MRI on Monday

[matbunch]

I finally got my first Cardiac MRI scheduled for Monday afternoon. I've read other posts about what to expect, so I have a pretty good idea. Will I get any feedback immediately after the test......or will I have to wait for another appointment? I just want to prepare myself emotionally too if I must.

If the MRI doesn't show any concerning aneuryism...then its off to the treadmill I go. When the PA gave me a preliminary reading of the echo....she mentioned that I had trivial regurgitation....(which I'm not sure is a new finding or not) When I asked her about the aorta size....she acted a little funny.....like she was avoiding the question.....we will see.....until I know more......I'm where many of you have been......I'm not sure if my life is about to change drastically in the next few weeks.....or if I will be in the waiting room. (Either way....I am desperately needed on May 22....so I hope all of this will work around that) I'm definitely developing a peace about the whole thing. Unfortunately.....my first reaction is always a total panic.

Meanwhile....I'm still battling one annoying symptom that started it all. A crazy breathing anomaly. During rest.....it's almost like a gasping......where suddenly breathing kinda stops.....followed by a cough....and then finally catches again. Anybody have this? Hopefully it's just stress.....BUT this was the symptom that got me searching the internet........and learning more about BAV....and finally led me to a specialized Adults with Congenital heart defect clinic....and this complete workup. It all happens for a reason.....and I am grateful that God has a plan....because my plans ALWAYS are a mess.

Thank you for all your responses....and willingness to share your experiences....and wealth of knowledge.

 

[jbrett]

Hi there- I don't have much to add since I'm in a similar place, but it's good that you're getting the MRI done! Will you be having contrast? I had the same procedure about 6 weeks ago- nothing to worry about and hopefully you will get some peace of mind.

I understand how you feel though- over the last month, my BAV went from something that I never thought about to something that's always on my mind in some way, especially now that I know I have an AAA. We've found a supportive community here though so that helps! We'll get through this!

 

[matbunch]

Thanks jbrett,

Yes...the MRI is with contrast......You're right.....it's funny how we all seem to be responding in similar ways.....I'm glad we have this connection. I find it hard to explain to others. It's kinda a long story....with too many details for most people. What is the status of your AAA? Are you under close observation....or is surgery needed?

Thanks

matbunch

 

[Sarah_Louise]

Good luck for Monday Mat
Will be thinking of you,
Love Sarah xxxx

 

[jbrett]

Thanks jbrett,

Yes...the MRI is with contrast......You're right.....it's funny how we all seem to be responding in similar ways.....I'm glad we have this connection. I find it hard to explain to others. It's kinda a long story....with too many details for most people. What is the status of your AAA? Are you under close observation....or is surgery needed?

Thanks

matbunch

Hi There! My AAA was just discovered at my MRI (MRA, actually) back in March. It was also detected at my echo a few weeks before that (I received the results from both at the same time). It's currently 4cm, but I'm 5'1". Not sure what if any growth rate there is as we have nothing to compare it to. I just went down to my cardio's office this week to get the results of my last echo before this one in 2008 and it looks like my AA wasn't even measured. I'm curious though if an AAA would have been obvious just from doing the normal scan, or if it's something that they have to look for.
I'm in a watch and wait thing now. My next appointment is in a week, and I have a lot of questions!

 

[matbunch]

Oh...jbrett....I hate the watching and waiting part......I've had echos rather regularly.....and the regular cardiologist always said...."looks good....nothing's changed"...but I don't know if he has been watching the aortic root....and aorta. I didn't know enough about BAVD to ask! ....so my ACHD doctor did ask for all the old reports to compare. After the MRI on Monday.....I hope to get both reports back.....and I truly hope that nothing has changed.......I am also 5'1....but I have been oblivious to even ask if I have any signs of a dialated aorta. Do you have any stenosis or regurgitation? I have a trace or trivial regurgitation but I'm very curious to know if the aorta could still be dialated even though the valve is holding up great!

My dad is a little skeptical of this whole thing.....he is afraid that doctors are encouraging surgeries a little too much....the idea that they call this an elective surgery scares me a little too. I know they put alot of thought into the formula for determining when surgery is needed.....and they always wait until the risk of surgery is less than the risk of complications.....so this is all one thing that is out of my hands......and it's driving me crazy! I think all of us who are in the waiting room are ready to get 'er done.....once we pass the shock of the diagnosis....we fix our minds on the fix.....and then get restless. This is what we all feel.....and I've learned to realize that on this journey....I am not at the wheel......and that's probably a good thing! Stay proactive in your health....but rest. Keep those appointments....and it will all play out as God wills.