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Original poster

Very worried Ds has to have a MRI on head

11 replies

Notthinkingclearly · 02/12/2015 15:23

Ds is 8 years old. Has a lumpy area on top of head. First noticed when he was 3. Dr just thought it was just way the bone has fused together. Accepted this diagnosis but has always been at the back of mind. Saw a peaditrician today for something unrelated and as we were not going to see her again mentioned my Ds head. She felt it and decided she will send him for MRI scan. Now so cross with myself for not checking before. Could it be something sinister after all this time? Please help as I am sick with worry.

OP posts:
Original poster
Notthinkingclearly · 02/12/2015 16:59

I emailed consultant as was too shocked to ask any questions.She responed with the following-do you think I should try and get a private scan or am i overreacting?

I am so sorry I worried you: I really am not concerned and the lump is
most probably part of the bones however just to find out a little more
(even if just to confirm)I suggested some further imaging: likely MRI
although radiologist might suggest CT instead. Nothing to worry about I
am sure but would be good to know exactly what it is.

OP posts:
hackneyzoo · 02/12/2015 17:59

Is your DS well in himself? It sounds as if the consultant isn't worried or rushing anything through and if your DS is well otherwise I would just wait for MRI appointment to come through.
It's easier said than done though!

Original poster
Notthinkingclearly · 02/12/2015 18:12

Hi yes Ds is well and growing well and is physically active. I have to keep reminding myself of this. Thanks got your replies. She does say in her email that he may need a ct scan but I am worried about this too as reading as these pose risks too :-(

OP posts:
hackneyzoo · 02/12/2015 20:07

If it's any reassurance DS (7) has had countless MRIs (3 or 4 a year) and a few CTs along the way. He's coped well with them. Can you push for MRI inseatd of CT? (I think MRIs don't use ionising radiation)
As far as I understand the risk from CT is very very small. COuld you ring or email the consultant or her secretary with all your questions and concerns in order for her to put your mind at rest? Good luck, I know its hard not to worry.

InSpaceNooneCanHearYouScream · 07/12/2015 19:21

Well MRIs do not use radiation, only magnetism, so are considered safe. CTs do use radiation, but are often needed as the two scans show different things.

Original poster
Notthinkingclearly · 09/12/2015 10:54

MRI booked for 8th Jan. not sure how Ian going to be over Christnas ....

OP posts:
SweetTeaVodka · 09/12/2015 15:17

Please don't worry, I am a paediatric nurse and if put paediatricians are concerned something is seriously wrong they bring the child straight to the ward and arrange for scans/testing as an inpatient same or next day. As your paediatrician was happy to wait for an outpatient MRI she is clearly not concerned it is anything too sinister. As she said in her email, it is just to rule anything nasty out/confirm it is harmless.

MRI scans in themselves are very safe, nothing at all to be concerned about. You will be allowed to stand in the scan room with him while he has it. He will need to lay down and put some big headphones on, you will also be given some as it is very loud in there! The thrumming sound of the scanner can be quite relaxing though, I've seen people fall asleep in the scanner.

Try to relax (easier said than done, I know, mum's are made to worry about their kids) and enjoy your Christmas.

At least once it's all done, if anyone else ever examines DS and brings up the lump you will be able to say, "oh, it was all checked out with a scan, it's harmless,".

Original poster
Notthinkingclearly · 09/12/2015 18:26

Thanks Sweet. Very comforting to hear your words. My common sense tells me that if she was at all concerned she would send us through urgently. I think maybe as she was going to sign us off she thought she would get to the bottom of it. I will try and stay calm. Just collected him from a football match so my sensible head tells me that he is well and full if energy and he i has had this lump for over 5 years now. You have made me feel alot more rational thank you.

OP posts:
user789653241 · 09/12/2015 18:41

Yes I agree. If she was concerned she didn't wait for a month.
My Ds had MRI, straight away when DR. found something suspicious.(And it was around this time of year as well.)
There was no waiting for appointment etc.

I think she is just trying to make sure there's nothing to worry about.
Just have happy Christmas!!

Original poster
Notthinkingclearly · 14/12/2015 19:25

Thanks sorry only seen extra replies. Trying to calm down and be rational. She is a very thorough dr so I know what you are saying makes alot of sense. So nice to have people with reassuring comments. Hope your Dc is ok Irvine.

OP posts:
Bedsheets4knickers · 17/12/2015 22:48

Another to ease :-) I would say if it was something sinister it would of shown itself in the 5 years ., probably just to dot the I and cross the ts x

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