Fred wrote:
> Curt wrote:
> > Fred wrote:
> >> Someone is spamming a bunch of newsgroups with "Come and look at my
> >> tattoo site". The MS newsgroup I belong to (yes I have MS)
>
> > How were you diagnosed? <snip>
>
> My first symptom was optic neuritis in 1992. I was walking in a store a
> few years earlier and my leg "just went out from under me". That may
> have been a symptom, it may not have been.
http://www.answers.com/topic/optic-neuritis?cat=health
:oS
Have you ever had to have a visual fields exam related to that 1992
event? I've got high pressure on those puff tests and so the military
recommended I get a v.f. periodically to track for glaucoma. So far,
so good. Some people have higher pressure as the norm.
> >> said that while they knew this was spam not to get iron oxide tattoos
> >> because they will interfere with MRIs.
>
> > Can you reword that? I mean, do you believe a tattoo can interfere
> > with MRIs? And, if so, to what degree?
>
> I don't believe anything of the sort. I was asking if this was true.
> According to follow ups in the alt.support.mult-sclerosis newsgroup it
> is BS. The original message follows:
>
> -> CAUTION: I know this is SPAM. but MSers must remember that getting
> -> tattoos with inks containing iron oxides will make it impossible to
> -> get an MRI.
Okay. And, yeah, then - from what I read and from personal experience
- that is BS. I've had an MRI, so it certainly wasn't "impossible" as
the one newsgroup patron indicated. Then again I didn't have an MRI
done exactly at the point or position of one of my three tattoos.
Still, that seems irrelevant, again according to the info I've read
and heard.
> > However, I would not discount the psychological impact of being
> > slooooowly run into a coffin-like instrument and then HELD THERE for a
> > seemingly infinite period of time, oh, say, with a fan blowing in your
> > face, while a technician directs you not move a muscle. At all. Ever.
> > For JUST another few minutes (forEVER).
>
> > Given that scenario, I can well imagine someone screaming, "I'M
> > BUUURRRRRRNING UP! GET ME OUTTA HERE!"
>
> I am not claustrophobic at all.
Wish I could say the same. I certainly didn't anticipate having any
problems with the procedure, but the ceiling of the machine was at my
nose and I (internally) freakedthe&#%$out. Squozed dem eyeballs shut
tight and prayed for daylight.
> I have had over a dozen MRIs over the years and I've never had a problem.
That's good. And I know for those who DO have a prob, they've got open
machines? And machines with a larger coffin, er, patient area or tray
thingy. (Yeah, medical terminology is a hobby for me.)
> I've not only had MRIs for my MS, I have back problems and have
> had MRIs for that.
Fortunately, I've never had (well, seldom and not seriously) lower
back problems. I get a stiff neck occasionally, but trips to the
chiropractor work like a dream for me. (I initially thought chiro =
nonsense, but no longer.)
> The first time I had one the technician did all of the things you talked
> about and right after "Now don't move." she put on a CD of Kenny G.
heh :o)
> I am surprised that the MRI did not show my brain trying to leave
> my skull.
HA! :oD That was a barking laugh. Thanks. Nice way to end the day.
> After the first scan she asked me "How are you doing?"
> I said "Fine, but CHANGE THE MUSIC!!!"
>
> Fred.
Awesome.
I think the technician played jazz, but I was otherwise occupied
trying to maintain my limited grasp on sanity, what with the walls
seemingly closing in. If I'd opened my eyes, I just mighta outwardly
freaked and attempted ye olde scoot-out-the-tube-frantically
maneuver.
If you don't mind my asking, you were diagnosed in 1992. How are you
doing now compared to prior to your diagnosis?
--
Curt