Doc ~
No need to apologize for holding an opinion. I have lots of them. However, in this case, I happen to agree with your assertion that a patient attempting to 'read' an MRI scan is probably wasting their time, even if 'seeing something' makes them feel 'educated' and thus, more in control of the situation, they may also be completely wrong and be subjecting themselves to unnecessary angst. I see little benefit in that.
I never even ask for a copy of my MRI scan images. I assume - correctly - that my very experienced neurosurgeon will read them and tell me what I want to know. That's exactly what he does. He was completely correct in his original assessment of my AN, it's size and location. He also gave me a copy of the radiologist's report, which was full of medical jargon and indecipherable Latin words but did give me some idea of what I was dealing with. I like this doctor (who is much in demand) because we have a relationship based on mutual respect....the best kind of basis there is.
In all honesty, I should mention that at my first MRI scan and all subsequent scans, I scheduled my MRI about an hour or two ahead of my appointment with my neurosurgeon, who has an office adjacent to the hospital where the MRI apparatus is located. Obviously, this eliminates waiting days or weeks to find out the results of an MRI. and possibly succumbing to the temptation to 'play doctor' and attempt to 'read' the MRI scan images. I highly recommend this method of tying the MRI scan and the doctor visit together, when it may be feasible.
Your motto ('brush off the boohoo and get with the program') - meaning, don't indulge in self-pity - just push forward - may not be practical for everyone but certainly fits my basic philosophy that encompasses a sense of motivation propelled by determination and a healthy self-interest that can help one surmount obstacles to a goal. However, your 9 words say it succinctly and effectively. Good advice. Thanks for sharing it - and take care, yourself.
Jim
