topic Re: CT scan for hip and pelvis? in Wellness

CT scan for hip and pelvis?

gidgetgh — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 01:06:08 GMT

Forgive me for being wordy. And please be gentle. I'm upset.

I had 2 falls (stupid stuff) in mid January and landed on my left hip both times. Direct hit to the hip. I seemed to be fine both times and just kept an eye on it. Since mid January I've been fine.

I went walking with a friend yesterday and it's really the first time I've done exercise since the fall. I followed that up by immediately going to Target and then grocery shopping so a lot of walking. I got home, sat down and the pain started. Mostly in my lower back and my left hip. Pretty intense, mostly in the lower back and out of nowhere. So, I called the local large orthopedic practice close by and they had me come in.

They took a bunch of x rays of my hips, pelvis, lower and mid back. All were normal. So the doctor said let's try physical therapy. Fine. So I'm standing there, keys in hand, ready to leave and he said well, let's do some scans of your left hip and pelvis just to make sure. MRI's.

The dreaded MRI word. I am extremely claustrophobic and can't lie flat because of vertigo issues. I knew from experience that the imaging place I use, for the lower back, you sit up and it's totally open, like a phone booth. I have no problem at all with that. Breezed right through it when I've had scans there before. I asked the doctor to consider doing the lower back instead because that's where the pain is I'd be able to get through the MRI easily and he said no. Now, keep in mind, that I literally was on my way out the door when this thought of doing the MRI came to him. I was 5 seconds away from being gone. So it wasn't his first thought.

I came home and called the imaging place and talked to them and they said that it will be 2 scans, 1 hour each and that for these, I will have to lie totally flat. They can't even prop my head up. They'll get me up after an hour, give me a minute to walk around before starting the second scan. There is just no way I can do it. And this is an open MRI.

I've done some reading tonight about doing a CT scan instead of an MRI and that appears to be doable. I've done ct scans before and can handle those.

So, after all my rambling, my question is, has anyone ever had a CT scan instead of an MRI for the hips and pelvis?

Please don't tell me to "just" close my eyes and get through it or put a cloth over my eyes or think happy thoughts. When you are claustrophobic and have anxiety about it that just won't work. And then you add the vertigo. And my vertigo can be pretty intense and is predictable. If I lie flat, I'm going to have vertigo. I could just cry. Even if they gave me Ativan to calm me down, I still couldn't lie flat.

Re: CT scan for hip and pelvis?

4kitties — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 01:21:16 GMT

I have never had an MRI and can offer no advice, but I did have a bout of vertigo once and it is horrible.

I hope the doctor and/or technicians are able to offer you a solution.

🤞🤞🤞🤞

Re: CT scan for hip and pelvis?

RedTop — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 01:28:05 GMT

Sorry, but the precise images the doctor is looking for are only available in an MRI.

Re: CT scan for hip and pelvis?

Drythe — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 01:46:00 GMT

@gidgetgh

So sorry you have to deal with this.

Re: CT scan for hip and pelvis?

spiderw — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 01:55:02 GMT

I sympathize and understand as I also cannot lie flat because of vertigo. Also I would have to have an open MRI. I have had a phobia with anything medical since I was a youngster. It causes much anxiety.

About a year ago, my DH was going for an MRI. Mind you he had many before but now cannot stand the claustrophobic feeling. As I recall, the hospital where he would have the MRI had the option of putting him under anesthesia for the procedure. I don't know if that would apply to you but you can ask the doctor if it does.

I wish you the best and hope you can resolve your situation without further anxiety and stress.

Re: CT scan for hip and pelvis?

shoechic — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 02:00:45 GMT

Would lorazepam help? Maybe the doc could prescribe a couple just for the day. Take in the morning & when you get to the place. That stuff makes me not care about anything (I have real bad anxiety)!

Re: CT scan for hip and pelvis?

pupwhipped — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 02:04:19 GMT

Well, it doesn't sound like a "must do" kind of thing so I would calm myself down and choose not to do the MRI at this time. Commit to the physical therapy and see if that helps. If it doesn't help and you continue to suffer then rethink and reinvent at that point. @gidgetgh, it will be alright.

Re: CT scan for hip and pelvis?

fthunt — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 02:12:17 GMT

@pupwhipped I agree with you. Go for the therapy first - - it doesn't sound like a must do at this time.

