I’ve always been a big fan of Hello, a 2011 club hit from Martin Solveig and Dragonette. It always reminded me of something, and a few months ago, I figured it out while I was having an MRI done. Sure enough, the song seems to have been inspired by the sounds that an MRI machine makes!
The reason why that came to mind today is because now that I have a VNS magnet in my chest, right above my cold, black heart. The surgeon confirmed the state of its coldness and blackness. True story!
It is essentially a magnet. For those who don’t know, bringing a magnet into the same room as an MRI machine can be dangerous. Not once did I think to ask my neurologist or surgeon about having future MRI readings done now that I have a VNS (Vagus Nerve Stimulation) device inside me.
In the worst case scenario, I could in theory be attached to the machine and that could cause potential issues, as you might imagine. Of course, if it were a serious problem, I would have been informed about the potential for disaster prior to the implant being done earlier this week.
As can be expected, there are numerous sources on the internet and many conflict with another. This is in no way medical advice, but it seems that, if done properly, I and people like me can indeed go into an MRI machine without any concerns.
“Check with your doctor before having an MRI performed. In many cases, an MRI can be performed safely, but in other cases MRI is not safe to be done. It is recommended that VNS current be turned off prior to MRI and turned back on after the test. The VNS magnet is unsafe near any MRI machine and should never be taken into the room where MRI is being done.”
That’s a quote from the website link that I just provided. It seems to be the only site that I can find that seems trustworthy and reliable enough for my tastes. The magnet that the quote refers to is the magnet that is provided to someone when they leave the VNS implant procedure, which is usually an inpatient surgery.
The procedure is so common that it takes less than two hours and you typically leave the same day, as was the case for me. As for the magnet, you can see a picture of mine to the left. In my case, I got two: one to wear on my wrist like a watch and the other to clip to my belt.
Neither of those magnets have any business being near an MRI room. I’m not the brightest peanut in the turd, but I did know that much.
This appears to be one of those things that’s on a case-by-case basis. My device hasn’t actually been activated yet, which is normal. It will, however, be activated in two weeks and will be adjusted as needed over time to allow the device to do its job: assist with reducing the frequency and intensity of my seizures.
This will be something that I will bring up to the neurologist when I go in to get activated, but I am confident that if MRI’s were a safety issue in my specific case, I would have been told before making the informed decision to have it implanted.
The whole MRI thing is not a today problem, but a two weeks away problem. Of course, if something happens and I need an MRI before then, I will need to ensure that the medical personnel know, even though the device is not yet activated. According to that website, the device can apparently be deactivated and then reactivated.
Just to be safe, I sent a quick message through my provider network’s online portal, just to ensure that I have the correct information in the highly unlikely event that I need an MRI between now and the activation appointment.
Again, as I have been cared for by some of the finest professionals in the field, I am sure that I would have been made aware of any potential MRI dangers. In fact, I know I would have. My concerns are probably just paranoia.
As always, you can expect a follow-up article when I learn more about my specific device and MRI readings. In the meantime, enjoy that awesome MRI sound!
As always, I am not qualified to give medical advice. If this subject matter is relevant to you in any way, please contact your doctor and don’t just take the word of some douchebag blogger in Albany, New York.