MRI C and T Now they want an L

[bethann]

Hi,

I have not posted for quite some time!

I had my MRI last week.(Last one was two years ago) The results were unchanged.

Cervical:
1. No change in the appearance of a Cervical Cord Syrinx.
2. Multilevel disc osteophyte complexes most significant at c5-6 unchanged. Moderate bilateral c5-6 neural foramen narrowing.

Thoracic:
No change in thoracic cord syrinx. This is not associated with any additional abnormality.

So this is all good I think in other words no tumor (mine was a hymangioblastoma). I had my tumor removed three years ago. First surgery was a biopsy, then one week later they removed the all of the tumor.

So now after receiving my MRI the NS (who I have not personally seen or even talked to on the phone, he did his job) has ordered a Lumbar MRI.....I have no lower back pain nor do I have walking issues. The only issue I have had with my legs is that my reflexes are exaggerated. My pain has always been and still is in my upper right torso going from my neck to my shoulder and down my arm and my shoulder blade. They can not give me an answerer why I hurt there! Nor have they been able to stop the pain. I go to PT twice a month for deep tissue massage. and I am on Neurontin 300mg three times a day (I know low dose but they upped it to 600mg twice a day and I did not do well with that very spacey drunk feeling)

So now they are looking for a tethered cord in the lumbar area isn't that just a little over board due to the fact that I have no symptoms? I hate MRI's!Also I asked my PCP to give me a referral to a pain clinic that is here in town (Holland, Michigan). I have gone to a phsyiatrest (Sp) and they tried shots. I have no idea what a Pain Clinic will do but hay I guess it is worth a try.[/size]

[went]

Won't you feel better having it checked out just in case? It's better to be safe than sorry.

My tumor was T-11 - T-12. I'm having a MRI done here shortly and I'm having them check my entire spine: Cervical, Thorasic, and Lumbar.

I wouldn't care if they wanted to MRI my left testicle, I'd let them.

[went]

Also, I'd want to meet the doctor who is ordering/reviewing this MRIs.

[chickiet]

I agree with Went - better to get it checked out (and meet the doc). As much as I dislike MRIs they are now a necessary evil. I will be having MRI #11 (11th since last August...) in April - just cervical but I'd be more than fine if they did the whole spine just to be sure.

Chris

[tc]

I vote with the others. Go get the Lumbar MRI. At least these diagnostics aren't like plain xrays where you have to worry about radiation accumulating in your body.

[drummer904]

I have to reply to this. if i had them do an mri on the whole spine when i first stated having pain instead of just the lumbar, they probably would of seen the tumor in the thorasic area. but they didnt and i put up with the symptoms for too long and the damn thing grew and..... just get it all done, its worth it.

[bethann]

You are all right! I just hate MRI's and I know even after I am done the doctor will not see me! He just has his assistant call!I will let you know how it goes!

Thanks,
Beth

[richard0314]

Hey Beth try asking your DR for some Vailume, I take 15 mg before every MRI. I can't stand those machines and panic everytime i'm in there I'm a pretty big guy so there not a lot of room for me. I will say the med will relax you and you'll just sleep through it all.
Richard

[chickiet]

I agree with Richard - valium is a huge help for me. I almost didn't make it through my first one, and I've had valium for all of them since - huge difference. I can just climb in there and chill while it does its thing. If the doc who ordered the MRI won't order the valium (since he sounds so helpful...), try your primary care doc - someone should do it for you.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.
Chris

[supv26]

My first MRI was for the T and L only. That was when they found the tumor and they sent me in for another. This time was for L, T, C and a full brain scan with and with out contrast. I was in the MRI for 3 hours and when I got out the tech was worried how I was. I did get hot on the inside. They did sedate me for that one since it took so long.