MRI and Mechanical Valve

[tommy]

I had an brain MRI yesterday as a follow up to Melanoma from 4 years ago. I checked in advance with my cardio and the nurse told me it should be fine, but to bring my St Jude ID card with me to the MRI.

Sure enough, the lab had a book with model numbers that were approved and not approved. Of course, my model was not in the book, but a brief phone call from the lab to St Jude, confirmed that it was okay.

MRI went without a hitch. Expecting the test to be negative except for possible air bubbles and/or granite

 

[jwilliamsr]

but what about the wires?

but what about the wires?

Tommy,

I hope your MRI gives favorable results!

I am pretty certain that my valve is MRI-safe also, but that brings up a puzzling question: I have heard many folks on this site tell about sticking refrigerator magnets to their chest because of the sternal wires. I found that hard to believe at first, but eventually I was curious enough to try it myself. I am thin so my sternal wires are pretty close to the skin surface. SURE ENOUGH, refrigerator magnets will stick to my chest. When I pull them off I can feel a slight "magnetic" resistance.

Now if a weak refrigerator magnet can grab a weak hold on my sternal wires, what on earth would a giant MRI magnet do?!?

Clearly this was not a problem for you.... and thankfully so! Do you have sternal wires? Did the MRI techs inquire about sternal wires?

Have a great weekend!!

jimmy

 

[tommy]

Jimmy, I'm quite certain that my wires are stainless steel, and therefore not magnetic. When I asked about the wires at the lab, the technician shrugged it off. One bend in the wires is just under the skin and I can feel it with my fingers. I just tried the fridge magnet test on myself - nothing stuck.

Thanks for the wishes on results. PS....I'll be in Hawkins Tuesday, may need to spend the night in Tyler.

 

[tommy]

Good news

Good news

MRI results were fine. The PA said that the report indicated that my brain scan was "unimpressive". Well at least they found it.

 

[geebee]

MRI results were fine. The PA said that the report indicated that my brain scan was "unimpressive". Well at least they found it.

I am not sure but that actually sounds insulting.

Happy to hear all went well.

 

[catwoman]

I am pretty certain that my valve is MRI-safe also, but that brings up a puzzling question: I have heard many folks on this site tell about sticking refrigerator magnets to their chest because of the sternal wires. I found that hard to believe at first, but eventually I was curious enough to try it myself. I am thin so my sternal wires are pretty close to the skin surface. SURE ENOUGH, refrigerator magnets will stick to my chest. When I pull them off I can feel a slight "magnetic" resistance.

Jimmy:
I'd be worried if you do get magnets sticking to your chest -- what happens if your insides start rusting?