TiffanyAcuff
Joined: 22 Jan 2008
Posts: 65
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We have had 2 MRIs, done 2 different ways, so here goes:
MRI #1: Done at Children's Hospital of Michigan in Detroit, Under general anesthesia. He was 4 months old, couldn't eat and they were 5 hours behind (he was exclusively breastfed at this point, I'm glad I brought friends with me that he didn't think of as a food source). We were allowed to stay with him up until the sleeping gas knocked him out. He had 2 anesthesiologists with him, one to monitor his breathing and one to monitor the meds. We did have to sign a paper saying that we understood the risks of anesthesia and that we wouldn't sue if he died along the way (the risks are quite real with central apnea kids, as it is much more difficult to arouse a child under anesthesia than not). We were reunited after they were happy with his O2 levels, and he was somewhat awake. He didn't want anything to do with drinking for a while after he woke up. He did drink pear juice before he was coherent enough to nurse. Effects of the anesthesia were still noticeable 3 days later. I think they used too much. I did not find out until I got a full copy of his report, that he had 2 SEVERE episodes that were almost not caught because his chest wall moves when he isn't breathing and they weren't watching his lips (which is our tale tale sign he's not breathing), they only used visual clues and the O2 to monitor his breathing. I was appalled.
MRI #2: Done at our neurologist's office, under sedation (a liquid medicine they drink). He was 22 months old, and couldn't eat for 8 hours before (he could have clear liquids up to 4 hours before). I never had to leave his side, in fact, I am the one that laid him on the MRI table and watched his lips myself for breathing issues. He did have one significant episode, which I managed to stir him from without having to redo the test or start over. We only had to stay for about 15 minutes after the test when he could successfully answer 5 consecutive questions from us. The effects of the sedation were evident for about 1-2 days, but were mostly gross motor issues with tripping or falling or running into things. He did fine. They also only use an O2 monitor (and heart monitor) and visual clues to know whether a child is breathing or not. It was an excellent teaching opportunity for the nurse, for which she sent me a personal thank you note for a week later. I showed her how, at least with Isaac, that his lips are the key to knowing if he is breathing or not, as they will turn gray within 8-10 seconds, his cheeks will turn white after about 30 seconds, and his chest won't stop moving until about 20-30 seconds as well. I love moments like that though, when I am in control of his safety and they are learning something new without worry.
I do not tell you all of this to scare you. I just want you to be prepared. There is NO radiation involved in an MRI. I have resolved that I will insist on staying with him continually should we ever have to do this at a hospital again. I think I would also ask for the sedation instead of the anesthesia. I talked to one anesthesiologist, whom I trust greatly, and he mentioned the effects of sedation on a central apnea child are far less than with general anesthesia. And with a test like an MRI, they dont need them out so long that general is warranted. They do put them under general because they may get to where the test is conducted and have to still wait their turn and can't risk them waking up. If you take them significantly sleep depraved, the sedation (Isaac had a half dose, because of the risks) works just fine and keeps them out for more than an hour, which is twice as much time as it takes to do the actual MRI.
Sorry this is so very long. Feel free to contact me on a private message (or I can email you my phone number) if you want to talk some more about this...
Tiffany
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