Breast MRI problems

This is the "main" forum that contains new introductions and other topics. A place to talk about your experiences, thoughts and advice.

Moderator: gloria

Post Reply
Blossom
Posts: 19
Joined: Sat Mar 18, 2006 7:04 am
Location: Canberra Australia

Breast MRI problems

Post by Blossom »

Has anyone had problems with breast MRI imaging due to tremors. I have had difficulty with standing for a mammogram and on asking about sitting have been told it is not ideal for a good image so just grin and bear it. My oncologist and specialist radiologist recommendation was for a breast MRI every second year because of the type of cancer is not detected as well on mammogram. However it has become increasingly difficult due to tremors kicking in and getting progressively worse while lying face down in the scanner. Even sedation has not helped to overcome the tremor. theradiographer believe the problem is due to claustrophobia but I am not convinced. They have decided I am not a good candidate for MRI in future because it must be claustrophobia. But I think it might be OT related. An uncontrollable tremor not helped by lorazepam coupled with sweating so I had to abort the scan early and only one image. Has anyone had any problems like this while lying face down. Usually lying is not a problem for me but I never usually lie on my front
Blossom
Posts: 19
Joined: Sat Mar 18, 2006 7:04 am
Location: Canberra Australia

Re: Breast MRI problems

Post by Blossom »

Also the tremors started in the ankles an progressed to whole body.this was the seconded aborted MRI in two weeks. On sitting up after coming out of the scanner the tremors stopped. A day later I still had pain in the shins from the tremors in the scanner. Has anyone if the have had problems with imaging been prescribed anything that actually reduced tremor problems when being scanned?
Theresaann
Posts: 68
Joined: Sun Jun 24, 2018 6:43 pm

Re: Breast MRI problems

Post by Theresaann »

[quote="Blossom"]Has anyone had problems with breast MRI imaging due to tremors. I have had difficulty with standing for a mammogram and on asking about sitting have been told it is not ideal for a good image so just grin and bear it. My oncologist and specialist radiologist recommendation was for a breast MRI every second year because of the type of cancer is not detected as well on mammogram. However it has become increasingly difficult due to tremors kicking in and getting progressively worse while lying face down in the scanner. Even sedation has not helped to overcome the tremor. theradiographer believe the problem is due to claustrophobia but I am not convinced. They have decided I am not a good candidate for MRI in future because it must be claustrophobia. But I think it might be OT related. An uncontrollable tremor not helped by lorazepam coupled with sweating so I had to abort the scan early and only one image. Has anyone had any problems like this while lying face down. Usually lying is not a problem for me but I never usually lie on my front[/quote][quote=Blossom post_id=6174 time=1548309191 user_id=144]
Has anyone had problems with breast MRI imaging due to tremors. I have had difficulty with standing for a mammogram and on asking about sitting have been told it is not ideal for a good image so just grin and bear it. My oncologist and specialist radiologist recommendation was for a breast MRI every second year because of the type of cancer is not detected as well on mammogram. However it has become increasingly difficult due to tremors kicking in and getting progressively worse while lying face down in the scanner. Even sedation has not helped to overcome the tremor. theradiographer believe the problem is due to claustrophobia but I am not convinced. They have decided I am not a good candidate for MRI in future because it must be claustrophobia. But I think it might be OT related. An uncontrollable tremor not helped by lorazepam coupled with sweating so I had to abort the scan early and only one image. Has anyone had any problems like this while lying face down. Usually lying is not a problem for me but I never usually lie on my front
[/quote]

Blossom: I suggest that you find another clinic or teaching hospital to have your mammograms performed. I am lucky enough to have mine done at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington or Peabody, MA. They have a special chair for such situations. There are different types of mammograms available, in addition to ultrasound imaging. It is not 100% necessary to have to stand (which I have a tremendous trouble with also). Do some research in your area. If your MD is uncooperative in this matter, find another doctor. We are patients, but we are also customers and therefore have rights to our care. Good luck and prayers.
bevnix
Posts: 23
Joined: Sun Jan 10, 2016 1:17 pm
Location: Maine

Re: Breast MRI problems

Post by bevnix »

Hi,I went for a mammogram today,it was awful.I had to sit in between every image,I couldn't hold myself up. Bevnix
Patricia Diamond
Posts: 5
Joined: Tue Jul 09, 2019 3:50 pm

Re: Breast MRI problems

Post by Patricia Diamond »

I contacted the radiology department when setting up my mammo. I explained I needed to sit throughout the procedure. The staff was very accommodating, after being forewarned.
Photocatseyes
Posts: 16
Joined: Sun Jul 14, 2019 10:20 am

Re: Breast MRI problems

Post by Photocatseyes »

Good to know! Thanks for sharing.
bevnix
Posts: 23
Joined: Sun Jan 10, 2016 1:17 pm
Location: Maine

Re: Breast MRI problems

Post by bevnix »

Yes,I had one in August and barely made it through.
Bevnix
Vera
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue Jan 01, 2013 5:07 pm
Location: Penticton, British Columbia, Canada

Re: Breast MRI problems

Post by Vera »

Yes, I have actually "frozen" at one of these. What works is to use a cane chair. A simple explanation that I cannot stand and is it alright to use the cane chair has given me a ready response to make adjustments to where I am seated. I follow their instructions as to where they want me to be. There seems to be relief that there is a solution to the problem that I cannot stand. A cane chair is light, collapses easily. I take it everywhere I go.
Post Reply