I have a little anxiety about getting my upcoming MRI
Though I'm not sensing any new symptoms, I'd like the scan's confirmation
Well, it’s that time of year again, and I’m not referring to allergy season or baseball. It’s time for my MRI to evaluate my multiple sclerosis (MS).
For the last three years, I was getting an MRI every 18 months. But at my last visit I saw a new neurologist, and she changed the frequency to every year. I don’t think it has anything to do with my MS progression; she just prefers annual evaluations.
I have lesions in my brain and spinal cord, so I have scans of my head and the cervical and thoracic spine. As a result, I’m in the machine for approximately three hours. It’s not painful, but it’s hard to lie perfectly still for that length of time.
About those results
I’m not worried about the procedure, but I’m a little anxious about the results. When the scan is three hours, you have a lot of time alone with your thoughts, and that’s when I’m most vulnerable to my anxiety and doubts.
Based on MRIs, my MS has been stable for the past seven years. My MS symptoms have fluctuated over that time period, but I’ve had no new or active lesions based on the findings.
I try not to take my stability for granted, as I know it could change rapidly. I also try not to make the assumption that since I don’t have new symptoms, my MRI will reflect this. But it’s easy to think you’ll be OK when you feel that your MS is stable.
I know it’s common for people with MS to see their symptoms and/or disability worsen even if their MRI reflects no new or active lesions. That’s called “silent progression.” The opposite can also be true, but it’s less common for the person to have no new symptoms even though the MRI shows that the MS is active. That’s called “smoldering MS.”
When I have no new symptoms, it’s easy to tell myself, “My MS is stable.” But if something shows up on the MRI, I can’t continue to say that. I’m not sure I’m prepared for that possibility.
When my kids were growing up and anxious about something, I always told them that worrying was a waste of time, as the outcome would be the same whether or not you worry about it. I usually manage my anxiety using this motto. Most people would describe me as calm, cool, and collected most of the time.
We’ll see. My MRI appointment is two days away as I’m writing this column. I’m trying to remember that he results will be the same whether I worry about it or not. I hope it’ll be negative for new or active lesions. I’m trying to stay positive — and frequently reminding myself not to worry.
Note: Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Multiple Sclerosis News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.
About the Author
Peter Birkinshaw
I've had m/s for 25 years diagnosed and it was the cause of the odd symptom before I was diagnosed. I have had 2 MRI scans since. The reason being that you can have load of lesions but no symptoms or disabilities and no lesions but be in a wheel chair so having a scan everyday will do nothing for your m/s. Hence only 3 MRI scans in 25 years and 1 of those scans was because of me seeing a Dr who only knew wot he'd read in a book about M/S and wasn't open to the odd curve ball that m/s can throw a patient. He called himself a neurologist but he was an arsehole who asked for my diagnosis to be confirmed, it was and I never saw the idiot again. His errors cost my health dearly and should have been sacked. Having 25 MRI scans a year won't change your m/s not will none. You have it simple
NathaLee
Thank you for your honesty. They are worrisome. But your team will take care of you
Deri Adair
My MS has been stable since I received my diagnosis 12 years ago. I honestly would be shocked and surprised if an MRI returned with new lesions or showing activity. I am thankful for the stability of my MS, as it did not prevent me from receiving a heart transplant almost two years ago. ;)
Alida
With all the noise and banging, I don't know how you're able to think in the contraption. Like you tell your kids, worrying about it changes nothing, except that you empower yourself to plan on how to function in the future if your illness worsens. Within weeks my PPMS and Myasthenia Gravis became advanced, and advanced liver disease gave me a time limit - I quickly realized there is no point in fretting with 'what if's', just be prepared for each stage whenever it might occur. I get confused in crowds, or by loud sounds, so my time in the MRI machine, which is every 3-6 months, is spent coming up with songs in my head to match the MRI bangs and whirs. When the contrast dye makes me want to continuously cough because it gives me throat tickles, I concentrate hard on naming every type of sugar, or every type of bug, something difficult to recall. By the time I'm running out of answers, it's over and I can go home and be glad I still get to sit in the sun, listen to the birds, and enjoy the rest of my day without caring what the results say. If my illnesses are worsening, I already know; you already know yourself by twinges, dropping things, or momentary loss of sight, for example, that your illness is advancing. You don't need the test results to tell you that - your doctor is the one that needs the test results so they are ready to help you. Congratulations on doing so well for 10+ years.
Lynda Hardee
I was apprehensive about my MRI because of the contrast agent Gadolinium. And I was right to be. I had a blood test done several days after my MRI with my PCP, a previously scheduled appointment. My blood showed high levels of toxins in my kidneys and liver. My Dr interpreted it to my recent addition of tumeric to my diet.
Several days later, I read an article stating that taking vitamin c could lead to toxicity in your kidneys. I eat oranges.
I would suggest you take time to consider all the information beforehand, there's more now than just a few weeks ago.
Alice Bailey
I'm scheduled for 3 hour MRI but mind are for 3 days one hour for each day. I'm taking valium to help me get through the test. Wishing you all the best !!! ❤
Mark
Good talk, have had many MRI's over 20+ years and it's become rote, BUT that doggone itch that hits at the tip of nose at the start is pure mental torture lol. Have lesions same as you, so get the full boat MRI ride. The AI interpretations are a trip now too.
Problem is though (much of what we learned as patients at Stanford in 2009), is that the lesion loads in the grey matter that correspond to disability, it's just harder to get that imaged, so they use white matter lesion loads for everything including pharmaceuticals.
Just not a great marker for disease progression. I was *far* worse off in 2008 than now, when had to be driven there.
CCSVI + Stanford on YT is video made in 2009.
Karen
I go in on the 1st for my "trifecta" scans. My lesions are all in my spinal column so I wish I didn't have to have the brain scan in addition to the other two, but she wants it done every year. On the plus side, she no longer requires that they be done with contrast so that cuts the time down a little. I don't get too apprehensive about the results because, well, it is what it is. I hope all goes well for you. I'll be thinking about you during my scans. It helps to know I'm not the only one going thru this. Just breathe!
MW
I'm an MRI radiographer, your scan should not be taking 3 hours, 1 hour &15 min unless you are having a contrast injection, perhaps you are, common to demonstrate MS. Then perhaps 2 hours.
Katherine D Wright
Odd that this posts today. My MRI is on Thursday and I am very apprehensive. Originally wasn't scheduled to have one until August or September, but based on some symptoms and struggles I am having, and my stress levels over the last year and half dealing with aging parents and loss of best friend, my team at Vanderbilt pushed it up a few months. Praying there's no new activity or progression.