Have you heard of Prenuvo? It’s an elective full body MRI to discover certain conditions before they become crises. They check for hundreds of conditions, including most solid tumors at Stage 1 and silent killers like aneurysms. With my BRCA2+ diagnosis and prophylactic surgeries, I have a few specific concerns about preventing a crisis. The other day I had a torso scan at Prenuvo in Chicago and wanted to share in case you were curious.
Prenuvo in Chicago: So Glad I Scanned!
Psst. This isn’t a sponsored post or any sort of collab…I paid for the visit and received no compensation. Prenuvo has locations all over the country.
What Are the Reasons to Book an Elective MRI Scan?
There are plenty of reasons one might want to schedule a scan with Prenuvo. Sometimes it’s simply about peace of mind. In other cases, you may be feeling unwell and just have a hunch something could be brewing despite inconclusive labs or medical opinions. If you have family history for certain cancers or diseases, it may be sensible to monitor for early detection.
I decided to schedule a Prenuvo scan for multiple reasons. First, I wanted to get a peek at my pancreas since I battle chronic pancreatitis, have family history of pacreatic cancer, and have heightened risk for PC with BRCA2+ genetic mutation. My family practitioner says catching a mass in the pancreas early is important for treatment, yet we have had a heck of a time getting my insurance to approve MRIs to monitor. My doctor was supportive of my desire to get an elective MRI, but I did not need a referral and paid for it out of pocket.
This video gives a bit of background about my BRCA story:
I also wanted to check on the integrity of breast implants after my reconstruction in 2013. While my breast surgeon took as much breast tissue as possible with the nipple-sparing bilateral mastectomy, there remains tissue vulnerable to breast cancer.
Is it a Hassle to Schedule and Scan With Prenuvo?
Scheduling the scan was easy online, and the medical history I completed was thorough yet simple to zip through. Half of the fee was collected when I scheduled the appointment, and the balance was paid on the day of my scan. I had a wonderful experience at Prenuvo’s Chicago location where all of the staff were kind and considerate.
The facility itself is the essence of calm and spa-like. Because of the nature of my concerns, I chose to have a torso scan rather than a full-body or head + torso. The price of this scan was actually less than my copay for past breast MRIs! That’s value considering Prenuvo results provide information for the whole torso and not just breasts and implants (pancreas, colon, spine, etc.).
What Was Having a Prenuvo MRI Like?
My scan took about 30 minutes and was more pleasant than prior breast MRIs laying on my stomach. I felt more comfortable for this scan on my back. Like other MRI scans I have experienced, you remain as still as possible and hold the breath for short periods of time. There was only one moment I felt claustrophobic. It was when I decided to peek just once (didn’t like the sensation) before quickly closing my eyes again.
How Long of a Wait Before Test Results?
My results came within a couple of days (a report online) and provided valuable information. A few minor findings included things I’ll follow up on with my doctor and surgeon. I may need a procedure, so I’m very thankful to have the information.
I also appreciated receiving detailed info about the progression of my scoliosis, shoulder issues due to osteoporosis, and something benign that likely won’t create problems. The pancreas and GI-related organs looked great! What a blessing to hear! With Prenuvo, you get free access to speak with a nurse practitioner about the results.
Thinking about scheduling one of these scans? Based on this experience in Chicago, I feel more empowered and recommend Prenuvo. Feel free to ask questions if you’re curious!
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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Is the machinery itself the traditional type of MRI that we maybe familiar with(lay down in cylindrical tube) or is this something new and improved?
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It seems like similar machinery (like a capsule), but the sounds were different than I remember. I didn’t take a tranquilizer (was offered one) but prob would if I was doing a scan that took longer.