Connect
15 minute Breast MRI
Has anyone had the abbreviated (sometimes called Accelerated) Breast MRI? Fifteen minutes instead of 30? I'm a lobular patient; stage was 1b. MD Anderson is an expert with lobular (but I was treated in a competent local system) and MDA say lobular patients should have a Breast MRI yearly. So I had one last year (and I had one during earlier diagnosis) but last year, I really wasn't comfortable with it (like freaking out) . Don't know why. The noise, the position that pressed my lungs. It's very uncomfortable and noisy. Friends say I should have taken the relaxation med they give, but I didn't. So I went online and found the new 15 minute MRI and I found a system locally in my small southern city that had one. But no one answers the phone number given on the website. When I finally got through after 2 wks of calling, the staff seemed unaware of it. Makes me nervous. It's on their website, an entire page of info. Last fall I was diagnosed with renal disease...total shock. Not in my family and I'd been so healthy til now. So I'm concerned about the contrast they use in the MRI and I"d like to talk to them about it (before I come for any appointment) . What can they do about that contrast? I meet with my NP in nephrology next month and of course I'll ask her. Any help would be appreciated! I have time and I want to choose the right treatment and feel good about it. Lobular tends to come back later and I do wonder if I'm worrying too much about this. But I'd like to take the route of the best standard of care. Any input would be appreciated!
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Cancer Support Group.
Connect
marshgirl124, you could request one of the of the newer contrast agents. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-kidney-disease/expert-answers/gadolinium/faq-20057772
The fifteen minute MRI would be more comfortable, but it may not be the best scan in your situation.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@gently Thank you. I copied that article. I feel like such a wimp but really... But I can't risk further damage, especially since they don't know what caused this. I'll see what my folks say. My internist said, no further contrast for you!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reactionmarshgirl, you appear bravely intelligent.
@gently I was in healthcare for many years. I know just enough to ask questions. 😂
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsHi @marshgirl24. I’ve had to endure several 3 hour MRIs over the past few years. May I suggest asking your doctor (whomever is ordering the MRI) for a one-off prescription for lorazapam 5mg. You can take it about an hour before your MRI and you’ll be relaxed by the time of imaging. It works really well to take the edge of any anxiety.
I’m used to the MRIs now so they no longer bother me but I can’t lie still for 3 hours. So I still take one to help me stop fidgeting. LOL.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 Reactions@loribmt Three hours. I cannot imagine that!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@marshgirl24 LOL I couldn’t either!! The first time I was scheduled and learned it would be a 3 hour MRI, just looked at my doctor over the top of my glasses…I’m sure with an incredulous look. He laughed and said, “There’s already a prescription waiting for you at pharmacy.” Bless his heart!
(And not in the Southern way!). LOL.
My orders were to take 5mg, 1 hour before the procedure. Then another 5mg, one-half hour later. Then, as soon as my name is called in the waiting room, take one more! So I did!!
By the time my clothes were changed and I was led to the ‘chamber’, I expected to feel something? Or nothing?? Wasn’t sure! Never had anti-anxiety meds before. Anyway, I was lying on the movable table, all padded up and ear plugs, etc…and the tech asked me how I was doing so far. I said I’d taken my meds a while ago, but that I’m not sure if they’re working yet. “How will I know?”
One of the techs replied, “Have you ever had like 2 shots of Jack Daniels where you feel pretty chill?”
To which I replied, “Yes! I guess it’s working. I’m feeling. More relaxed but I’m not ready to go home with anyone yet!” 😂 The two techs and I burst out laughing and had to take a break for about 10 minutes to get back to the MRI. Needless to say, the meds worked, the MRI wasn’t a big deal and I was completely relaxed but not asleep. After that, subsequent MRIs only require one 5mg lorazapam about a half hour before my appt. So I highly recommend taking something for the anxiety. It really makes the entire experience a lot less stressful if you’re claustrophobic.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 Reactions@loribmt That's hilarious. You are a trooper! I can't imagine being in one position for that long. They offered me something, but not an hour before. Maybe I should have taken it! The breast MRI has you on a ramp, on your tummy. If I were on my back, I could handle it. Wimp, I'm just a wimp! Like so much in healthcare, has a man ever climbed onto the table to test that position? Probably not.🤣
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 Reactionsmarshgirl24, no, but if you ever see a man trussed up for a prostate biopsy, you won't feel jealous.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 Reactions@gently omg, no!