Follow up MRI's - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

ladyblue · 11-05-2003, 04:35 PM

Hi my fellow cervies. Its been awhile since I have posted, but I still faithfully check the board every day. It gives me hope. And that is what I need. I do have a major question for all of you who have had and ACDF. If any of you have had a follow up MRI, did the result say anything about "metallic artifact" or anything about "ferromagnetic artifact"? Somehow I have metal in my neck, although I have no hardware left in there on purpose. NS is trying to convince me that during the process of the surgery "microscopic metal fragments from the instruments" get into the tissues at the site of the surgery. I dont know about you, but to me that sounds like a load of bull. I have had other surgeries including a shattered wrist repaired by surgery with screws and pins and dont have metal there any more once the ortho removed the pins and screws. I am wondering if I am being overly paranoid. My DH is almost beside himself with worry over me. Especially since I feel WORSE now than before my surgery. I am slated for a myleogram since the NS said that he has no idea where my pain is from. Now I am very discouraged. ITS NOT IN MY HEAD!!! Its in my neck, shoulders, shoulder blades and in my head with headaches that have returned in full fury. I dont know what to think, who to believe or what to do next. I do know that I feel like yuck 90 percent of the time, and the 10 percent that I do feel ok are the days or times when I do nothing. Depression is my daily friend. I have no clue as to my future both professionally or physically. I feel as if a huge part of my life is over and dont know where to turn.

Any feed back would be greatly appreciated and I am sorry for the venting. But sometimes a girl just has to spew ya know?

Lisa

PsychLea · 11-08-2003, 10:47 PM

Lisa,

You are not crazy and you are not alone. I think your NS is full of BS.

I have a plate, so yes, my MRI shows artifact, but yours should not.

I am going through my 2nd set of ESI's right now. The pain is not any better and the next step is burning the nerves. I have had some interesting run ins with my PM's nurse, but I think we have an understanding that I am not interested in any narcotics, just pain relief.

My PM said the facet joints were causing some of my pain, well lots of pain! His name is DR. Ault in North Little Rock and he seems to know what he is doing. I started Baclofen this week and hoping it will help. Haven't noticed much difference, but Haven't been on it very long either.

hope the myleogram shows where the problem is.

ladyblue · 11-08-2003, 11:35 PM

Thanks Lea for your continued moral support. Greatly needed at times like this. Yes, NS is full of it. He treats me like I am ignorant but little does he know that I have a 20 year background in the medical field as well (besides my current occupation.....or should I say, probably past occupation). Well, anyway, its like my attorney said.....any time there is any type of unexplained foreign body in a person, it is us to the DOCTOR to convince folks that he did NO wrong...not the other way around. In other words, he has to convince someone that the metal is there for a reason and not just for ***ts and giggles. If you know what I mean.

As far as PM goes, I am totally in agreeance with you. I am definately NOT drug seeking, just seeking some relief from this horrible, daily, constant sledge hammer in the neck feeling I keep having. After the mylo the PM doc will get to see me.

Hope you are doing ok. I guess you and I are two of those who didnt turn out so great huh? Me, myself, I just keep on keeping on and try not to complain too much. But then I tend to internalize with my feelings and such and get even more depressed.

Hey, but during all of this I have picked up a GREAT new interest that is probably going to turn into a business for me as I have been having wonderful test reviews. I am into (DH says I am addicted and need a 12 step ) to making natural soap, lotion, lip balms and such. He refuses to even buy soap at the store anymore!! And he is a hairy soap eating soul.....my soap lasts way longer than store bought. The greatest compliment is when he said that he loved it and wont ever use anything else. .......its soothing for the soul....and thats got to be good for the body!!

Chin up girl, Lisa

Nanner · 11-09-2003, 05:28 PM

Hey, Lisa! I had an MRI after my ACDF (no hardware, just like you) and there were artifacts present, but only bony ones. No metal, no how. I would be concerned in your shoes, too. Hope you get some answers, and maybe you need to go elsewhere to find them.

ladyblue · 11-09-2003, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nanner

Hey, Lisa! I had an MRI after my ACDF (no hardware, just like you) and there were artifacts present, but only bony ones. No metal, no how. I would be concerned in your shoes, too. Hope you get some answers, and maybe you need to go elsewhere to find them.

Trust me~~~!!!!! I am on the road to another place for answers. I dont like being spoon fed bull ****, especially from a high priced butcher.

Lisa