Posted on 08/24/2004 9:20:46 PM PDT by Edit35
Several months ago, John Kerry fell off his bicycle while riding in Boston, and subsequently told reporters that he got an MRI just as a precaution.
Now, considering that he also claims to have shrapnel in his leg from Vietnam, doesn't it make an MRI impossible due to the metal's magnetic interference.
This is my first vanity post, so forgive me. But I just heard WPHT radio host Rolleye James talking about the impossibility of Kerry getting an MRI with metal in his leg, and I thought I post the info.
I never had an MRI so I'm not sure.
Dr.'s Howard, Howard, and Fien, who treated Kerry in the ER were quoted as saying, "The guy demanded an MRI for falling off a bike as a precaution. We had to give him a sticker before he was willing to leave. What a weenie."
July 31, 2001 - A 6-year-old boy died after undergoing an MRI exam at a New York-area hospital when the machine's powerful magnetic field jerked a metal oxygen tank across the room, crushing the child's head.
Employees of the Westchester
Medical Center in Valhalla, N.Y.,
gather outside after learning of
the deadly MRI incident.
(ABCNEWS.com)
The authors propose controlled entry to imaging facilities.
Very good idea. I heard about a cop who wandered into a MRI room and had his gun ripped out of his holster.
FWIW, when I first registered with FR, BrainSurgeonMan84 was one of the handles I considered using.
I've had a few MRI's in the recent past. Filled out a questionaire about metal pins, screws etc. Also, ever done any welding, grinding and gotten metal frags in your eyes?
At the first MRI, I answered in the affirmative re: metal in the eye.
I was then sent to x-ray for a orbital x-ray to spot any fragments. Turned up negative. Then proceeded to do the MRI.
Several years and surgical procedures later, had additional MRIs - same questions same answers adding that I now have metal clamps attached to my spine.
Since I passed that first orbit x-ray, and had no further exposure to metal filings, didn't have to go through the x-ray procedure again.
The metal clamps were not a problem for the subsequent MRIs. where the metal artifacts created a problem reading the films, a CT was ordered to get a more accurate picture.
The clamps are, I believe, surgical stainless steel - a non-magnetic material. Present day surgical artifacts are titanium and probably not magnetic.
That's my story and I'm sticking with it.
Perhaps Kerry's head impacted in his posterior was the "shrapnel".
I am glad I signed up, I have read this for over a yr and make it part of my daily routine. I find a lot of humor as well as good information on here. Joel
Dang .. I fell for it didn't I
I was soooooo asleep at the wheel tonight
Good catch :0)
Welcome Aboard, Mate.
I just thought I'd take it to the next level is all.
lol!
Hi, mriguy!
LOL .. well then .. just ignore my last post :0)
BTTT
I have had both knees replaced with titanium joints, and recently had an MRI of my chest and head. They asked me and I told them and they said it didn't matter as they were not going to look at my knees. It took a total of 30 minutes.In fact I had a nice nap during the procedure.But it is rather noisy.
LOL. You don't really need to be a brain surgeon to post on FR, just being as smart as one is sufficient. Staying at a Holiday Inn just doesn't cut it though. :=)
If the metal is magnetic (likely) that's the problem with an MRI. MRI=BIG magnet. The magnetic forces could rip the iron out or force it through something it isn't suppose to go through inside the body.
MRI requires the use of a very strong magnet. In fact, there is a prohibition on bringing metal items into the procedure room. Why? They will fly into the center of the magnet ring (with enough speed that someone could be injured, or the equipment damaged).
Also, their is an intense RF field associated with the procedure. It is very likely that ferrous materials (like shrapnel) may interfere with the procedure.
"That's interesting and perhaps some doctor or nurse on board can tell us the answer."
I am neither but I will tell you that I recently had an MRI of my left hand and wrist prior to surgery. I was laid on my side with my arm extended above my head. A lead shield was applied to my lower arm and sand bags to hold the hand and wrist in place. I didn't have to remove clothing with zippers or remove my partial plates. I guess it depends what area is being exposed to the ????? rays. I can only assume it would be the same for shrapnel, if he has any.
I'm am certainly not a Kerry fan. I'm not defending his claim. I just wanted to let those who have never had an MRI that it is possible as long as the metal is not being included in the exposure.
Not if the "shrapnel" is RICE!!!!!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.