My personal gamma knife experience 1-24-13

[Jim Scott]

Robin ~

I'm delighted to learn that you've been able to secure relief from the spasms that have plagued you.  Good luck with the upcoming MRI. 

Jim

[robinb]

Thanks Jim, but I spoke too soon;

I really hesitated making a positive post as always feel like I will jinx my luck. Well it did.

As I am sitting at my computer working, I had one. The only thing out of the norm is I was drinking a Sambazon product with the ingredients listed as follows:

FILTERED WATER, ORGANIC ACEROLA JUICE*, ORGANIC LEMON JUICE, ORGANIC CANE SUGAR, ORGANIC CAYENNE PEPPER

I have heard of avoiding grapefruit juice while on Neurontin. Can anyone find a link for this. Be interesting what doc's office says when I send them my update.

My face is still tingly as I write this.

Bummed....

[Jim Scott]

Robin ~

Bingo! on the grapefruit being a no-no with Neurontin: http://www.livestrong.com/article/51072-foods-avoid-taking-neurontin/

Jim

[robinb]

Yes, and I am thinking the nutritional properties of grapefruit juice are similar to acerola juice.

So basically I brought this on myself...which I think is better than a random spasm attack.

Thanks.

[robinb]

Well, I made my appointment for 6 month MRI for August 7th....

Doc also wants a follow up audio test and bloodwork done a week or two prior.

[dtorres135]

Just wanted to let everyone know that so far no effects except for chronic fatigue and some pressure on my head.  I plan to go back to work next week and get back to my normal routine. 

[robinb]

Diana-

So glad to hear you are doing well.

Spasms dropped to just two in last eight days. Still on 200mg per day of Neurontin. I have some minor dental work I have been putting off and have it scheduled for Monday.

Stay well!

[arizonajack]

Well, I made my appointment for 6 month MRI for August 7th....

Doc also wants a follow up audio test and bloodwork done a week or two prior.

Looks like we are neck and neck.

I had my pre-MRI blood taken yesterday and I have to call in next Tues to set up the MRI appointment. Could end up having mine about the same time as you have yours. We'll compare results afterwards.

I had my annual audio followup in April and my good ear was as good as it was the year before. AN ear still dead, of course.

[robinb]

Hey Jack,

Yes we are, we will have to compare notes. Wishing good news for both of us.

[Petrone]

Robin and AJ,

Just curious...why the blood work?  Obviously, if it's unrelated to your AN there is no need to comment further, but you both make it sound like it's a routine part of post-GK evaluation.  That's not something that has ever been part of my AN treatment/evaluation.

Thanks,
Petrone 

[prisca]

Some doctors require blood work before an MRI to make sure that the dye won't cause any problems.

[mesafinn]

I was told the blood work is for the MRI portion to check creatine levels and make sure they're okay before the dye injection.

[arizonajack]

I was told the blood work is for the MRI portion to check creatine levels and make sure they're okay before the dye injection.

It's to make sure the kidneys are able to process and eliminate the contrast.

[robinb]

Prior answers correct.

However, when I had my first MRI w/contrast to diagnose the AN, no blood work was ordered by my ENT.

Dr. Lunsford ordered blood work prior to GK, (which also involved MRI)the day before.

For the 6 mos follow up MRI, the blood work was ordered to be done 1 - 4 weeks prior to MRI.

[Echo]

Interesting to hear about the bloodwork pre MRI.  I've had 3 MRI's and never had blood work done.  My Gamma is booked for Sept. 11 and my MRI for August 28th (CT scan will be done day of treatment).  The only thing they raised the flag on related to the metal plates I have in my wrists.  Apparently the MRI required pre Gamma treatment will be stronger than the ones I've been having to track the AN growth so they needed to know the exact size of my metal plates.  If they were to big I'd have to have the regular MRI.  Fortunately I'm getting in under the limit by a few millimeters so I get to have the stronger MRI.  Wonder if they use more die or a stronger dose?  This will be worth a phone call to find out!  I was told this MRI would be louder than the others  - gee that's something to look forward to!

Cathie.