Hi all,

Just wondering how many of you were able to tolerate, what I am thinking was, the vibration of the MRI machine?

I had one (cervical spine) yesterday and the test lasted 20 minutes. I thought for sure I wouldn't make it through and would have to push the button to stop it, but I did complete it.

I have upper CRPS I, and have been posting here, not lately-sorry, and at BT since diagnosed in 1999.

My pain levels in both arms, from tips of my fingers through to the shoulders prior to the MRI testing were around 4. During the test, my original site, right arm, pain levels shot up to 9's and I was fighting tears and that button to stop the test. My left was ok and only increased a tad.

I could go on forever as to how much this test hurt even though I've had MRI's since I've had RSD and don't recall the amount of increased pain.

How many of you have had the same reaction to MRI's before? I don't think it matters whether you have Upper or Lower.
How long did your pain levels remain at a higher level?

The MRI tech was not alarmed at my reaction. lol I guess he is so used to seeing people in extreme pain that he just said for me to take my time. He did mention that my doctor would have results today.

Thanks and aloha,
Dana

I am glad to see you posting again girl. I have thought about you a lot. Especially that I'd like to be there with you in that great weather and beautiful place. LOL

I don't know about the MRI but I had a cat scan done last week with contrast and had to hold my arms and hands over my head all through it and holding my breath was a hard one too.

It's hard on us the way we have to lay and also I would say the problem you had would be possible due to the fact that everything seems to be multiplied for us, noise, smells and even things like the vibs.

Ada

Have had a gazillion MRI's Not fun at all.

Besides the vibrations and noise driving me crazy, the cold table hurts. It gets to the point where I start to shiver so bad they have trouble getting a good picture. They usually cover me with warmed blankets and sometimes give me something to "relax" me.

Hope you are feeling better today.

Hugs and Prayers

Yes, it's been a long time since I've posted.

Thanks for your input. I've been besides myself with grief just to understand why this occurred after never having such a problem.

I so understand the postioning of my arm being a problem. ie: over my head. But this was not the case. I believe my only problem was with the vibration.

I also have warm blankets and because I'm upper I'm able to keep my clothes on my lower part of my body. So I'm warm enough.

I dunno...very interesting. I did a search and didn't find this a topic nor remembered it from past discussions as well.

Thought it would be good.

Aloha,
Dana

Dana,

I am unable to tolerate MRI'S unless I have some light sedation. Maybe if you have to have another then you could ask if they could give you something.
They might argue as it means you have to be observed by a nurse of doctor other than the MRI staff but they will do it rather than have you go without.
It is the intense noise that causes the vibrations--I liken it to lying beside a jackhammer
Lying in a "coffin" also worries me and my claustraphobia
Cheers
Tayla

Hi Dana!!
I remember you, though I don't think we've ever talked much! I thought of you often while watching the weather and flooding that was going on over there on the islands.


I can not stand MRI's the vibration launches me into orbit.... then again I can't stand any vibrations.... something as simple as someone using a paper shredder is enough to send me in to outer space....


It usually takes a long time for my pain levels to come down.


I hope your pain goes down soon.

Abbie

hi dana,

nice to see u here!

i have had only one mri and i hope they found everything they needed because i will NEVER have another.........well, not without general anesthesia anyway.......took me days to get my pain levels under control.....also took me about an hour before i could go home because both arms went numb from the vibes and the noise.....it's an UGLY test!

hope u feel better quickly.

liz

I don't know if I should just cry or give gentle hugs to those who have had this problem. I do find comfort in knowing that I don't stand alone.

What I do find unusual is why all of a sudden after 8+ years of having RSD would this MRI send me into LALA land. I've had MRI's before and never had a problem. Why did this one send me to my limit on the pain scale almost immediately. I did hang on and somehow I did make it through the test, but I'm definately going to be very cautious the next time I have one.

My doctor is not in today, so I don't know what the results are yet. I'll let you all know.

Abbie, hello...I do remember you.

Dana

Liz,
We must have been typing at the same time...lol

Wow...I just can't imagine being under a general for this test, Liz. Omg. As I've said B4, I've never had problems.

I knew people would pop in and tell me their interesting stories. Sorry that I'm bringing up bad memories.

But for newly diagnosed patients who have never had MRI's they will be interested as well to hear our stories of what could happen. And now at least Vibration MRI will come up on a search.

Aloha,
Dana

Hi Dana! I have only had one MRI in my life time and now since I have the spinal cord stimulator there will be no more MRI's for me. Now if they want to see something it is a CT scan only. I have gone through mylogram's and diskograms which hurt like****!!!.

Hope you are feeling better from the MRI and I hope there isn't anything wrong!!
I'm sure you will post to let everyone know...right? Hugs, Jewells