Should I see a doctor?

strange_wings · Sep 23, 2009

Originally Posted by meminikitty

Thanks for your great advice! An MRI? Is that like a head scan? I'll look it up...

I don't think you're going crazy... or at least no more than the rest of us already are.

An MRI is a huge machine that uses radio frequency to adjust magnetic fields to take internal scans. It allows tissue and bone to be imaged, unlike x-ray that just does bone or sometimes masses within the body. CT is similar but doesn't produce as high of quality imaging as MRIs do.
It's large and you go into a relatively small tube. When scanning your head and neck they brace your head and neck and will probably strap you in to prevent you from moving. You'll be given ear plugs - some provide headphones and let you listen to some music. You're also given a panic button if you have to make them stop and let you out.
The worse part of the MRI machines is that they are very loud and you have to stay still for a long time. Depending on what is being scanned you'll be in there for at least a half an hour and during this you absolutely cannot move.

But there is no pain from any of this, so please do not fear it.

The only other downside, if you're in the US, is the cost. Insurance companies can be picky about allowing them and some hospitals/clinics/open MRI type businesses want a certain percentage upfront. My local hospital wanted $750 for my DH's MRI to be done, despite our insurance. When I had it done I had it at a separate business that only did imaging, we paid nothing until after our insurance was billed. So your mother may need to shop around.

meminikitty · Sep 23, 2009

Originally Posted by strange_wings

I don't think you're going crazy... or at least no more than the rest of us already are.

An MRI is a huge machine that uses radio frequency to adjust magnetic fields to take internal scans. It allows tissue and bone to be imaged, unlike x-ray that just does bone or sometimes masses within the body. CT is similar but doesn't produce as high of quality imaging as MRIs do.
It's large and you go into a relatively small tube. When scanning your head and neck they brace your head and neck and will probably strap you in to prevent you from moving. You'll be given ear plugs - some provide headphones and let you listen to some music. You're also given a panic button if you have to make them stop and let you out.
The worse part of the MRI machines is that they are very loud and you have to stay still for a long time. Depending on what is being scanned you'll be in there for at least a half an hour and during this you absolutely cannot move.

But there is no pain from any of this, so please do not fear it.

The only other downside, if you're in the US, is the cost. Insurance companies can be picky about allowing them and some hospitals/clinics/open MRI type businesses want a certain percentage upfront. My local hospital wanted $750 for my DH's MRI to be done, despite our insurance. When I had it done I had it at a separate business that only did imaging, we paid nothing until after our insurance was billed. So your mother may need to shop around.

haha

I don't feel too crazy either! Ooh... I can sit still no problem if I have music (lol unless I try to bob my head to the beat haha) but the cost doesn't sound too good. My dad would be very mad if he had to pay that much, but I know he'd still do it.

strange_wings · Sep 23, 2009

Originally Posted by meminikitty

haha

I don't feel too crazy either! Ooh... I can sit still no problem if I have music (lol unless I try to bob my head to the beat haha) but the cost doesn't sound too good. My dad would be very mad if he had to pay that much, but I know he'd still do it.

I hope so. And unless your scans are done in a hospital and sent straight to the doc, who then doesn't want to show them to you - you should get to see them.

meminikitty · Sep 23, 2009

Originally Posted by strange_wings

I hope so. And unless your scans are done in a hospital and sent straight to the doc, who then doesn't want to show them to you - you should get to see them.

Great. Thanks! So when I go to the doctor... what exactly should I say? I don't want to sound crazy and give them the wrong impression...

cococat · Sep 23, 2009

Short answer after reading your post, yes.
Long answer after reading your post, you get but one shot at this life, if you have a question or nagging feeling such as "should I see a doctor", I would say, under most circumstances, YES GO! Better safe than sorry. What will it hurt if it is nothing? What will it hurt if it is something?

meminikitty · Sep 23, 2009

Originally Posted by cococat

Short answer after reading your post, yes.
Long answer after reading your post, you get but one shot at this life, if you have a question or nagging feeling such as "should I see a doctor", I would say, under most circumstances, YES GO! Better safe than sorry. What will it hurt if it is nothing? What will it hurt if it is something?

I got a funny chill reading that... when you put it that way!

Yes, I'm going. I am just pondering over how to tell the doctor everything

strange_wings · Sep 23, 2009

Originally Posted by meminikitty

Great. Thanks! So when I go to the doctor... what exactly should I say? I don't want to sound crazy and give them the wrong impression...

Tell them that you have been sick recently, mention any and everything you take - even if it's something like OTC tylenol and any supplements, describe your symptoms. Be detailed, don't get flustered and try not to get too emotional over what you're describing - you don't want to be dismissed. If you have to make a list ahead of time to help you remember, do so.

If you choose to mention the noises and voices, maybe say "weird noises when there aren't any" - if you said that to a person they'd be less likely to have the knee jerk reaction that saying you hear voices causes. You can always elaborate later once you actually get some tests ordered and done. Mention that they happen near or when you're sleeping as that can be important information.

Do know that I'm not saying to never tell them about the voices part - just make sure that you get some tests first. You don't want a doctor just putting you on medication that could have dire side effects without truly finding out what is wrong.

meminikitty · Sep 23, 2009

Originally Posted by strange_wings

Tell them that you have been sick recently, mention any and everything you take - even if it's something like OTC tylenol and any supplements, describe your symptoms. Be detailed, don't get flustered and try not to get too emotional over what you're describing - you don't want to be dismissed. If you have to make a list ahead of time to help you remember, do so.

If you choose to mention the noises and voices, maybe say "weird noises when there aren't any" - if you said that to a person they'd be less likely to have the knee jerk reaction that saying you hear voices causes. You can always elaborate later once you actually get some tests ordered and done. Mention that they happen near or when you're sleeping as that can be important information.

Do know that I'm not saying to never tell them about the voices part - just make sure that you get some tests first. You don't want a doctor just putting you on medication that could have dire side effects without truly finding out what is wrong.

Thanks! All my worries are gone now... I can only hope nothing is wrong. Last time, my doctor was sick so I got a new doctor who really didn't know much!! She kept looking things up, so I hope my regular doctor has recovered from whatever kept him away. However, this was months ago, so I'm sure he is back now.

StefanZ · Sep 24, 2009

Tell your mom all the forumites her, including the offical advisors, strongly urge you to go see the doctor!

You must live, and also the doctor must live. (bad joke, but better than nothing)

Do you have a school nurse? You can begin with her if your mom is still denying.

Good luck!

strange_wings · Sep 24, 2009

I had an odd thought last night. You have a lot of animals? Farm or some farm type animals - correct? You probably help care for them all, cleaning up after them and handling them?

I wonder just what bacteria you've been exposed to.

meminikitty · Sep 24, 2009

Originally Posted by strange_wings

I had an odd thought last night. You have a lot of animals? Farm or some farm type animals - correct? You probably help care for them all, cleaning up after them and handling them?

I wonder just what bacteria you've been exposed to.

Oh yes, I have dogs, guinea pigs, cats, and now several mice, some hens, and my cousin owns a farm where I visit his cows and pigs weekly. I do help clean and love on the animals. Which reminds me, a few months ago, in mid May I was treated for worms. I never knew what kind of worm it was, but my doctor suspected it was from the farm animals I see and I was given some medication that flushed the worms out.

nurseangel · Sep 24, 2009

I'm glad you've decided to see a doctor. Once again :. I hope things go well. And please tell your doctor everything; I know sometimes people can be shy when they get to the actual consultation. It may help to write down your symptoms and any questions you have. I hope you don't think I'm a pest; I'm just concerned. I'm a nurse (hence the name, nurseangel) but sometimes I get nervous when I go to the doctor and forget to ask him things I really mean to ask.

meminikitty · Sep 24, 2009

Originally Posted by nurseangel

I'm glad you've decided to see a doctor. Once again :. I hope things go well. And please tell your doctor everything; I know sometimes people can be shy when they get to the actual consultation. It may help to write down your symptoms and any questions you have. I hope you don't think I'm a pest; I'm just concerned. I'm a nurse (hence the name, nurseangel) but sometimes I get nervous when I go to the doctor and forget to ask him things I really mean to ask.

I know what you mean, I forget to ask the doctor important things too!!! Writing them down will help, and so I will. And don't worry--I won't think you a pest and look forward to seeing you reply

strange_wings · Sep 24, 2009

Originally Posted by meminikitty

Oh yes, I have dogs, guinea pigs, cats, and now several mice, some hens, and my cousin owns a farm where I visit his cows and pigs weekly. I do help clean and love on the animals. Which reminds me, a few months ago, in mid May I was treated for worms. I never knew what kind of worm it was, but my doctor suspected it was from the farm animals I see and I was given some medication that flushed the worms out.

Worms?! Do you know if you pick up certain types of parasites in the wrong part of their life cycle, and when they shouldn't be in humans yet, they can go to various parts of the body and form cyst. Such as pork tapeworms causing cysts in human brains (always make sure your pork is fully cooked!)

