My Dear Allen,

I had 2 EMG's. The first didn't know what they were doing, he also took a long time.

After 5 min..of the torture I only wished I would of gotten up and walked out of the office.

The second EMG I had was a different, they knew exactly what they were doing. It was done in less than 2 minutes.

The MRI's that are closed, from what I have heard they are more accurate.

Much Love, Roz

Just another thought, make sure the radiologists knows how to read the nerves. I have been told alot don't. Hugs, Roz

Roz is exactly right! Radiologists are human too and there is significant differences in interpretation between any two radiologists.

There are 4 types of MRI units now. The "open" units which have usually a 0.6 Tesla (strength) magnet, the traditional 1.5 T units which probably make up about 80% of the units out there, the new 3 T units which of course, are twice the magnetic strength of the 1.5 T units and provide noticably greater detail and then the "Fonar" or upright units (sometimes also refered to as open units since there is no tube from hell) that are essentially a 0.6 T unit, done upright and are sometimes done with flexion and extension for trauma cases. Arguments for the low Tesla scanners are that they are more like two huge pancakes that you lay in between and use "super-software) that affords greater detail but scan times are usually double for the lower T units. But the most important part is the human component - have to have a great radiologist or it is all for not!

In regards to the MRI:

Meds...take some meds and have someone drive you if possible.

I had a back injury 5 or so years ago and that's when I had my first MRI, which was "open." My surgeon told me never to waste my time and money again in such a unit, apparently the quality was just awful. There was still a lot of banging and beeping, you just weren't all closed in.

Since my shoulder injury (and onset of RSD) a little over 2 years ago I've had 3 MRI's, all closed. I was laying down in a tube, I don't have any idea what kind of strength they were. But I do know it was just as loud as the open unit, you were just in a tube. If you close your eyes you almost can't tell the difference between an open and closed MRI!

My last MRI (in early December) was a drag. I took some Tranxene (sp?) to chill out, but unfortunately my head ached a lot from all the vibrations and noise. However - I did find that it was do-able. I had it at night, right after work, so when I went home afterwards I took my scheduled meds, sipped my favorite adult beverage and just got over it. My head still hurt for a day or so, but there was definitely a lot of value in getting the pictures, so the benefits out-weighed the risks.

You said you have a great doc - get his input on where to go and the best way to get through it. I wish I had asked for a cushion for the back of my head (except maybe they don't have those??).

Good luck, you WILL survive this just like everything else...Sandy

Happy Birthday in advance and emgs
 

Hi Allen,
I have not been around for a while, sorry. I just turned 50 January 15th and to be honest I was freaked out for a couple of days. But what can you do.
I can't have a MRI because too much hardware in my body. The EMG I had was awful I am not going to lie about it. They told me that the nerve was trying to come back. But that never happened. The Doc wanted another one but I said will this help in any way? Of course he said no and I said NO WAY!!! I've put up with alot of test in my life, since birth and enough is enough. My leg has shrung to nothing and feels like it will snap at any moment. I don't want to tell you not to do it. Its up to you. I didn't mean any harm by telling you what I went through the EMG. Its just the truth. Good luck to you and have a wonderful 50th birthday.


Sue K.

Use the ear plugs and close your eyes.

Good luck.

Allen
I feel for you....

I flat refuse to have another EMG ever. No way, no how.

And, so far, my doc has been good about doing CT instead of MRI. I just can't stand the pain from the vibration of the MRI. CT doesn't hurt. MRI does.

All the noise, the tight quarters of the MRI are no problem. But if you have the type of RSD that vibration bothers - man - I hurt for weeks after the last MRI that I had.

Big hugs to you Allen. Your a bigger person that I am to agree to go through those two things. If they absolutely insisted - they would have to put me under to do them. Have you thought of asking if that would be possible? Maybe they could do them back to back with you out all together?

I still think the EMG and the MRI vibration would cause you more pain for days after, if you are like me, but maybe, if you are knocked out, it may not...
:hug:

I don't think I'd consent to another mri. I almost climbed out of my last one.

The emg's get worse with each one. I've had four.

Had the MRI this morning, w/contrast. It was one of those super magnets....felt like someone was hammering my insides, but I made it through it.

I asked if I could get a copy, and they gave me a CD! How cool is that!

Now if I can just figure out how to read it LOL.

Oh Allen.....I am SO glad you survived the scan. Was it as bad as you thought??? Were you able to take something to relax you beforehand?? I know you were worried about it and I'm SO glad it's behind you now.

Let us know when the results come in. What day is your birthday, BTW???

Best wishes for a CALM, QUIET rest of your day!!!:hug: