Guest guest Posted February 14, 2003 Report Share Posted February 14, 2003 Loriann, I hope I can help. First off Happy Valentine's Day everyone. I am new to the site and this is my first post. I too had the same concerns about a MRI. How coincidental it is that I just went this morning for a MRI, I have harrington rods from the 70's and it is perfectly safe. They did not get good pictures because the rods interfered with the images, and they said the contrast would not make the images clearer so they did not do the contrast which is fine by me. They are looking for a break in my fusion, and a great deal more. I hope this helps. Sherry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 14, 2003 Report Share Posted February 14, 2003 Has anyone been given advice by a doctor on whether or not it is SAFE to have an MRI of the spine if one has Harrington Rods? I realize that the image may be distorted, but at this point I am more concerned about the safety of the procedure. Quick replies would be appreciated. I'm posting this same message to group. loriann Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 14, 2003 Report Share Posted February 14, 2003 I have been told that no MRI should be taken with the older Harrington Rods but I wasn't told if there was a safety issue. I was told that the shots would be corrupted by the metal in the rods making them useless. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 14, 2003 Report Share Posted February 14, 2003 Loriann... An MRI of the spine is completely safe with spinal implants. However, the MRI will be unreadable in the area of the implants. Regards, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 14, 2003 Report Share Posted February 14, 2003 Loriann, Recently, I was sent for an MRI. After I had my Harrington Rod surgery, I had been told that, under no circumstances, was I to allow anyone to do an MRI on me in the future! There was a lot of joking and kidding going on in the room and my doctor said that I would be cooked like a pig on a spit. That frightened me so much that when I was sent for an MRI of my cervical spine I panicked! I gave everyone such a hard time that they became quite short with me. HOWEVER, as said, and as the technicians finally convinced me, the only problem was that the rods would obliterate a good result from the test. In other words, an expensive test would come out very poorly in that area, due to the presence of the rods! They did NOT cook me! I am still here AND I am feeling very FOOLISH! God love that Racine; she always has the RIGHT ANSWER! Thank you again, ! Carole (blushing 'til she's blue) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 15, 2003 Report Share Posted February 15, 2003 Thanks to everyone who responded about MRIs and Harrington Rods. So, Sherry, can an MRI show a break in the fusion even though the image is interfered with? How much distance is interfered with? I mean my rods stop at S1. Will it be likely that they could get any kind of a useful image of problems that may ocurring at S2, S3, S4, S5? New question - can MRIs look at sacroiliac joints? loriann Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 15, 2003 Report Share Posted February 15, 2003 I have had several MRIs and the most recent one was the only one that was unusual. All my spinal MRIs went fine with the common outcome of occluded films right where the rod attaches. Recently, I had an MRI of my hip for the first time, and the experience was different. Each time the machine made a loud noise, the muscles in a small region of the hip area would jump as if I were wearing a TENS unit. The tech said that was alright. She said my rod may heat up a little, and to let her know if it got hot. She said if you're a larger person, and your arms or hips are touching the inside of the tunnel, this can cause the heat. I have had a new muscle problem since that MRI, but this could be due to the fact that I had to lay totally flat for the procedure-something I NEVER do, and I did do some heave lifting in the week that followed. So, I don't know if there's a relationship, but it sure was a different experience. Judy Re: MRI and Harrington Rods I have been told that no MRI should be taken with the older Harrington Rods but I wasn't told if there was a safety issue. I was told that the shots would be corrupted by the metal in the rods making them useless. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 15, 2003 Report Share Posted February 15, 2003 The doctor I see now, by default because he's the only one in Orlando who sees adults (what a metropolis, huh?) said nothing about it one way or another...but he's not very good at communicating. I've been looking on sites as well for the answer to that question. I had one MRI done in 1995 and, as far as I know, nothing bad happened. But you hate to keep getting things done w/out knowing long term effects. Good luck, let me know if you find anything. Donna Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 15, 2003 Report Share Posted February 15, 2003 Loriann, I have had an MRI with Harrington rod in place with no negative effect. Donna >From: " loriann262000 <lcmelko@...> " <lcmelko@...