Category: X RAYS

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HOW TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN X-RAYS AND SCANS…

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How to tell the difference between x-rays and scans it difficult to know what each one does.

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create images of the inside of the body. These are more detailed than those obtained with other forms of imaging, and can be very useful for diagnosing problems with

  • brain and spinal cord
  • bones and joints
  • breasts
  • heart and blood vessels
  • internal organs, such as the liver, womb or prostate gland 

The results of an MRI scan can be used to help diagnose conditions, plan treatments and assess how effective previous treatment has been.

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X-Rays use radiation to create an image on a screen. The radiation passes through thin tissues and fluid, so they show up as a dark area, while bones and other dense tissues block the rays, so these show up as light areas. X-rays can be used to diagnose –

An Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves, which can pass through fluid and less dense tissue, and the echo of these is used to create an image. Ultrasound can be used to diagnose problems affecting soft tissues, such as the pelvic organs, the heart, tendons and muscles, and of course keeping an eye on baby.

A CT (computed tomography) uses a combination of series of x-rays taken at different angles and a computer to create a series of 3D images. These are much more detailed than a standard X-ray, and can be used for –

  • diagnose conditions – including damage to bones, injuries to internal organs, problems with blood flow, stroke, and cancer
  • guide further tests or treatments – for example, CT scans can help determine the location, size and shape of a tumour before having radiotherapy, or allow a doctor to take a needle biopsy (where a small tissue sample is removed using a needle) or drain an abscess
  • monitor conditions – including checking the size of tumours during and after cancer treatment

Source: NHS, Woman & Home

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WHAT IS THE TRUE COST OF FACET JOINT INJECTIONS?…

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Today I had my third lot of facet joint injections on the NHS at the Circle Nottingham Hospital. For me personally these injections (I have one in both sides of my spine) have been the most effective pain relief I have ever had.

For the first time in many years I have been back in control of my pain and I had reduced my Tramadol right down to taking it ‘only‘ on my bad days instead of taking it on slow release. While slowly cutting down on my Tramadol I started to feel quite different in myself without the awful side effects of the opioids.

Painkiller addiction is an increasing problem in our society, and it’s certainly receiving more media attention than ever before. There’s a lack of understanding about the dangers of prescription painkillers—opioid drugs that are both extremely powerful and addictive. Long-term addiction is usually preceded by tolerance to the drug, which means you feel as though you need a regular supply of them.

The reason I wanted to cut down on my Tramadol was to prepare myself for my Cubital Tunnel Operation. A few years ago I was unexpectedly faced with awful pain after foot surgery and was told I could not have any more pain relief due to what I was already taking. Tramadol is routinely prescribed after major surgeries so I told myself if I ever needed surgery again I would make sure I had cut down on my medication prior to the surgery.

I have struggled over the last few weeks as my facet joint injections were due but they were put on hold for six weeks due to my elbow surgery so today could not have come soon enough. I’ve had the same compassionate pain consultant who has looked after me for a number of years and who has tried everything available to help me with my chronic pain.

Before I signed the consent form he informed me that due to the cost of facet joint injections they were being cut right back and may not be available in the future.  He assured me I would still be having some today and that he would put me down for another set in four months but pointed out that he would have to put a case together in order to hopefully get the all clear to carry on giving me these injections.

I was bitterly disappointed that there was a possibility of these being stopped. When I told my husband about it on our way home he told me to try and find out how much these would cost if we went privately to have them done.

I was quite shocked at what I found out which in our area were roughly about £1,145 – £1,500 (each) and I have two of these. I then realised that it’s not just the injection that I would be paying for as I need the use of the Xray department for these and so a radiologist is required, plus two nurses and of course my consultant.

It’s not until you encounter something like this that you appreciate just how lucky we are to have the availability of the NHS in the UK. We just arrive, have the treatment and follow their advice and hopefully get the benefit but you can see why they are now having to question who should be the ones that can have this treatment and who are the ones that cannot. I guess I will just have to hope that my case is one they sympathize with and continue letting me have them otherwise I guess I will be back on the opioid route again.

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ARE X RAYS SAFE…

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Are x rays safe? Well, no-one can actually say ‘yes or no’ but we should be fully informed about the radiation you receive from scans, especially if you have to have a number of them.

The risk of cancer associated with low-dose medical imaging is still controversial, with no actual evidence proving that cancer can arise directly from these procedures.

X rays are an important part of the medical profession finding out what your problem is and without one could be a matter of life or death.

MRI’s are perfectly safe, it’s just x-rays or CT scans that are questioned.

They say that careful consideration is what is needed when you are asked to have an x-ray, but generally it could be the only way forward to find out what your problem is.

According to the NHS website “People are often concerned about being exposed to radiation during an X-ray. However, the part of your body being examined will only be exposed to a low level of radiation for a fraction of a second.

Generally, the amount of radiation you’re exposed to during an X-ray is the equivalent to between a few days and a few years of exposure to natural radiation from the environment.

Being exposed to X-rays does carry a risk of causing cancer many years or decades later, but this risk is thought to be very small.

For example, an X-ray of your chest, limbs or teeth is equivalent to a few days’ worth of background radiation, and has less than a 1 in 1,000,000 chance of causing cancer. For more information, see GOV.UK: patient dose information.

The benefits and risks of having an X-ray will be weighed up before it’s recommended. Talk to your doctor or radiographer about the potential risks beforehand, if you have any concerns”.

So, I guess the answer to my question ‘are x rays safe’ is ‘yes’.