topic Re: Update: Sharp Pain On Left Foot in Wellness

Update: Sharp Pain On Left Foot

Pasta Lover — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 00:01:19 GMT

Hi,

Went back to the doctor on Tuesday and have been wearing my cam walker for the last 2 weeks. The pain is still intense so MRI on Monday. So I am nevous. Can't wait until it is over and know what is going on. Will be 5 weeks this coming Sat since my foot has been this way. He thinks a fracture or a growth plate that has never sealed. Has anybody gone through an MRI and can give me any helpful advise.

Thanks,

Linda S.

Re: Update: Sharp Pain On Left Foot

Carmie — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 00:24:51 GMT

My most recent MRI was on my knees. There was nothing to it. I inserted my legs into a machine and just laid back. The technician took images of my knees and when she was done, I had a consult with the doctor immediately;

It's painless. The worst part was putting on one of those stupid hospital gowns for the procedure.

I hope your problem can be found and fixed. Being in so much pain is not fun at all.

Re: Update: Sharp Pain On Left Foot

Kachina624 — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 00:28:57 GMT

There really isn't much to a MRI, especially if it's just your foot, you won't get the full treatment. You'll lie on the table, they give you earplugs, the machine makes a lot of noise. You should be finished lickedly split and on your way. It gets more involved if your whole body has to go into the tube.... sort of claustrophobic for some people. Doesn't bother me.

Re: Update: Sharp Pain On Left Foot

Mj12 — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 13:21:45 GMT

Hi @Pasta Lover are you seeing an orthopedist who specializes in feet? I think @lulu2 mentioned this earlier. I cannot encourage that enough. 5 weeks is too long to diagnose and to be in such pain. I'm really sorry you're going through this.

ETA - the MRI is easy. Like others have said, it is loud, but just stay still and try to relax. Good luck!

Re: Update: Sharp Pain On Left Foot

gizmogal — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 01:00:25 GMT

I had an MRI a few years ago. My body was in the "tube", my head comfortably in the open on a nice pillow. Suggest you wear no jewelry; you'll be asked to remove it, including if you happen to wear a medical bracelet for diabetes or anything like that. No metal allowed, even non-magnetic.

You'll be expected to lie still. It's not uncomfortable, it's not invasive, it's just being passive and patient. The machine makes a lot of noise. Might be intimidating for 30 seconds until you realize it's just a loud noise. My imaging session took about 20 minutes. I fell nearly asleep from the steady noise, but I'm sure that's not typical. I wasn't like deep in REM slumber, just drowsed off until the technician came to help me off the table. You'll be surprised at how dull this experience is going to be.

Though it's terrible for you to have such pain for so long, MRI is nothing to be anxious about. Lots of technology at work while you just lie there in comfortable surrender. Diagnostics will lead to treatment and relief. Be confident.

Remember how many of us here are hoping for a good outcome for you, knowing you are scared and in pain right now.

Repeat as needed: "I am not alone."

Re: Update: Sharp Pain On Left Foot

RedTop — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 01:40:43 GMT

I agree with others that an MRI of the foot is far less complicated than what you're expecting.

Re: Update: Sharp Pain On Left Foot

Foolywooly11 — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 02:22:55 GMT

It's encouraging to hear about others' MRI experiences, as I had my 1st experience last month with one for my hip. The technician put a "band" around my ankles to keep my hip in the optimal position, & it was fine for the 1st half of the procedure, but went from increasingly uncomfortable to downright painful. Now, my doctor's ordered one for my upper back, & I've been putting off making an appointment for it because of my experience with the 1st one. I guess I have to stop acting like a baby, & just do it!!!

Re: Update: Sharp Pain On Left Foot

noodleann — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 02:52:49 GMT

The best advice I can give you re the MRI of your foot is to insist on being comfortable before they begin. I have had several brain and spine MRIs, and they were easier than the ankle MRI I had done to check for recurrence of bone infection because I let the tech rush me and didn't insist on a blanket and a second pillow. If you're comfortable, it will be fine, but remember, you have to hold stock still while they're scanning. My ankle scan took a full 45 minutes, and by the end, both of my arms were completely numb because I was so cold and couldn't move. Just make sure you're cozy and comfy before they start, and keep remembering, you'll finally have an answer when it's done!

Re: Update: Sharp Pain On Left Foot

hckynut — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 07:57:20 GMT

@Foolywooly11 wrote:
"I guess I have to stop acting like a baby, & just do it!"

@Foolywooly11

And I agree with the part that you said above. I have been in more tubes for MRI/CAT Scans(both simple and Contrasting)/VQ Scans/Many Nuclear Scans(3 full body)/at least 2 each of Veinous and Arterial Doppler Tests, plus so many more procedures for later back surgeries, I couldn't even venture a count.

Full body Nuclear Scans move slower with those with a low heart rate, at least that is what my friend, the Nuclear Technician told me, prior to the test. Flat on my bad back for well over 3 hours watching on a monitor as it inched through my body.

If you have any kind of Spinal Issue, it would not be smart to know have the procedures necessary to find the source of your problem. Follow doctors orders now young lady. =^..^=

hckynut(john)

Re: Update: Sharp Pain On Left Foot

SaRina — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 13:28:20 GMT

It will certainly be more comfortable for you because your body will not be in the tube -- you will go in feet first and most of your body will be outside the tube -- so you will not experience being claustrophobic and the noise from the equipment will not be deafening. You could still request headphones or use earplugs yourself if you are sensitive or fear loud, strange noises. Other than that, you only have to lie still while the MRI scans you. It is non-invasive and painless. It will be just like lying in bed and there will be nothing to fear.

Re: Update: Sharp Pain On Left Foot

Tinkrbl44 — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 16:28:39 GMT

@Pasta Lover

In case you don't get answers, I wanted to tell you about my foot pain experience.

About 10 years ago, I started having foot pain on the tops of my feet ... it felt like I had dropped a brick on top of both feet ... very painful! Since I prefer slip on shoes, like ballet flats, and rarely wear sneakers that lace, I just couldn't get a handle on why I was in so much pain.

Fast forward 8 years and my rheumotolagist (sp?) sends me for a spinal epidural for back pain .... compressed discs in both lower back and neck.

Two days after the epidural, my foot pain was gone .... and styed gone for almost 6 months.

Turns out it was nerves in my spine that were triggering pain on the tops of my feet ... no pain radiating down my legs, so no one made the connection!

I will be having another epidural in about 2 months, but the foot pain contimues after it wears off. What my MD does now is give me cortisone shots on the tops of my feet .... and the pain is gone for a few months.

HTH with anyone else's medical mystery.

Re: Update: Sharp Pain On Left Foot

sfnative — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 16:38:15 GMT

@Pasta Lover

I'm going to chime in here just to clarify a few things. Someone had mentioned receiving "treatment" with regard to the MRI. Wanted you to know that when you have an MRI, the soft tissue of a particular part of your body is being imaged. No treatment is being provided. An MRI device (quite large in most cases) is a diagnostic device and falls under the category of "Radiology" just as x-rays are.

As others have indicated, since your foot is being imaged, you will be placed on a large stainless steel tray with a pad on it. The staff will make sure you're comfortable. If you have earplugs at home that you like, bring them. Or, if you have noise-cancelling head phones, those will work, too. I like to use silicone ear plugs, which I purchase at Walgreens (or any drugstore). Once softened by the warmth in the palm of my hand, they fit nicely in my ears and are the absolute best at blocking out most of the wracket that the machine makes.

You'll not have to have your whole body inserted into the MRI machine, which is great. The MRI tech will let you know about each phase of the MRI imaging and how many minutes it will take: 3, 4 minutes, etc., and will check with you to make sure you're doing OK.

Please be sure to check back in and let us know your diagnosis and treatment plan, as we're all really concerned for you.

Re: Update: Sharp Pain On Left Foot

Foolywooly11 — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 19:03:21 GMT

@hckynut: I will! I know, especially after reading multiple posts on this forum, that what I have to do is not nearly as hard as many others endure. I've been feeling down lately; this past year I have had more physical problems, more tests, than I've had my entire life, & I know that I've been fortunate. I've never gone to the doctor much, or been on many medications, until recently. I took my health for granted! Part of my problem is fear; fear of what might be wrong. The only fear that's greater is my fear of dying young, when I could have done somehing to extend my years on this Earth. My husband died young. He didn't take care of himself, even though I urged him to. One day he was here; the next, he was not. I promised myself I would not do the same thing! I have to push myself to do the right thing; every day. I thank you for the encouraging words...(Not) such a young lady!

Re: Update: Sharp Pain On Left Foot

chrystaltree — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 19:26:02 GMT

You'll be fine, mri's are snap and you should be anxious to get it done, to get an answer. Most places have open mri's now but if your place doesn't and you get claustrophobic in tight places, be sure to let the staff know. But, since this is your foot that shouldn't be an issue. I've had many mri's; neck, spine, abdomen. There's the banging sould but they'll offer you music to mask it. And it's a foot, it'll go fast. Unlike your whole spine which seems to last forever...

Re: Update: Sharp Pain On Left Foot

Mj12 — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 22:49:28 GMT

@sfnative wrote:
@Pasta Lover

I'm going to chime in here just to clarify a few things. Someone had mentioned receiving "treatment" with regard to the MRI. Wanted you to know that when you have an MRI, the soft tissue of a particular part of your body is being imaged. No treatment is being provided. An MRI device (quite large in most cases) is a diagnostic device and falls under the category of "Radiology" just as x-rays are.

As others have indicated, since your foot is being imaged, you will be placed on a large stainless steel tray with a pad on it. The staff will make sure you're comfortable. If you have earplugs at home that you like, bring them. Or, if you have noise-cancelling head phones, those will work, too. I like to use silicone ear plugs, which I purchase at Walgreens (or any drugstore). Once softened by the warmth in the palm of my hand, they fit nicely in my ears and are the absolute best at blocking out most of the wracket that the machine makes.

You'll not have to have your whole body inserted into the MRI machine, which is great. The MRI tech will let you know about each phase of the MRI imaging and how many minutes it will take: 3, 4 minutes, etc., and will check with you to make sure you're doing OK.

Please be sure to check back in and let us know your diagnosis and treatment plan, as we're all really concerned for you.

@sfnative I think by "full treatment" @Kachina624 just meant that the OP is getting an MRI of her foot, not full body - not that there will be treatment afterwards.

Re: Update: Sharp Pain On Left Foot

Kachina624 — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 22:18:52 GMT

Just want to add that I've had many MRIs and CT scans in many places like hospitals and imaging centers, but I've never had a radiologist come out and talk to me afterwards. They always send the results to my doctor who calls me. Somebody mentioned that but I wouldn't expect it.

Re: Update: Sharp Pain On Left Foot

Shelbelle — Fri, 08 Sep 2017 20:19:36 GMT

I had a MRI on my foot last winter, nothing to it, just lay there until it is over, good luck. I agree see an orth doc who specializes in foot and ankle and not a podiatrist.