Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group paranoid???

i went to a new rheumy last week, and i didnt like him at all , he was very rude, and he didnt listen to me. he looked at my xrays, and said i need an mri. i was supposed to go tommorow night, but they called just now, and said the doc canceled it, wants a cat scan instead. am i paranoid??? or should i really be worried???

Edited by dayday on 07/28/03 12:06 PM (server time).

Edited by dayday on 07/28/03 03:55 PM (server time).

I think that if this is worrying you, you should probably call the doctors office and ask.

But the most logical explanation is that Cat Scans and MRI are slightly different ways to show the bone structures. And that based on your damages or other things on the x-ray they want to use the procedure that is showing it the best.

You have probably nothing to worry about!

byebye
Jade

No, you're not paranoid, just disgusted at not being kept in the loop. Why don't you call your doctor's office and ask for an explanation in the change of test? In a cat scan they inject a dye into you, which normally isn't a problem but can be if you're allergic to it (rare), the point being that an MRI is risk free, a cat scan has a teensy risk of an allergic reaction, and you as the patient need all the information you can get in order to make informed decisions. Speak to his nurse, leave a question for him to answer, and if no one gets back to you, I think you need another doctor, one who will work with you and keep you informed.

Cheryl

Dogs always think your cooking is wonderful

Hi Cheryl,

I had a cat scan done and was not injected with anything. It was quite quick, maybe a half hour. I think the difference between an MRI and cat scan is the MRI is more detailed and propably more expensive. Maybe you are thinking of a bone scan. I had a bone scan as well and had an injecton.
And dayday Cheryl is right you should call your dr's office and ask why they are changing the plan.
Deborah

Hi,

If your rheumy is rude then you may consider to change and find new one, I know it's not easy but you need a good rheumy for sure.

I can't say why he change the plan but perhaps he thinks that you don't need MRI. If you don't need MRI then he may think you don't have very serious condition.

Don't worry - if you have any doubt then you shall ask.

Wish you the best,
Sinta

Nope, a cat scan. Maybe it depends on the body part being analyzed, in my case it was for my lungs because I had a long bout with bronchitis and there was a little spot on my lung (turned out to be nothing, but sure was worrisome there for a while!) and they did the dye thing. I had a body scan years ago - - that's when I got the DX of RA 'cuz back then women didn't get AS - - my sed rates were normal but I was in chronic pain. The bone scan showed inflammation all over the place.

Cheryl

Dogs always think your cooking is wonderful