I understand that I can not have an MRI since I have the spinalCord stimulator. So being that I still have severe back pain when standing or sitting how will they be able to see my problems going on ? I have an MRI from December 2006 but the pain has got worse since then. On it it says about a mild bulge at my L3-L4 level . Maybe this has got worse ? I do see a Neurosurgeon on the 27th of this month so maybe he can tell from it whats going on.
Anyone with imput ?
Shawley

Hey Shawley! That would be a real interesting MRI if they did one with your stim in place. It sounds like your best bet is the doctors guess. Good luck! Fred

Fred - Yeah that wouldn't be fun ! Be like being in a microwave oven !
I don't know how good a CT would be , but do know I can't have no more MRI's.
Shawley

Hi there Shawley,

Well some reports say you can, and some say no....... Best check with the Doc, but hopefully you wont need an MRI, you will be pain free !!!

Good luck with it.
Round 1

Shawley,
as you know i had a bone growth stimulator for 11 month after surgery which was surgicaly removed after. During that time i could not have MRI done - at all.
After they removed the batterry itself, they left wires and by Dr. books i am not allowed to have MRI . That is why when i ended up at the hospital in March 07 and they would like to know neuture of that pain - hospital refused to perform MRI on me. After i left hospital, my Dr. searched for facilities which would do it and couldn't find except one place where i had to sign tons of papers that i know the risk.
My MRI was almost 2 hours (back and one hip) since she had to stop every 10 min to cool wires down. I did not feel the heat, but the pulling was pretty uncomfortable. I had 3 more done since.

So no other test could be done to see what my back problem is ? I know I can't have an MRI , I was told so . Moldova you had to be scared going in for your MRI after they told you what could happen . I don't think I want to take the risk. Maybe this new Dr. can see from my old MRI whats going on ?
I just think my Orthopedic spine specialist is missing something that a neurosurgeon could see ??? Hey if he says everything looks as good as it can be fine ! I just want answers to my pain.

I just can't believe my ortho Dr. ! Before my stim implant he told me my
L3-L4 is bulging and below my fusion site that level is giving out also . And after the implant he is saying everything is ok , that he did all he could do.
Why didn't he use the bone growth stim on me since I was DX as non-union 3 times so far ? I just see future problems for my back . I know they say since the hardware isn't moving and is stable I'm ok , but I'm not stupid I broke a screw before in my back and don't want to end up like that again.

Maybe this surgeon will have answers from my old MRI ? Guess I'll know in 6 days . Thanks for your replies.

Shawley