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Original poster

MRI head scan

11 replies

EndoTheRoad · 18/10/2010 11:05

I'm going this Wednesday as I have a high prolactin level reading. I'm undergoing (in)fertility investigations.

How long will I be in the tube?
Do I need to de-robe and gown-up - will it just be my head that goes in?

I'm worried about what they'll find...

Many thanks in advance.

OP posts:
gardenpixie · 18/10/2010 17:35

Hi Endo I had an MRI on my head a few years ago so things may have changed since then - but I had to take all my clothes off except for my pants, and put a robe on. Only my head went in the machine; it wasn't too bad actually, but it is quite noisy (clunks and humming from the machine). I lay down on a slidy thing that moved me into the machine and it was more comfortable than I was expecting so lying still wasn't too difficult. They even gave me fluffy slippers to keep my feet warm.

I'm sure someone with a more recent experience will be able to give you a more up to date perspective.

Good luck - I'm sure it will go well and you'll be fine. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you on Wednesday,

Smile
TomboyWife · 18/10/2010 20:10

I had an MRI a long time ago (over ten years now) and they had me undress and put on the gown. They also checked several times that I wasn't wearing my watch or any jewellery. An MRI scanner is a giant magnet, so anything metal is a big no-no.

The scan itself was just a matter of sitting very still and being bored for 20 minutes.

Good luck! I'm sure it will be a doddle.

Toriajayne · 18/10/2010 20:33

I had one about six years ago following a head injury, they didn't ask me to undress at all but as TomboyWife said all jewellery etc is a no no.

They fastened my head (and therefore the rest of me) down to a giant tea tray (which was no worse than the brace the paramedics put me in) and I went right into the machine, it's very loud and clunky but that's about it, and you just spend 20 odd minutes lying your back, I was also suffering with torn ligaments in my knee at the time so I spent the time cursing the MRI tech who made me lie flat on my back!

I assume they'll have told you if this is the case but you might have to have a plastic IV of a radioactive dye so they can track blood movement around your brain, to be honest that freaked me out more than the machine itself.

Good luck, I hope it's not too scary for you.

TanteAC · 18/10/2010 20:57

Second what the others have said - I had one a few years ago as well, knickers, robe and no metal. It's a bit claustophobic, noisy, but otherwise ok.

Am having another one soon - raised prolactin here as well! They'll be checking for pituary tumours, etc. Don't worry too much - these are all treatable. Smile

Sounds like you are at the same stage of investigations as me - good luck, will be thinking of you!
x

KTRace · 18/10/2010 21:12

Hello I had one for prolactinoma last year. I have a very small tumour which is being treated with drugs.

With me they did the MRI scan twice, the second one was after an injection of dye, that was the hardest bit as you are not meant to move and I find that tricky when being injected (it was in the arm).

It is fine, I was worried before mine but you will be ok and if they do find a tumour that too is fine they are easily treatable.

Good luck x

Original poster
EndoTheRoad · 19/10/2010 15:03

Thank you all for the replies!!

I feel a little less panicky now I kinda know what to expect tomorrow.

TanteAC, fingers crossed for both of us!

KTRace, are you okay now?

OP posts:
KTRace · 19/10/2010 22:16

I am on drugs now to bring down the prolactin levels. Apparently there is a 60% chance that I will have to take drugs until my menopause. It is fine, would rather not have it but tis life!

Good luck with the MRI x

MrsVincentPrice · 19/10/2010 22:24

Just for the record I had one recently and they said I could keep my clothes on if they were metal free, otherwise I'd have to wear a gown. It was a very chilly room, so I was glad I'd gone to the effort of finding the right clothes (jumper, skirt with elasticated waist and pull on sports bra). Might not be the same rules for you, but worth a try.

MrsVincentPrice · 19/10/2010 22:26

Oh, and best of luck of course.

Original poster
EndoTheRoad · 20/10/2010 11:48

So, MRI wasn't so bad - not as bad as being told I have a 1cm(ish) adenoma.

At least the headaches/visual disturbances/(possibly) me not getting pregnant have been explained.

KTRace, I'm jumping in your boat. I'll need drugs to treat it.

DP and I so want to have a child. Hoping that dream's still possible...

OP posts:
KTRace · 21/10/2010 18:38

Glad to hear it is over and not so bad.

Drugs are fine too. I am not sure if you are having periods but I wasn't and it took about 8 weeks after starting drugs to get them back and another 2 cycles to get pregnant, sadly pregnancy wasn't to be but that is not a prolactin problem. Best of luck

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