Disconboblulated.

It would seem I've done well to get an appointment for an MRI  (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan, and so quickly. 

After doing a quick ask around Stroke survivor friends I was unable to find one who'd had on. All had at some time a CT (Computer Tomography) scan, as have I.

There's a comparison of the two types of scan here at NHS Choices. 

As noted in the article, a CT scan is the first choice because of speed. That's because it takes about five minutes, as far as the patient  is concerned, and isn't affected so much by patient movement. The actual scan process itself actually takes about 30 seconds.

The only thing I note from that article is that they inject a dye, which I didn't have.

An MRI scan on the other hand can take upto 30 minutes, which explains the interesting stuff in the questionnaire they sent me about taking along a music cd of my choices. They can also be quite claustrophobic.

They also requires one to declare any metal implants or medical devices, shrapnel, metal dust in the eyes and remove any jewelry except wedding rings. Further, as means of avoiding metal, they suggest jogging bottoms and a T-shirt, otherwise they require you to change into a hospital gown.

Urgh no. I'm a very private person. The first time my wife saw me unattired was after our first 10 years of marriage and after three children, and that's only because I was having trouble dressing myself. So I'll have to acquire a tracksuit. Much to the family's amusement!

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I've spoken to a GP friend - not my GP - a super intelligent mega being (poor soul) who has given me a telling off. Which offended me not at all. If you can't take a telling off when you are in your fifties there's no hope for you. He went on to explain that in my area Stroke services since I had my first stroke have been reorganised at least twice in a bid to improve services over 12 years.

Part of those reorganisations was computerisation of records that has been fraught with problems and abandoned schemes and budget cuts, and not specific to Stroke services.  Part of that problem has been that paper records have been scattered around various GP's, Hospitals et. al. for many, many decades.

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Secondly, there's a very British attitude towards the medical profession. Members of the medical profession are in constant education, constant advancement and respected for it. Rightly so.

Us Brits respect that, and look up to them as authority figures. This leads, I'm told, to not only expect not only medical, but clerical expertise - and when that fails, and in the heretical expectations of authority perception, it's the Medics fault.

And that part of the medical profession that deals directly with diagnosis has become accustomed to that. But thats not something I'm party to. There's no criticism of me there. The problem I'm having, I'm told, is that I have failed to perceive socio-perceptive model as it exists.

In English, my consistent view that the medical profession is a resource to enable me to make informed (informed by them) decisions about my well being  is a total pain in the arse when coupled with my habit of sitting quietly and listening to what I see as advice. 

The doctors, from long experience think they are saying 'that the way it is' and this is what I'm going to do. Thats what they're used to doing. Which never occurred to me. So when I pop up later and start asking questions it's seen as an, to quote Terry Pratchett, an Embuggerance. 

What I should be doing I'm told it is be up front, on the spot with queries, questions. Great if you can think that fast.

But medical records are not the preserve of the medic. They are the responsibility of the administration. 

I think that's fair. 

Reinforces my view though that if I have the capability to chase up my paperwork I will.  My life may depend on it. Can't wait around for some admin somewhere. 

xx