Mri = Pain ??? - Fibromyalgia Message Board

Marielle · 02-18-2004, 11:34 AM

Hi to all,

New here and have a doctor's appointment tomorrow. Have already seen a rheumy dr. and he is sending me to a family doctor to schedule an MRI at my local hospital. I have 3 herniated disks with annular leakage at all 3 levels in my lower back that was diagnosed over a year ago. Newly diagnosed with neck and shoulder problems due to an old injury 20 years ago as well as re-injured last October. Rheumy thinks I may have a torn rotator cuff and herniated cervical disks. Also says I have myofascial. He has me on Vicoden for pain to sleep at night.

Helps soften the neck and shoulder pain but doesn't do much for the lower back pain, but I am able to get to sleep quicker and stay asleep for a longer period of time than when I don't take it.
My question is, how will I be able to have an MRI done, when I can't bear to lay still or flat for more than a few minutes? Does anyone have any experiences with this situation or have any suggestions on how I can have this MRI done without me skirming the entire time?
I really enjoy all of your comments and life experiences that so many of you are willing to share to so many of us who come here looking for relief. May God Bless You! I have learned so much here, which means I can ask the right kind of questions when I have appointments. Thanks for any help anyone can be! Have a splendid day!

sivyaleah · 02-18-2004, 01:11 PM

First, perhaps you can request that your doctor writes you a 'script for valium (or something similar) to take prior to the MRI, so you'll be more relaxed? I've found that works for me, and I'm nowhere in as much pain as you.

You might be surprised at the amount of time you can stay still in the MRI tho. I always go into them thinking I'll never be able to do it and somehow manage to get it done without a hitch - or a twitch as the case may be

Best of luck!
Laurie

Marielle · 02-18-2004, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sivyaleah

First, perhaps you can request that your doctor writes you a 'script for valium (or something similar) to take prior to the MRI, so you'll be more relaxed? I've found that works for me, and I'm nowhere in as much pain as you.

You might be surprised at the amount of time you can stay still in the MRI tho. I always go into them thinking I'll never be able to do it and somehow manage to get it done without a hitch - or a twitch as the case may be

Best of luck!
Laurie

Thanks for the advice! I'll be sure to question the doc about it tomorrow then. I need to change positions every few minutes mostly because of my back problems but also the shoulder as well. I know I won't be able to tolerate being on my back and lying still for long. About how many minutes does it normally take for an MRI so mentally I know what I need to do? Thanks again, Marielle

sivyaleah · 02-18-2004, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marielle

Thanks for the advice! I'll be sure to question the doc about it tomorrow then. I need to change positions every few minutes mostly because of my back problems but also the shoulder as well. I know I won't be able to tolerate being on my back and lying still for long. About how many minutes does it normally take for an MRI so mentally I know what I need to do? Thanks again, Marielle

Marielle,

Time varies depending on what part of the body you are having the MRI on. I think the longest I was there was about 45 minutes, for an upper cervical spine. Shortest was probably about 1/2 hour (I think it was my knee). The time passes quicker than you think. Most places have music playing to keep your mind off of it a bit. The machine makes quite a racket tho. I started playing a game with myself while having it done - tried to find patterns in the banging noises the machine made. It actually took my mind off how long I was laying down.

All in all it's really nothing to worry too much about. I'm sure you'll do great!
Laurie

cherie · 02-18-2004, 05:37 PM

Good luck with your MRI, I don't mind them, as they usually don't cause me much discomfort as far as test's go. I would be sure to mention to the Dr. about having trouble lying down. You might want to take a Vicodin and the Valium, I have in the past and it sure did help. I had a long test that day, they did 2 different areas to do. The brain and the Cervical Lumbar.
Cherie