> >Reply- > >Subject: MRI and Harrington Rods >Date: Fri, 14 Feb 2003 16:39:17 -0000 > >Has anyone been given advice by a doctor on whether or not it is SAFE >to have an MRI of the spine if one has Harrington Rods? I realize >that the image may be distorted, but at this point I am more >concerned about the safety of the procedure. > >Quick replies would be appreciated. I'm posting this same message to > Scoliosis Medical. > >loriann > > _________________________________________________________________ Protect your PC - get McAfee.com VirusScan Online http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 15, 2003 Report Share Posted February 15, 2003 Loriann -- I seem to remember that , an M.D. research-physician at NIH, had some kind of truly unpleasant "buzzing" experience when attempting to undergo an MRI with her Harrington rod. This was a while back, but as I recall, she gave a very thorough and detailed scientific explanation as to why this might happen. I had an MRI of my spine last year, preparatory to getting an assessment from my revision surgeon. In my case, I had no problem at all related to my Harrington rod. Wish I could give you a definitive answer-for-all-time, but this seems to be one area of some uncertainty and maybe a little controversy. Not much help, I know, but I figured I'd put in my own 2 cents' worth, or at least my anecdotal report of a trouble-free MRI . . . . Eliana MRI and Harrington Rods Has anyone been given advice by a doctor on whether or not it is SAFE to have an MRI of the spine if one has Harrington Rods? I realize that the image may be distorted, but at this point I am more concerned about the safety of the procedure.Quick replies would be appreciated. I'm posting this same message to Scoliosis Medical.loriann Adult scoliosis support; focus on fixed sagittal imbalance. WE DO NOT ENDORSE ANY PRODUCT OR SERVICE ADVERTISED HERE AND HAVE NO CONTROL OVER ADS. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 15, 2003 Report Share Posted February 15, 2003 Loriann, This past week I had an MRI for my wrist, another problem. I had no problems with the first half of the scan but after the injection of the contrast, I could feel the scan in my lumbar area and right hip. It may have been the fact that after 20 minutes on the hard table,even though my knees were elevated, the pressure of the hard surface was cutting into the nerves. All I know was that I was just able to hold out for the 35 minutes of the scan. I had to get them to help me off the table, then stand, without moving, for about a minute until I felt certain that the hip would hold my weight. Thankfully, the technician brought my cane to me even though it was only about 3 feet away, which I normally can manage. They did tell me that the contrast had a half-life of about 4 hours and after the scan I just wanted to sleep. Even though I have pain every day, it took about 2-3 days before I felt like I did before the scan. I've been through a lot of family stress the past 3 months and it could have been the build-up of everything that caused the exhaustion. I'm also dealing with fibromyalgia and have not learned to slow down enough to take proper care of myself. Never having an MRI before, I am not sure if the effects I felt were from the MRI (or the contrast injection) or if the MRI was the ultimate trigger for the effects that would have happened under other circumstances. If I had to have another MRI, I would but I would be more prepared for the possible weakness/exhaustion afterwards. Llweyn in BC MRI and Harrington Rods>Date: Fri, 14 Feb 2003 16:39:17 -0000>>Has anyone been given advice by a doctor on whether or not it is SAFE>to have an MRI of the spine if one has Harrington Rods? I realize>that the image may be distorted, but at this point I am more>concerned about the safety of the procedure.>>Quick replies would be appreciated. I'm posting this same message to> Scoliosis Medical.>>loriann>>_________________________________________________________________Protect your PC - get McAfee.com VirusScan Online http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963Adult scoliosis support; focus on fixed sagittal imbalance. WE DO NOT ENDORSE ANY PRODUCT OR SERVICE ADVERTISED HERE AND HAVE NO CONTROL OVER ADS. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 16, 2003 Report Share Posted February 16, 2003 I have had an MRI with my harrington rod and there were no effects from that and the MRI was pretty clear. Good luck Dee Harrington Rod 1973 Discetomy & Laminectomy 2002 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 17, 2003 Report Share Posted February 17, 2003 Hi Everybody, Back in the middle ages (1981) I had a myelogram with contrast medium. It was done in France with Dr. Stagnara and I was hospitalized three days for it. After the myelogram, I had to stay lying flat on my back for 24 hours to avoid " the headache " , then they kept me in for two more days and made me rest as much as possible. I was also told to drink, drink, drink, (unfortunately water) to get rid of the contrast medium, and they kept bringing me bottles of mineral water to guzzle down. The physical therapist said that the contrast medium makes one very tired - it exhausted me. So I would imagine it's the same with an MRI. All the best, from Italy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 17, 2003 Report Share Posted February 17, 2003 Thanks to everyone who responded to my MRI question. I feel much more comfortable with going through with the MRI knowing that so many people had no or little problems with it. You guys/gals are the best. Thanks for the quick responses. loriann Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 17, 2003 Report Share Posted February 17, 2003 The "buzzing" is exactly what I was trying to describe in my post. MRI and Harrington Rods Has anyone been given advice by a doctor on whether or not it is SAFE to have an MRI of the spine if one has Harrington Rods? I realize that the image may be distorted, but at this point I am more concerned about the safety of the procedure.Quick replies would be appreciated. I'm posting this same message to Scoliosis Medical.loriann Adult scoliosis support; focus on fixed sagittal imbalance. WE DO NOT ENDORSE ANY PRODUCT OR SERVICE ADVERTISED HERE AND HAVE NO CONTROL OVER ADS. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 17, 2003 Report Share Posted February 17, 2003 Judy.... This might answer your questions: http://www.drdillin.com/education/basics_dt_mriscan.htm Regards, > Can someone clear this up for me? If someone had no rods, what would a CT mylogram show that an MRI would not show? Then with rods, would the occluded pictures at the site where the rod attaches preclude you from identifying any condition-such as stenosis? Judy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 17, 2003 Report Share Posted February 17, 2003 Thanks, . That's an excellent site! Judy Re: MRI and Harrington Rods Judy....This might answer your questions:http://www.drdillin.com/education/basics_dt_mriscan.htmRegards,--- In , Judy <judyanthony@c...> wrote:> Can someone clear this up for me? If someone had no rods, what would a CT mylogram show that an MRI would not show? Then with rods, would the occluded pictures at the site where the rod attaches preclude you from identifying any condition-such as stenosis? JudyAdult scoliosis support; focus on fixed sagittal imbalance. WE DO NOT ENDORSE ANY PRODUCT OR SERVICE ADVERTISED HERE AND HAVE NO CONTROL OVER ADS. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 17, 2003 Report Share Posted February 17, 2003 I ran across that DrDillon.com also and thought it was very helpful in explaining the different diagnostic tests. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 18, 2003 Report Share Posted February 18, 2003 , Just a brief " Wow. " Wow! You mean THE Dr. Stagnara, presumed creator of the famed " Stagnara Wake-Up Test " we all know and love? I was told I would have no memory of being briefly roused from anesthesia in the OR for a " pop " arm-raising or toe-wiggling quiz of some kind (to test whether my spinal cord and motor nerves were still on speaking terms) before being ziplocked once more and hauled off to the Recovery Room. This information proved accurate. I have no memory of undergoing the Stagnara Wake-Up Test after any of my spinal operations. Guess I must have been asleep for the test. Otherwise, I would have been sure to think of Dr. Stagnara each time I was tested. Having read this latest post from you, I believe that I would likewise prefer not to be awakened for any Stagnara Myelogram . . . Eliana > Hi Everybody, > > Back in the middle ages (1981) I had a myelogram with contrast medium. It > was done in France with Dr. Stagnara and I was hospitalized three days for > it. After the myelogram, I had to stay lying flat on my back for 24 hours > to avoid " the headache " , then they kept me in for two more days and made me > rest as much as possible. I was also told to drink, drink, drink, > (unfortunately water) to get rid of the contrast medium, and they kept > bringing me bottles of mineral water to guzzle down. The physical therapist > said that the contrast medium makes one very tired - it exhausted me. So I > would imagine it's the same with an MRI. > All the best, > from Italy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 19, 2003 Report Share Posted February 19, 2003 Dear Eliana, Yes, it was THE (unfortunately now late) Dr. Stagnara - I feel so lucky to have known him: of the many scoliosis doctors I have been to, he was the kindest, most compassionate, honest, loving , you-name-any-positive-word-and-that's-him doctor I have ever known. I was in his hospital for two months: he made " rounds " every day including Sunday mornings - he'd heave himself onto my bed (he was well over 6 feet tall), slap me on the thigh and say " Well, how are you today? " . Since he liked to go fishing, on Sunday he was always dressed up in rubber boots, a plaid-flannel shirt and old pants, sometimes held up with a string or grubby suspenders. One of the other patient's fathers mistook him for the janitor and asked his daughter why the janitors stopped by to greet the patients. The (really " his " ) hospital, the Centre des Massues, was a huge hospital- Rehab Center and patients ate in a large dining room if they were well enough. There was also a dining room for staff, but if it was full, Dr. Stagnara would bring his cafeteria tray into " our " dining room and eat with us. Since so many patients were long-term (this was the time of halos and " elongation casts " ), the OTs would organize all sorts of fun things to do - like the Olympics (I was on a riflry team and I still have my first place team medal - we shot bb guns at paper ducks) - Dr. Stagnara was on the potato-peeling team and the knitting team. My last surgery was done by Dr. Guillaumat in Paris, who was one of Dr. Stagnara's protogees - we talked about what a wonderful human being Dr. Stagnara was and how we both still miss him terribly. It was so unfair that he got a very nasty cancer. I wish there were more doctors around who would " use " him as a role model. Hope I haven't bored you all with this little bit of nostalgia - Dr. Stagnara deserves a lot better eulogy than I can provide. I DO miss him so much and it hurts. All the best, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 19, 2003 Report Share Posted February 19, 2003 Re the safety of MRIs--I had a set done just today--One w/out contrast followed by one w/ contrast. Advice: Even though that table you lie on is like a cement slab, asking for a pillow for under your knees makes it slightly more bearable. It went quite well even though I forgot to take off my wedding band! Actually, my oversight served as an excellent point of impartial scientific comparison (the tech said the rings staying on would be all right) because I could feel the rings vibrating and I felt a similar sensation or odd twinge in my lower back and far down in my sacrum. It certainly felt like the same sensation, so I don't know if that's the 'buzzing' I've heard about or if anyone else has had that or if it was a coincidental nerve twinge that simply felt the same. But in the pragmatic approach to seeing yourself (out of body of course!) as a science experiment in the making, it was quite intriguing. Anyone else had that? Felt no bad effects afterward save for a bit of nausea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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