Yesterday I had the PET scan; I jokingly referred to it as a scan for a cat in my pants, but since I “passed” the MRI – I got to move to the next level (PET scan). If this is your first time here (or need a refresher), please go to Diary of an Alzheimer Lab Rat – Part 1.
It took the MRI lab and the Alzheimer study doctor about 10 days to process the MRI results (brain – check, no stroke damage – check). The one of the researchers contacted me to get the go ahead for PET fun.
It was the first time I had ever had a PET scan; wasn’t a big deal – even though the tech seemed like she had just got out of school. The IV hurt – a lot more that when you get blood drawn; evidently there’s some type of natural “checking system” that tries to ensure the flow is one way. Obviously I didn’t die from it and after the needle is in, she did a quick flow check with saline to ensure things were as they should be.
Had to wait for 10-15 minutes for the nuke juice to mature (a certain level of “zoomies” was required). After being injected with the radioactive chemical, another saline push to flush the plumbing. The nuke juice is tailored for the amyloid substance in the head; makes it glow for the camera. After a 40 minute wait to allow the stuff to get in my head; it was off to the machine.
The PET scan machine looks a lot like an MRI, just not as long and not as confining. Just like an MRI, lay down with your head in a cradle, get covered up with a blankie (cause it’s way too cold in there), and try to stay awake for the 30 minutes that it takes for the scan. The PET machine makes a little noise; nothing at all like the MRI which reminds me of being in a torpedo tube with Navy SEALs banging on the outside.
Now it’s another period of waiting for results, if I “recall” correctly the next step is another office visit – time will tell.
Stay tuned for next edition at Diary of an Alzheimer Lab Rat – Part 3.
Or if you’re curious about who I am, please go to Who Am I
babychristian55 