92 MRI Scan

My MRI scan in Sheffield is booked in for 25th July, so thankfully not too long to wait.  I am relieved that it’s a full head and spine scan, with contrast, so Professor Sharrack will have a thorough picture of what is happening.  The contrast agent allows current inflammation to be differentiated from previous areas of damage.  The only down side is that the appointment is at 7.20 in the morning and I live over an hour away from the hospital! 

I’m quite impressed by the system in Sheffield – there are 5 hospitals all under the umbrella of Sheffield Teaching Hospital NHS Trust and all services are provided by the NHS.  In Stockport, MRI scans are provided by a private company based in premises within the hospital grounds.  There is a distinct lack of communication between the consultants and the team responsible for the scans, in fact I recently discovered that my neurologist has never viewed my scans himself and has made decisions based solely on the radiologist’s reports.  Thankfully Professor Sharrack has already informed me that he will be looking at the scans, as well as the reports and is also planning to review all my previous scans (once the private company involved lets him have copies!). 

I’m slightly anxious about MRI scan as I can sometimes feel quite claustrophobic.  I have learnt to keep my eyes firmly shut during the whole process and to do breathing exercises in order to keep calm.  The newest machines have internal lighting and a gentle flow of cool air, which I find very helpful.  On a couple of occasions I have been asked to “keep still” whilst in the machine, when my only movements have been me shaking with fear!  Having said all that, I have become braver at each scan and can now manage these appointments without someone with me.  This scan will take over an hour, with two needles in my arm to deliver the contrast agent …I may need more than deep breathing to get me through!

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So, the next few months are looking a bit like this …

• 25th July – MRI scan

• End of August/ beginning of September – Appointment with Prof Sharrack and Prof Snowden – the outcome of this appointment will decide whether I can have HSCT in the UK.  

I have already decided that if the answer is no, I am going to get to Russia for treatment as soon as I can after that (November / December?).  This will mean borrowing to add to the funds raised and continuing to fundraise next year.  I’ll tell you more about that if we have to go down that Road.

Keep your fingers crossed for me!