That's scary. Make sure you're thoroughly checked for anything you could have caught from animals. It's possible that maybe you never really got rid of the worms (treating some of them can be difficult) and they're causing some sort of odd effects now.

catkiki · Sep 24, 2009

I was going to say make a list so I am happy you are doing that. As for me and my stroke, that was almost 5 years ago and I am about 98% back to my old self. I can't do overtime at work like I used to since if I get too tired, I have problems speaking. My doctor at the time never even came to see me in the hospital but pawned me off on someone else. That someone is now my doctor. I had an MRI in the hospital but didn't get to see the scan. There was a very small area of my brain in the speech center that was damaged. My doctor and my speech therapist was amazed I bounced back so quickly. But I was determined to get my speech back. I would read aloud to DH every chance I got. No one can tell that I had a stroke, my speech has come back that far but I can tell. I know when I am having problems and I get frustrated. But that is life!

I am glad you are going to the doctor!

meminikitty · Sep 24, 2009

Originally Posted by strange_wings

Worms?! Do you know if you pick up certain types of parasites in the wrong part of their life cycle, and when they shouldn't be in humans yet, they can go to various parts of the body and form cyst. Such as pork tapeworms causing cysts in human brains (always make sure your pork is fully cooked!)

That's scary. Make sure you're thoroughly checked for anything you could have caught from animals. It's possible that maybe you never really got rid of the worms (treating some of them can be difficult) and they're causing some sort of odd effects now.

Worms? But this was several months ago, and my headaches only started 2 weeks ago.

In an MRI, could the doctor see worms in my brain? Oh my gosh... that sounded strange!

sandtigress · Sep 24, 2009

With trypanosomes, which is what you get from pork, they'd be able to, because it makes cysts in your brain. This is pretty rare now though, especially with today's sanitary conditions.

With other things, I'm sure they'd be able to see lesions, at least, and then they'd do something else to find what caused the lesions.

meminikitty · Sep 24, 2009

Originally Posted by Sandtigress

With trypanosomes, which is what you get from pork, they'd be able to, because it makes cysts in your brain. This is pretty rare now though, especially with today's sanitary conditions.

With other things, I'm sure they'd be able to see lesions, at least, and then they'd do something else to find what caused the lesions.

OK, I see

strange_wings · Sep 25, 2009

Originally Posted by Sandtigress

With trypanosomes, which is what you get from pork, they'd be able to, because it makes cysts in your brain. This is pretty rare now though, especially with today's sanitary conditions.

Well, she has already had worms once.... I think most of us prefer not to think of just how easy we can get things like that - walking around outside barefoot can even be a risk for some parasites. Or how do you know the person handling your food washed their hands? Just because they're supposed to doesn't mean everyone does.

I'm not saying this is what is going on, meminikitty. But make sure they get as much of your medical history as possible and do mention things like working around a lot of animals. You never know, and neither will a doctor until they test for things.

Does your mother seem receptive to making sure you get to a doctor soon? (I grew up with a dad who preferred to refuse me medical care, so any parent is probably better) Good luck - I won't say I hope they find absolutely nothing wrong, as that won't help you if there is something that needs to be treated. But I really do hope it's something (minor) that is found and treated soon.

meminikitty · Sep 25, 2009

Originally Posted by strange_wings

Well, she has already had worms once.... I think most of us prefer not to think of just how easy we can get things like that - walking around outside barefoot can even be a risk for some parasites. Or how do you know the person handling your food washed their hands? Just because they're supposed to doesn't mean everyone does.

I'm not saying this is what is going on, meminikitty. But make sure they get as much of your medical history as possible and do mention things like working around a lot of animals. You never know, and neither will a doctor until they test for things.

Does your mother seem receptive to making sure you get to a doctor soon? (I grew up with a dad who preferred to refuse me medical care, so any parent is probably better) Good luck - I won't say I hope they find absolutely nothing wrong, as that won't help you if there is something that needs to be treated. But I really do hope it's something (minor) that is found and treated soon.

My mom is going to call the doctor on Monday. My dad did offer to take me today but I didn't have an appointment and I had a test that I couldn't afford to miss. I didn't want to go through the weekend knowing I had a test to do on Monday. Ugh. lol But even if I did agree, we would have most likely driven to the doctor's for nothing because I have no appointment scheduled.
this morning I had a headache and my vision got very blurry. It passed after about 20 seconds. I'm thinking mild migranes?

Should I see a doctor?

TCS Member

TCS Member

Thread starter

TCS Member

TCS Member

Thread starter

TCS Member

TCS Member

Thread starter

TCS Member

TCS Member

Thread starter

Advisor

TCS Member

TCS Member

Thread starter

TCS Member

TCS Member

Thread starter

TCS Member

TCS Member

TCS Member

Thread starter

TCS Member

TCS Member

Thread starter

TCS Member

TCS Member

Thread starter