I have had numerous MRIS but never with the amount of pain I am having right so I asked for sedation. She ordered 10 mg Valium pill. So how long does it take to take a real good affect and how long does it last. My MRI is at 5 PM and I don't want to sleep all evening and not be able to sleep that night.

Valium effects people different ways, but if you generally tolerate medications... I would say it should only take about 30 mins to feel the effect and when I was given Valium it only last about an hour... For my DH though it lasted 4 hours. He doesn't tolerate meds well, whereas with me, sometimes I wonder why I even bother taking something when it doesn't do much.

From what I read , effects can last 4-6 hrs, depending on how you may tolerate /process it, as mentioned.

I know the amount I am having now and also how well my body doesn't fit that well in the MRI tube. So I am going to take my Lortab along with it.

How did your MRI go? I hope the valium helped. I always go sedated. Valium is too strong for me so I take a small dose of Ativan. That does the trick for me.

Hoping for some good results.

I have spinal stenosis from C4-6 both on right and left sides. My doctor's office has faxed my MRI and office notes to a neurosurgeons office to see if they will see me. WOW. I guess I should feel honored. I feel kind of OK if I slouch but if I try to have good posture it really hurts my right arm just under the axilla and my fingers really hurt.

Oh no! I'm so sorry about the stenosis. Yet another thing you now have to deal with. Please keep us updated on how you are doing and what the neurosurgeon suggests.

8 business days later and no call from the office. I had several things I had to do today so I know I have to call them myself.

Hopefully the stenosis is not going to cause you a lot of difficulty. You do have a good excuse for slouching. Did you get a copy of the report for the MRI?

I have been dealing with spinal stenosis in the lumbar area for years. When I had my spinal fusion (almost 10 yrs. ago) at L4-5, a laminectomy was also done for that area because that is where the stenosis was the worst. I have been dealing with the remaining spinal stenosis since then.

Unfortunately it appears you will have to call for an appointment to see the neurosurgeon. At least that will help you get some prospective.

Positive thoughts/prayers coming your way.

Gerry

I got a call from the office today. She asked me several questions first. One was had I ever had spinal surgery. Well yes I have. So she now will tell the surgeons so they can determine whether to see me. OK now. What have I been waiting since last Tuesday for a call from you guys for?????? No, I didn't say it. But maybe my own PCP office didn't supply them with all the info?

Pain in pretty managable so I'm not sure what they will say. I don't want to have surgery if I don't need it but I also want to get rid of my muscle relaxant and Norco every night.