Discover...

The MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) Scan is of critical importance detecting Multiple Sclerosis. At the X Ray department at UNITAS Hospital I once again had to fill in forms, initial and sign at all the right places. At the back of my mind I was getting extremely concerned what my medical bill will be after all this.

Waiting for approximately forty minutes it was now my turn to go for the MRI scans. In July 2008 I also went for a MRI scan, so therefore I knew what to expect.  I will tell you more about my full medical history in later posts.

The MRI scan takes “photo’s” of the human body. More specific in testing for MS, the MRI takes “photo’s” of the brain and the spinal cord. In testing for MS, the MRI scan actually does not use X-ray technology but rather magnetic radio waves and computer technology to produce a clear image of the brain and spinal cord.

After about forty-five minutes the scan was complete. Remember, the MRI scan is painless, but you need to understand that the MRI machine is not a claustrophobic’s friend. Part of the lists and forms that you will need to complete before your MRI scan is questions like, “do you have a pacemaker”? “Are you pregnant”?  Please follow the following link for excellent information about the MRI scans and a comprehensive list on what needs to be declared before the MRI scan. http://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/guide/diagnosing-ms-mri You will be asked to remove all jewelry and your clothes except your underwear and you will be given an unflattering gown to wear.

Laying flat on your back, your legs will be strapped in, over your neck they will place a device to ensure that you cant move your neck or head. Luckily, they also place a headset over your ears to protect your ears from the noise that the MRI machine makes. The best advice I can give anyone going for a MRI scan, is prepare yourself mentally for the process, remember that it is painless, close your eyes, ensure that you have a empty bladder, be friendly towards the radiologist. After forty-five to an hour the MRI will be over and your report will be ready in approximately forty minutes after the scan. Your Neurologist will receive a copy of this report and will either consult with you on the day of the MRI scan or the following day. In my case, I only got the diagnoses the following morning. 

Today's picture:

Discovery...

In December 2008 we travelled through Egypt. While we where in Luxor, I decided to take a hot air balloon trip over the Valley of the Kings. In the photo is another hot air balloon travelling over the valley.
 

December 2008
Luxor 

Egypt