Doctors get a flash idea with minimal thought - Oh, let's do this - Try that.

I would refuse - try the other and see how it goes.

Good Luck

Re: CT scan for hip and pelvis?

Goldengate8361 — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 02:16:05 GMT

@gidgetgh You absolutely do NOT have to do them or anything your doctor suggests. YOU are in charge of your body and you should decide what you will do and not do. Based on what you said, I would not agree to do it. You MUST be your own advocate.

Re: CT scan for hip and pelvis?

Bri369 — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 02:41:04 GMT

@gidgetgh

I'm sorry you're going through all of this. If you absolutely cannot do it, you cannot do it. Continue with physical therapy and I hope things improve for you. I would in no uncertain terms have a test like if you know you cannot handle it.

Re: CT scan for hip and pelvis?

mousiegirl — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 02:53:30 GMT

@gidgetgh wrote:
Forgive me for being wordy. And please be gentle. I'm upset.

I had 2 falls (stupid stuff) in mid January and landed on my left hip both times. Direct hit to the hip. I seemed to be fine both times and just kept an eye on it. Since mid January I've been fine.

I went walking with a friend yesterday and it's really the first time I've done exercise since the fall. I followed that up by immediately going to Target and then grocery shopping so a lot of walking. I got home, sat down and the pain started. Mostly in my lower back and my left hip. Pretty intense, mostly in the lower back and out of nowhere. So, I called the local large orthopedic practice close by and they had me come in.

They took a bunch of x rays of my hips, pelvis, lower and mid back. All were normal. So the doctor said let's try physical therapy. Fine. So I'm standing there, keys in hand, ready to leave and he said well, let's do some scans of your left hip and pelvis just to make sure. MRI's.

The dreaded MRI word. I am extremely claustrophobic and can't lie flat because of vertigo issues. I knew from experience that the imaging place I use, for the lower back, you sit up and it's totally open, like a phone booth. I have no problem at all with that. Breezed right through it when I've had scans there before. I asked the doctor to consider doing the lower back instead because that's where the pain is I'd be able to get through the MRI easily and he said no. Now, keep in mind, that I literally was on my way out the door when this thought of doing the MRI came to him. I was 5 seconds away from being gone. So it wasn't his first thought.

I came home and called the imaging place and talked to them and they said that it will be 2 scans, 1 hour each and that for these, I will have to lie totally flat. They can't even prop my head up. They'll get me up after an hour, give me a minute to walk around before starting the second scan. There is just no way I can do it. And this is an open MRI.

I've done some reading tonight about doing a CT scan instead of an MRI and that appears to be doable. I've done ct scans before and can handle those.

So, after all my rambling, my question is, has anyone ever had a CT scan instead of an MRI for the hips and pelvis?

Please don't tell me to "just" close my eyes and get through it or put a cloth over my eyes or think happy thoughts. When you are claustrophobic and have anxiety about it that just won't work. And then you add the vertigo. And my vertigo can be pretty intense and is predictable. If I lie flat, I'm going to have vertigo. I could just cry. Even if they gave me Ativan to calm me down, I still couldn't lie flat.

@gidgetgh I have only had x-rays for my hip and the pelvis can also be seen. Neither a CT nor MRI have never been mentioned as the bones show up on x-ray.

It could be sciatica. Since the x-rays showed nothing,you probably exercised too much on an already strained hip, it takes quite a while to heal, so I would suggest resting until there is no longer any discomfort. Ibuprofen helps with pain.

Did the doctor say what exactly he is lookibng for with an MRI? I had one once on my head due to a neverendnig headache, and an infection was found, so was given a med for it

Re: CT scan for hip and pelvis?

Love my grandkids — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 02:52:25 GMT

@gidgetgh NEVER apologize for being wordy. I've done it myself and lots of posters do! At least you paragraph so it's easy to read!

I had one bout of vertigo years ago and it was worse than childbirth!

You NEVER have to allow ANY medical procedure. Just because a doctor gets a "wild hair" about something, don't be pressured.

I agree with the others: Get the PT and go from there. Tell (don't ask) your doc you will consent to CT scans ONLY.

And some posters don't realize that a gallon of medication to "relax" you won't help vertigo.

Please do what YOU think is best and I wish you well. Please keep us updated on how you are doing.

