275-Pound Woman Says Hospital Told Her to Use Zoo MRI

[KG4KWW]

This is sad, hope this woman goes on a diet.

When a 5-foot, 275-pound woman found out she had a tumor on her spine, she was told by her local hospital to go the zoo to have a MRI because a regular MRI machine could not hold her weight, MyFOXKC.com reported.

Carolyn Ragan told the television station she discovered the tumor two years ago and, after the hospital told her she could not use their MRI machine, a medical assistant said he would help her find a solution.

“So he suggested the Kansas City Zoo,” Ragan said. “I thought, I know I’m big, but I’m not as big as an elephant. And my husband got mad.”

Full Story (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,479782,00.html)

[NA4BH]

BS..........

[W1RKW]

why be embarrassed. If having to use an MRI machine to accomodate a larger girth and it saves your life why should anyone give a crap? Of course if this wasn't publicized who would know as well. This is a stupid thread. Thanks KG4KWW, you've gone above and beyond the call of duty.

[N2ACX]

She wouldn't fit in that particular machine. They had no choice.
There are, however MRI machines that will handle patients over 400 pounds.
Unless there were another MRI suite in her area that has the newer machines, she goes to the ZOO.

http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/505199/new_mri_machine_can_handle_larger_patients/
N2ACX :D:D

[WA6MHZ]

HORSE #$%$!!!!!!!!!!!

I weighed in at 285 before my operations, and I got 3 or 4 MRI's and Cat Scans.
Not a problem. Maybe she was wider than she was high though.

[NA4BH]

It all depends on the bore of the machine. Weight doesn't come into effect until around 400-450 pounds.

[KG4KWW]

this is one reason beer is not your friend

[NA4BH]

this is one reason beer is not your friend

Don't mock BOB..........

[AC0FP]

Sounds like a lawsuit fishing for the right "ambulance chaser"! :rolleyes:

[G0GQK]

Its a sad story for the woman, but being human we can't help but smile at the situation. The poor woman, half the size of a cow, is told, in all seriousness, that she has to have an examination in a zoo ! O dear, I'm laughing.

There were two recent cases where a woman on TV in Britain felt ashamed when she and her husband who each weighed 336 lbs, I worked that out for you because you fella's don't know what stones are, were asked not to sit together on a plane to go on vacation. The pilot said the plane would be too heavy on one side, mind how did they get their backsides into the seats anyway? She cried in embarrassment on the plane, and I'm s######ing.

And another sad story when the back wheels came off a hearse drawn by two black 'orses. They were spooked by a truck going past, bolted with the coffin, the rear wheels came off and the coffin slid down on to the road with the family in the cars behind. They couldn't decide what to do, chase after the 'orses, or lift the coffin off the tarmac. Naturally the family were shocked, but what a send off ! I'm sorry, but I'm smiling, but I'm human.

G0GQK

[K0RGR]

300 lbs. is the limit on most of them, but there are two kinds of MRI machines that will work for much larger people.

[NA4BH]

300 lbs. is the limit on most of them, but there are two kinds of MRI machines that will work for much larger people.

And what are the two kinds?

[KB3LAZ]

Back in high school most of our football players ranged from 250-325lbs and I know a few of them who had an MRI. This particular hospital must have been rather cheap.

[KG4KWW]

G0GQK I love your coffin story, that's great.
Of course the ciffin had be replaced due to damage from the accident. Good thing it didn't open up as that would have freaked out the family and friends big time.

This woman needs to hire Richard Simmons.

[W9PSK]

HORSE #$%$!!!!!!!!!!!

I weighed in at 285 before my operations, and I got 3 or 4 MRI's and Cat Scans.
Not a problem. Maybe she was wider than she was high though.


At 5' tall and 275 lbs., this lady is really big around! She probly couldn't fit in the machine.

[AB1GA]

Something similar happened to me last November.

Thirty year old football injury and years of excess weight decide to get even, and I was scheduled to get an MRI on the knees. Appointment made, all set to go.

There was a "preregistration" interview with questions about diabetes, possibility of metal in the eyes, height, weight. My height (6'5") didn't bother them, and they never asked about my circumference (about 50"), but my weight (about 390-400) was above the weight limit of the table of 350 lbs, so they cancelled the appointment.

I told my primary care doctor's office about the problem, they spent half a day max before telling me they couldn't find a suitable MRI center, but that I should see the orthopedics specialist anyway. (I guess they don't get a kickback, er.. referral fee from testing outfits, but they do from specialists.)

I cried foul, started looking myself, was told about Tufts Vet Med Center, said the equipment was probably fine but the waiting room would be a real zoo, wondered how you put a hospital johnny on a horse, decided I wouldn't go unless I got a sugar cube when it was over, etc.

Then... insight. I did the unspeakable, and called my insurer. Next day they told me where to go and how my primary care office should perform the referral and request. Slicker than owl poop, I was amazed.

It seems that MRI machine technology development revolves around magnet strength and controllability. The stronger and more predictable the field can be made, the larger the machine can be made. My guess is the poor woman tried to get her imaging done at a facility which bought one of the early, small machines and was too large for the opening, not too heavy for the table. The latest Siemens machines are designed to accomodate people weighing up to 550 lbs, but they're very expensive and probably only available at places that do a lot of MRI scans and can amortize the cost rather quickly. The facility I went to runs their machine seven days a week, from 6am to 11pm!

[KC2UGV]

...clip...

There were two recent cases where a woman on TV in Britain felt ashamed when she and her husband who each weighed 336 lbs, I worked that out for you because you fella's don't know what stones are, were asked not to sit together on a plane to go on vacation. The pilot said the plane would be too heavy on one side, mind how did they get their backsides into the seats anyway? She cried in embarrassment on the plane, and I'm s######ing.

...clip...
G0GQK

You'd be surprised how much 700 lbs can effect flight when on one side only. That's why they load luggage level in the hold. :D

[K8ERV]

And what are the two kinds?

Expensive, and more expensive.

TOM K8ERV Montrose Colo