Thursday, August 7, 2008

i had two MRIs done

I did finally get to have the MRI.  It was delayed because I went to another doctor, my neurologist, Dr. Roy.  Dr. Roy is somebody I trust with my life.  Dr. Roy asked me to delay the MRI for a few days so he could give me a test first.  He wondered why Dr. Deitch, my orthopedic surgeon (shoulder doctor) who had ordered the MRI, wanted to operate on my shoulder withouth first finding out what was causing the shoulder injury.  Dr. Deitch is a new doctor of mine.  For several reasons, I don't trust him as far as I can throw him.
 
Both doctors at this point believed that my rotator cuff injury had most likely healed, and I had another problem that was causing the frozen shoulder.  But Dr. Deitch wanted to treat only the shoulder, while Dr. Roy wanted to find out what the cause of the frozen shoulder was - whether it be a pinched nerve or something else - so that he could have the overall problem fixed, not just unfreeze the shoulder by cutting out scar tissue.  If the scar tissue was merely taken out, the same problem would reoccur. 
 
So Dr. Roy, the neurologist, did something called an EMG, to attempt to determine if I was having neck or back problems (which would determine why I was having problems with my shoulder/arm).  Keep in mind, that Dr. Roy is the doctor I like and trust, the one treating the WHOLE me.  He was going after the cause, not just to remove the scar tissue in my arm.  So he did an EMG.  If you have ever had one done, you will know that the neurologist needs to shock you a lot, then stick you with needles.  This will tell him if you have any problems.  
 
Immediately after this fun test, Dr.Roy told me there was definitely something wrong with my neck, and most likely my back also.  He told me this was the cause of my frozen shoulder.  It is also, most likely, the cause of my spasms in my back that I have had for awhile. 
 
He decided to confirm his suspected diagnosis with an MRI, but he believes it is probably a back condition which is degenerative.  It often effects a shoulder/arm.  I did get the MRI on Monday.  When I receive the results from the MRI, I will let you all know at that time what I am dealing with.  I am going to see Dr. Roy's Physician's Assistant today (Thursday), and was promised I would get a report of the results of the MRI at that time.  We'll see.  
 
So I went to Dr. Roy's MRI on Monday.  It wouldn't have been so bad, except...  Dr. Deitch (or was it his assistant?) phoned me, and then phoned the hospital, and insisted that I have HIS MRI at the same time as Dr. Roy's (on the same day, minutes before).  Dr. Deitch also scheduled me for a very painful procedure on the same day as the MRIs without telling me about it.  I didn't find out about it until I got to the hospital that afternoon, and was already lined up for two MRIs.
 
So I had this painful procedure and two MRIs all on Monday. 
 
The whole ordeal lasted about 5 hours.  During the first MRI alone, I was in the MRI machine for at least an hour and a half.  Maybe longer.  My arm was placed in such a way that made it hurt to hold in that position.  The needle that they had already jammed into my cartiledge in my shoulder to give me the dye was not helping any.  I was in allaround pain.  I had to have a shoulder cuff on, which required me to hold my arm up into the air in a position that I thought I would never be able to maintain, for over an hour and a half.  I do believe it was the most painful thing I have ever experienced in my life.
 
So how did I do?   
 
I think quite well!  You all's suggestions were such a blessing to me. 
 
Anxiety did not overtake me, like I thought it would!
 
Pain did though.  As I stated, I believe it was the most painful thing I have ever experienced in my life.
 
So what did I do? I moaned.  Kind of rythmically.  I didn't have a choice.  If I didn't I couldn't have held the position for an hour and fourty minutes (for the first MRI alone).  I was told I would have to start the whole time over if I moved.  So I moaned, as I could do nothing else.  Then after awhile I reached the point where I thought I would pass out from the pain.  So I cried.  For a long time.  Out loud.  I just cried.  Again, rhythmically, as to not ruin the pictures, because I was able to keep better control that way, and not move. 
 
So that's about it.  I don't know why I went into so much detail.  I could have just said - I will tell you the results to the two MRIs I had when I get them...  But I am glad I shared...   
 
Okay, I gotta run.  Love you all,
 
Krissy :)  

23 comments:

  1.  Sounds just terrible.  I hope after going though all that they can find and treat the problem.  

                    Julie

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  2. Glad you have Dr Roy, sending up prayers.
    God bless,
    Sugar

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  3. Sometimes the tests are very bad. I've had a few I'd never repeat again.  Hopefully they will discover what is wrong so than you can get relief from the discomfort you are having.  Hugs and prayers,  'On Ya' - ma

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  4. Wow... so sorry you had to go though all of that.  I hope the results show clearly what is wrong so they can get it fixed!

