What's the "normal" time span after surgery to get 1st MRI?

[jaylogs]

Having read a ton of people's comments on when they get their first post surgery MRI, I got to thinking what's considered a normal time to get one? My doctor, Dr Brackmann, said a year for me, yet i've seen people get one just weeks after their procedure.  I am guessing this is one of those things that depend on the person and their situation, but I kinda wanted to do a poll and see how soon people on here got their first MRI.  Thanks and everyone have a good day!
Jay

[JerseyGirl2]

My first post-surgery MRI was one year later, and I was told I wouldn't need another one until five years after that one.

Catherine (JerseyGirl 2)

[cindyj]

Mine was at one year also -  won't need another til 5 year mark...but, like you and Catherine, I'm a House alumn, think some docs want one done at six months. 

Cindy

[OTO]

I think it's depends on the outcome of the surgery.  If they had to leave any tumor material behind, etc.  Anyway when I had my post-surgery appointment, Dr. Slattery gave me a sheet with pre-printed House Ear Clinic post-surgery instructions.    It said get an MRI in one year.   However, after I got home, they sent me a post-card at 6 months saying to get an MRI.   After I sent them a copy of the MRI, he wrote back and said to get another MRI in 3 years.  I just didn't that in May.   Not sure when the next one will be...

[yardtick]

For me it was 3 months after debulking, than 6 months and now I go yearly.

Anne Marie

[grega]

Hi Jay ....... for me it was 6 months .... then at 1-yr intervals.

Greg

[moe]

One year and then five years for me, Jay.
They got all the tumor, and the one year showed no tumor. I still feel like 5 years is a long time though.
Maureen

[mom of AN pt.]

for my daughter, who had a large tumor surgically removed in two successive surgeries, five years ago, at age 16:

MRI's at
6 months,
then one per year... until three years post op,
then we were able to wait two years,
then another at five years...

Five years out may be a turning point at least that is what I seem to remember from past conversations. 

BTW...just to buoy some spirits I will add she is doing good now, looking forward to getting the Soundbite when they become available!

[tenai98]

I've had 3 since surgery...first one 6 months post op....then 3 months after first one ..then five months after second one...next one is 8 months
JO

[leapyrtwins]

Answer is, it all depends.

My neurotologist has me doing annual MRIs for the first 5 years post op.  Then if no regrowth is evident, he said I'll probably have them every 2-3 years for a little while.

I don't know the game plan after that.

Jan

[Jim Scott]

Jay ~

You're right - the initial follow-up MRI scan scheduling is dependent on the individual patient's situation and, of course, the doctor's judgment, which is usually based on his experience.  As previous posts indicate, it usually ends up either six months or twelve. 

My neurosurgeon ordered an MRI for me at six months post-op, another one six months after that, then another a year later.  He then said once a year was more than satisfactory unless symptoms returned, which, thankfully, never occurred. 

Jim

[Tod]

Just to chime in, while noting my experience is definitely not the norm:

First MRI post, was that night. Again a week later. Then again at three months post. Another two months later. The next is scheduled for three months after that. And I'm sure there will be one at one year post.

-Tod

[jaylogs]

Thanks for all the replies...just about what I figured, it depends on the person/doctors.  Wow Tod...I bet your insurance company was lovin' you having all those done in such a short time!   And Mom of AN Pt, glad to hear your daughter's doing well!! Definitely good news!
Jay

[Denise S]

Hey Jay,

I was originally told 1 year because mine was on the smaller side with no residual (otherwise it would be sooner).   Then not sure after that.      Although, I did wonder why every year for some?    "supposedly" they are such a slow growing tumor, would it really make a big difference waiting like 2 years?      I guess for like me, I can't get many of the 'symptoms' from my surgical side.  I already lost that balance nerve and hearing...plus I have some tinnitus. 

My situation is different though due to another brain tumor and other issue being monitored, so seems like I have gotten more than enough....2 since my surgery 8 months ago.   

[Nickittynic]

Another different one:
I had an MRI two (?) days post op, before they let me leave the ICU to the 'regular' neuro floor. Then another one at 6 months because I was still have symptoms. Supposed to have one at one year, but gotta get a doctor to write an order for it since I 'dumped' my surgeon.