Re: CT scan for hip and pelvis?

kristina1 — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 04:17:59 GMT

Hello,

I am an MRI technologist and have been since 1987. I work in a very busy hospital that has a prominent neurology institute associated with it.

It depends on what they are trying to rule out whether or not you could have a CT instead of an MRI. MRI is the gold standard for ruling out any soft tissue injuries/pathology. CT of the lower back and hip would be a go-to for bony pathology. That said, sometimes you could have a CT instead of an MRI. I don't know enough about what they are looking at to offer any suggestions.

However, if it were me, I would have the MRI. With a lower spine and hip, the facility could put you into the scanner feet first. Please, please never ever have an open MRI. I can't tell you how many repeat MRI scans I have done all because those MRIs are simply just not diagnostic.

I highly recommend taking some sort of anxiety medicine prior to your MRI. Have the technologist cover your eyes (sounds silly but it makes a huge difference) and ask for music. You will be given something under your knees for the lower spine and a smaller pillow under your knees for the hip MRI. Insist if they don't offer it. They can. They can also prop your head up a bit to help with your vertigo. Sit up slowly after coming out of the magnet, it may make you slighlty dizzy along with any anxiety medicine you may take.

Here's the other thing. You do not have to do BOTH MRIs on the same day. Do one and see how you feel about the other one. Maybe they will get all of their answers from the first one. Rarely can anyone hold still for that amount of time...and you have to be still.

2 hours seems a bit long also. Those are pretty routine MRIs.

Lastly, YOU are in charge, not the doctor. If you only want your lower back done, that's all you should do!

I feel like I'm the one being wordy! Don't be upset, it doesn't have to be such an unpleasant experience. Wish I could help you !

A good technologist will be patient and help you through it.

Re: CT scan for hip and pelvis?

Spacrazy — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 04:39:45 GMT

So sorry you're going through this but you might want to look elsewhere for your care needs. You sound like me a couple of years ago and I found an exceptional group of doctors and have had a number of MRIs and surgical procedures that have been effective for me.

It has been a difference like night and day - even the MRIs. And, this care has been during our COVID time. Nobody was more skeptical than myself but caring, competent staff have made my life so much better and I believe you can find help as well.

Good luck and stay positive and strong.

Re: CT scan for hip and pelvis?

hckynutjohn — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 05:51:34 GMT

@gidgetgh

I have had many an MRI. Think I have had most every scan that exists. CAT/CAT with Contrast/Several VQ Scans/Partial and Full Body Nuclear Scans. I am neither claustrophobic or have vertigo, so I cannot relate to those issues.

For my 2nd back surgery, my friend who is an Orthopedic Spinal Micro Surgeon, not only wanted and MRI, but from 1 of the only 2 places that have the strongest magnetic field. He showed me 2 MRI's of the same unknown patient. One from a place with a smaller magnetic field, and the same type of MRI on the stronger one. The difference was amazing to me, and like night versus day.

My most recent Scans were CT Scans. They came after Xrays showed I had a broken rib. They did the CT Scan ti see if I had punctured a long, which I had. After 2 days in the hospital they did another CT Scan to see if the hole in my left lung had healed.

Never had any Scan or MRI for my hips or my pelvis. Guess with all my many injuries they were never concerned my hips or pelvis being injured.

Sorry I can't give you an answer to your question. Hopefully you find an answer to your question and find the source of your pain.

hckynut 🇺🇸

Re: CT scan for hip and pelvis?

sann — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 12:42:14 GMT

If I felt as strongly about having the MRI as you do I would say no.....

Re: CT scan for hip and pelvis?

gidgetgh — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 13:25:54 GMT

@pupwhipped wrote:
Well, it doesn't sound like a "must do" kind of thing so I would calm myself down and choose not to do the MRI at this time. Commit to the physical therapy and see if that helps. If it doesn't help and you continue to suffer then rethink and reinvent at that point. @gidgetgh, it will be alright.

@pupwhipped - I smiled at your post and I appreciate your post. I came across a little dramatic last night, LOL. I'm not worked up literally where I need to calm down. It's more like a heavy sigh, rolling eyes, what now kind of upset. Just don't want to deal with it. I slept great last night which is unusual for me. I've made the appt for PT. I start on Monday.

