hospital one and I have to fill out paperwork tomorrow. Between you and me he can then take all the time in the world booking me in!!!
Cathy.
I would insist on a MRI even though your doc is confident of your illness, as you are, there could be something pressing the nerve that is worse than TN.As in my case a AVM.I am claustrophobic also and use a OPEN machine.I have done the closed tube twice.First time was a nightmare.But the second one with medication was easy.Just a medium dose sedative of some sort.I cant think of the name right now.Two others were Open.They still have your head penned in,but i know it's open and it doesn't bother me much at all.Full on anesthesia seems over the top to me.There is lots of risk and recovery with that in itself.I bet you would do just fine with a mild to medium sedative.
((((catwoman)))) I too am claustrophobic, I have had 2 MRI's so far and another one is planned. I havent been drugged either time but I wish I had been . I'm going to ask about being drugged for the next one! I dont make a fuss I let them get on with it all, but my blood pressure must be about as high as it can go. As soon as I came out of the last one I burst into tears and was in a right state I was so embarrassed. I have asthma as well and Im convinced I am going to die in there. Of course I survived each of them our imaginations are much worse than the reality. But for the next one I am going to insist on something to make me drowsy at least.
catwoman said:
I'm having one with a General Anesthetic because I'm claustrophobic. Even so I am beyond terrified that they will let me wake up inside it. Come out to Australia and you can have mine. I'm serious. It's free. Did I mention that I'm serious. Did I also mention that I'm terrified.
Apart from that, everyone does seem to have one so I guess there must be a reason.