there are so many different types of scans nowadays,I wonder if people know what they do?.
everyone knows about the x-ray which is a simple one-dimensional picture,which does not give much detail .
There is then the C.T. scan -computerised topograpghy,which is like an x-ray but gives pictues from various directions,therefore more detailed.you lie down ,and the machine passes over yourhead as you lie still,taking pictures.It does not hurt and takes only a few minutes.It is quiet.
The M.R I. scan Magnetic Resonance Imaging -is adifferent beast as it is a big enclosed machine which takes very detailed pictures of the body from all angles and tissues.It can be very claustrophobic(which i find) and makes a noisy thumping sound ,like someone is drilling the street.You wear headphones to protect which dull the sound a little,and you must lie still all the time.This is usually a longer procedure.You may also be asked to be injected with a contrasting dye which further enhances the pictures.
Then there is the lesser known pet scan-which is a half -day procedure.You are given an injection of a sugar solution and then asked to go to bed for an hour and lie still whilst the solution works its way throughtthe body.
you are then asked to go to a machine which is very similar to the mri machine and it slowly passes over the whole of your body,picking up heat spots which then are translated into pictures. It is supposed to indicate the possibilities of tumours in the whole of the body.
For all theses scans ,an expert interprets them and wites a report which is passed on to you and your specialist for discussion and examination.
The one thing they all have in common is that they act only as aids to the consultants.They are not definitive and conclusive,but helpful for diagnosis.
This is what i have understood,and i hope i am not belittling you by giving you information you are already aware of .And i am sorry if it seems somewhat basic,too.
But i hope it might be of use if you are asked to have one done.
Inscription à :
Publier les commentaires (Atom)
I found that really interesting, I had no idea that is what the different ones did. Will be thinking of you tomorrow, love Jerina xxxx
RépondreSupprimerOh Dear Caroline, I am a retired RN and didn't know what all the different scans do and how they work. Talk it out no matter what it is about. You are sharing and processing all that stuff and that has got to be therapeutic for you. You are so brave and so inspirational. Blessings
RépondreSupprimerQMM
I had no clue about half of that, Caroline. So it was most informative although I bloody well hope I'll never need one.
RépondreSupprimerIt's tomorrow you go for one, I gather from Jerina's comment? Hope the day goes by fast so you can get back home to comfort.
xoDeb
Thank you. As a matter of fact, other than the MRI, I had no idea how the other tests work. This was very helpful.
RépondreSupprimerMy husband has had all the procedures, but it is still necessary to read about them from time to time to refresh our minds. Thank you.
RépondreSupprimerThis is a really clear explanation Caroline.
RépondreSupprimer