    ~Rosemary

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  5. So sorry you had to go through all this Krissy. Well, you were very brave.  You know me and hospitals, I would have been in hysterics with all that.  Hopefully the results will not be too bad, it could just be an arthritic condition and they can treat that well.  I will be praying for you.

    http://journals.aol.co.uk/jeanno43/JeannettesJottings/

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  6. P.S.  I did NOT get an alert for this, good job I glanced at my widget.

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  7. (((Krissy)))) that was an ordeal!!!

    Thanking the Lord that you didn't have anxiety for the test; I should have thought of praying that you wouldn't have pain; I was always under the impression (wrong) that MRIs are painless so I never thought there would be pain associated with it; I'm so sorry that there was; you are such a good trooper though!!! proud of you for persevering (patient endurance) through it and finding ways to deal with it so that the tests could be completed

    now hoping they will be able to pinpoint the problem(s) and get you some relief

    ((((Krissy))))

    betty

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  8. Oh love, what an ordeal!  I'm glad you got through it okay.  I can only imagine how painful it was to have your shoulder in that position.  I will be praying for your results to give a good answer for the problem.  I love you and miss you,  Be blessed in the Lord today, Penny  http://journals.aol.com/firestormkids04/FromHeretoThere

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  9. I wondered if someone had checked your neck & back, especially since you've been having the back spasms.  I've had several EMG's too...twice on my legs when I hurt my back on the job and also on my arms for carpal tunnel.  Not fun....At least between the two, the MRI's can be less painful at times but take longer to accomplish. Maybe all you'll need is some Physical Therapy and some massage therapy to get your neck & shoulders back into shape. Linda in WA

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  10. I still think you may be suffering from Chiari.  I'd have your brain MRI looked over again.
    Missie

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  11. Oh Krissy, what an ordeal, but you made it dear and hopefully you'll be hearing good news with the MRI tests....Dr. Roy sounds more my type.  Keeping you in my prayers and thoughts always.  Arlene (AJ)  

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  12. Hope it all pays off with the answers you need for successful help and healing!  -  Barbara

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  13. What an ordeal. I hope it was worth all the pain and they get some answers and, more importantly, a cure.

    B. x

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  14. I'm glad at least you were able to share it and in some way get it out and sometimes that in itself does help a little. A friend of mine is going through similiar pain with her rotor cuff as well so I do understand what you are both going through. Its really a tough thing to have to deal with. You both though are handling it as best you both can. Hugs to you!
    Nancy

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  15. I'm so sorry you had to go through all that and you were in so much pain!!!!

    I have had an emg - on my leg - that's how they discovered I had nerve damage.

    The test is not fun - but not as painful as you went through with that mri!

    Glad it is over for you!

    I hope the test results come back ok and they can fix what is wrong easily!

    Love,
    Michelle

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  16. that emg is what they did to me and let me tell you it is so painful I couldn't stand it I will never do it again .. my shoulder does the same thing and they don't know why I am being shipped to another neurologist .. I will pray for you .
    hugs
    Sherry

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  17. I am so glad that is all over for you and they don't have you wait too long for the results and the cure is less painful....
    Gentle hugs...
    Linda :)

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  18.     I think sometimes you gotta share because you gotta get it out. You're in my prayers. I hope your doctor finds the problem and that it is easily solved.
    Jude
    http://journals.aol.com/jmorancoyle/MyWay

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  19. Sorry you are having to go through so much!  Hopefully all this will allow them to get to the bottom of the problem and get you feeling better soon!  Keep us posted!

    wawa_md
    http://journals.aol.com/fjrav/PerspectiveonRotations/

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  20. I have bone spurs which cause my frozen shoulder.  The MRI I had was brutal too because they lock your arm and shoulder in that God awful position.  I've never had an EMG but heard about them.  Poor thing.  Can't believe you had that all in one day.  Hope you get some results they can fix.  Love you, Chris

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  21. I'm glad to read they were trying to find the cause not just fix the problem.  Well done for going through all that x

    Jenny

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  22. ((((((((((((((((((KRISSY)))))))))))))))))You are so brave for getting your Mris done,I am glad the Doctors are working with you to help your health.I am praying for you that all goes well.I dont like getting Mris,I had one done for my knees and it wasnt an open faced one,I panied.You are very brave.

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  23. Krissy

    I am so very sorry that i am way behind with alerts. My heart goes out to you I can imagine the pain that this much have caused you. Saying that at least it is all over and hopefully they will find out what the problem is and sort it out for you.
    Take care
    hugs Jayne

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