Re: CT scan for hip and pelvis?

gidgetgh — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 13:28:09 GMT

@fthunt wrote:
@pupwhipped I agree with you. Go for the therapy first - - it doesn't sound like a must do at this time.
Doctors get a flash idea with minimal thought - Oh, let's do this - Try that.
I would refuse - try the other and see how it goes.

Good Luck

@fthunt - they do, don't they? Literally was standing at the door, keys in hand. He'd told me the X-rays showed no fractures or tumors anywhere and that he wasn't concerned. And then he's like "let's do a couple of scans anyway". They definitely do get "flash ideas".

Re: CT scan for hip and pelvis?

gidgetgh — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 13:30:59 GMT

@Goldengate8361 wrote:
@gidgetgh You absolutely do NOT have to do them or anything your doctor suggests. YOU are in charge of your body and you should decide what you will do and not do. Based on what you said, I would not agree to do it. You MUST be your own advocate.

@Goldengate8361 -yeah, don't worry about that. I am not a wimpy person at all and am totally in charge. When my parents and husband were sick I was a pit bull advocate for them and I am like that with myself also. I usually do well meeting challenges head on and powering through them, but my Achilles heel is closed spaces and lying flat. I get frustrated when I can't figure a way around that.

Re: CT scan for hip and pelvis?

gidgetgh — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 13:33:51 GMT

@mousiegirl wrote:
@gidgetgh wrote:
Forgive me for being wordy. And please be gentle. I'm upset.

I had 2 falls (stupid stuff) in mid January and landed on my left hip both times. Direct hit to the hip. I seemed to be fine both times and just kept an eye on it. Since mid January I've been fine.

I went walking with a friend yesterday and it's really the first time I've done exercise since the fall. I followed that up by immediately going to Target and then grocery shopping so a lot of walking. I got home, sat down and the pain started. Mostly in my lower back and my left hip. Pretty intense, mostly in the lower back and out of nowhere. So, I called the local large orthopedic practice close by and they had me come in.

They took a bunch of x rays of my hips, pelvis, lower and mid back. All were normal. So the doctor said let's try physical therapy. Fine. So I'm standing there, keys in hand, ready to leave and he said well, let's do some scans of your left hip and pelvis just to make sure. MRI's.

The dreaded MRI word. I am extremely claustrophobic and can't lie flat because of vertigo issues. I knew from experience that the imaging place I use, for the lower back, you sit up and it's totally open, like a phone booth. I have no problem at all with that. Breezed right through it when I've had scans there before. I asked the doctor to consider doing the lower back instead because that's where the pain is I'd be able to get through the MRI easily and he said no. Now, keep in mind, that I literally was on my way out the door when this thought of doing the MRI came to him. I was 5 seconds away from being gone. So it wasn't his first thought.

I came home and called the imaging place and talked to them and they said that it will be 2 scans, 1 hour each and that for these, I will have to lie totally flat. They can't even prop my head up. They'll get me up after an hour, give me a minute to walk around before starting the second scan. There is just no way I can do it. And this is an open MRI.

I've done some reading tonight about doing a CT scan instead of an MRI and that appears to be doable. I've done ct scans before and can handle those.

So, after all my rambling, my question is, has anyone ever had a CT scan instead of an MRI for the hips and pelvis?

Please don't tell me to "just" close my eyes and get through it or put a cloth over my eyes or think happy thoughts. When you are claustrophobic and have anxiety about it that just won't work. And then you add the vertigo. And my vertigo can be pretty intense and is predictable. If I lie flat, I'm going to have vertigo. I could just cry. Even if they gave me Ativan to calm me down, I still couldn't lie flat.

@gidgetgh I have only had x-rays for my hip and the pelvis can also be seen. Neither a CT nor MRI have never been mentioned as the bones show up on x-ray.

It could be sciatica. Since the x-rays showed nothing,you probably exercised too much on an already strained hip, it takes quite a while to heal, so I would suggest resting until there is no longer any discomfort. Ibuprofen helps with pain.

Did the doctor say what exactly he is lookibng for with an MRI? I had one once on my head due to a neverendnig headache, and an infection was found, so was given a med for it

@mousiegirl -he is looking for fractures, nothing else. I'm on blood thinners so Advil and other anti-inflammatories are out but I've been taking Tylenol which doesn't interfere with the blood thinners. They Tylenol helps some, as does rest.