First Comp!!!

I got my first comp today, on a shoulder. One down, two to go! Next I will start working on lumbars and knees. I have been watching the techs extra closely when they scan those so I am hopeful I will do well on the various angles and it won't take me too long.

We had a MR brain for pituitary adenoma today. The patient had a known tumor and they were checking it for any signs of growth. I was amazed at how well you could see it even on the non-contrast images. A neat study to watch.

Highs and Lows

I returned to clinicals after a 2 week break and had a discouraging Monday on the scanner. I pretty much forgot everything. The techs worked with me quite a bit on Tuesday and I was able to get my sea legs back. I am feeling closer to being ready to comp on my shoulder. Thank you Laurie and Penny!

We had an interesting case on Wednesday - a MRA of the knees for suspected popliteal artery entrapment. I had never seen an MRA before so I learned a lot about how to use the power injector. Just don't ask me to do one! I know I would have missed the contrast in the arteries. I didn't even see it until the tech pointed it out to me. After the MRA the Rad wanted a few scans comparing the knees with the feet in different positions (toes down, gas pedal, and neutral). It was very interesting to watch the lead tech customize the protocol to the Rad's request. I was really able to see how technically competent and knowledgeable about the scanner she is.

Plugging along....

I have been on the scanner a bit each clinical day now working on shoulders, both post arthrogram and regular. Each time I sit down I feel a bit more comfortable and less nervous. I need to work on my speed in setting up the first scan. Talking w/the patients is getting easier. Now I think it is a matter of repetition, repetiton, repetition.