MRIs and valves

[Sherry]

Hello, Friends,
Sorry I missed you all in Chicago; sounds like a great time was had by all.
Hey, I've had some nerve-related backpain for some time now which has gotten almost intolerable. Saw my general doc yesterday for a physical, and he prescribed Neurontin and is ordering an MRI, the first I've ever had. I remember some of you discussing MRIs and the safety issues with valves a few months ago, but I was unable to find it in the search thread. Would any of you share your experiences with MRIs? I know that St. Jude's valves are MRI compatible, but I still have had some conflicting responses from docs as to whether or not they're safe. Also, have any of you been on Neurontin? (Doc said it shouldn't affect the coumadin.)
Thanks for any insight and have a great day.

 

[Nancy]

Hi Sherry-

Here is the thread that you were looking for, I think.

http://valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3664&highlight=mris

You can always call your valve manufacturer to make sure about compatibility. Pacemakers are a no-no.

 

[Sherry]

Thanks, Nancy. I always appreciate your kindness and support. If any of you others who didn't respond on the original have had MRIs would let me know how yours went, I'd appreciate it. I'm a little wary, even though I shouldn't be, but I tell you, this upper back/shoulder pain is starting to rule my life, and I just want something done about. Take care all.

 

[Mara]

Sherry
If you are even slightly claustrophobic get your doc to give you one valium.
I had an MRI about 2 months ago and that is a small space they put you in. I am not generally claustrophobic but.....
Anyway the valium was great and the whole thing was over pretty quickly.
Of course, you will need a ride to and from the MRI, but it's worth it! Believe me, even the "open sided" MRI is small.

 

[LUVMyBirman]

Hi Sherry,

We missed you too! Maybe another time.

My Medtronic mitral valve is MRI compatible. Have not had the need for a MRI. But...was thinking maybe a CT would be safer if the situation presents itself??

Have had a CT and some sort of full body scan to look for clots when I was bleeding! Guess they should have looked at my INR results first! Ooooooops. Maybe it was an MRI? Not sure as I unconscious.

Hope you feel better soon. Keep us posted.

 

[Sherry]

Hey, All,
Thanks to Nancy, Mara, and Gina for responses; I have to have this MRI done either tomorrow or Monday, more than likely tomorrow if they can get me in. Have any of you others with St. Jude's valves had MRIs? I just need to know for my piece of mind. (I'm just a nervous Nelly about this stuff.)

 

[JBS357]

Had two MRIs done in june with ST. Jude valve and no problems at all.

 

[Heather Fisher]

Hi Sherry,

So sorry to hear about your pain. I don't know anything about neurontin and how it interacts with coumadin. My husband has taken it for about 3 years now for peripheral neuropathy brought about by chemo and radiation. He currently takes 1200 mg/day and it helps greatly with the pain. Before starting to take it he could barely walk through a grocery store and now he just limps when he has been on his feet most of the day. It might make you a little sleepy but he has had no difficulties with that and feels absolutely no side effects. Good luck with it. Hope it brings you as much relief as it has to him. Good luck with the MRI also. Let us know how things turn out!

Heather

 

[Sherry]

freaked out (literally)

freaked out (literally)

Well, friends, I'm sorry to admit, but I had a panic attack about 10 minutes after the MRI started. Don't know what happened. He put a cloth over my eyes, so I guess it wasn't the visual/closed in aspects, but the sound was so intense, like a chainsaw coming down on my face. Plus my heart beat was pulsating (very hard) along with the banging of the machine. I tried to control my breathing, but I just literally freaked, started kicking my foot around, and he came in and pulled me out. He did say that I wasn't the first one to do that and that I probably need some valium before I try it again tomorrow. My general doc called some in for me and was quite understading. No point to this message other than to prove what a total wimp I am and see if anyone else has had that experience.

 

[ccrawford]

Hi sherry - If you are a little uneasy about tight spaces, then MRI's are not the most fun in the world. Your doc can prescribe something to help relax you, you can listen to a guided imagery CD, most outfits have music you can listen to, etc. Nothing to be ashamed of. The only way I got through it was to close my eyes and focus on something else. The important thing is that you get though it and get the diagnosis done. Hope you get to the root of the problem and get feeling better soon !! Chris