Sunday, March 08, 2009
I am 50 years old and my neurologist is exploring a EOAD diagnosis. I have had an MRI, EEG and recently a PET scan. I do not have the results of the PET scan.
However, I have concerns about the PET Scan. Rather than resting for 30 min. the tech allowed me to read. Then I was a nervous wreck inside the ring for 15 min. He was very appologetic and explained it was his fault and might not make a difference.
Do you have an opinion? Will my reading/brain activity have an impact on the PET scan result?
Dear Annsailor,
I am assuming that "EOAD" means early-onset Alzheimer's Disease?" If so, I will tell you of my PET experience to compare with your own.
At 65, I was dianosed by PET scan as being in the early stages of Alzheimer's (which I believe is not the same as "early-onset"), and the technician also put me in a very comfortable recliner, with a heated blanket for added comfort, in a quiet room to myself. She gave me reading material, but told me I could not watch the TV (which was not turned on, by the way).
After 30 minutes, and the injection material had thoroughly gotten into my bloodstream, she placed me on the very narrow "plank" of a bed that the machine is equipped with, wrapped my hips with an elastic band around my body and the plank to keep me from having to wonder if I might fall off during the scan, and one around my feet, too (with my permission). That was helpful.
I had no anxiety during the scan, as I had heard of others who said it gave them feelings of claustrophobia. I have never been bothered by closed-in spaces, but I took the precaution to close my eyes before I was guided into the scan area, and kept them closed until I was back out. If you have any more scans, I suggest you close your eyes, too, when the scan begins, and don't open them until all movement has stopped and the scan is finished. Obviously, claustrophobia is really scary!
So, it appears that reading seems to be an acceptable pre-scan activity, or both techs made the mistake of letting us? I really don't think my tech allowed my reading through negligence, so maybe it really is not detrimental to an accurate scan.
Sojourner
Thank you so much for your valued input. I have an appt. with my neurologist this week. Since I am early in this process I don't know what to expect and want to make sure everything is done properly and all bases are covered. My only anxiety resulted from the tech's comments. You're right the plank seemed a bit narrow. However, they did not provide any restraints. Your comments have made me feel a bit better about the situation. --Ann