Community Chat

[RetRN]

I had severe pain and very limited mobility in my left arm. Insurance dictated  I have X-rays first which showed nothing. Then I was allowed to have MRI's which showed a torn bicep tendon.

[KYToby]

Sometimes, fractures do not show on X-rays because they have not yet developed.  It can take days (or weeks) before they show up which isone reason many hospitals now refer patients to orthopedists after seeing theminthe ER for possiblebreaks.

As farasradiation, your exposure is minimal.  You get far more exposure in a single plan ride that you would ever get from multiple x-rays.

[DiAnne]

An regular x-ray has minimal radiation.  A CT scan has much more because it involves many x-rays taken at multiple levels.  I would not have a CT scan without a very good reason.  

[phoenixbrd]

Vitamin Code....Grow Bone  by Garden of Life

[Pandalady]

@BarbB  I have a question for you as an x-ray technician, since you mentioned MRIs.  I have a disease that affects both my lungs and kidneys.  I used to have CT scans once or twice a year to monitor progress.  My doctor has switched to ordering MRIs.  I know that it is because of the amount of radiation from CT scans.  Are there other benefits for the switch?  The reason I am asking is that I am terrified during my MRI tests.  I am on oxygen part time but always feel I cann't breathe in there.  I endure it because I know that the data will only help me.  Just wondering if the MRI really gives that much more information.

Thank you!

Panda

[Pandalady]

@Yardlie  I am so  sorry for what you are experiencing.  I sure hope you get the help and relief you need.

[SaRina]

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@pitdakota wrote:

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@Brinklii wrote:

Thank you all for your great advice! I am due for a bone density test when I have my physical in February.

I have not been faithful doing exercise over the years. Also, my physician told me last year to take only 500 mg of calcium pills a day due to the possible cardiac implications. Guess I need to drink more milk...which I have always hated. I have also always been a big soda drinker, so I'm sure that damage has caught up with me also. I need to reform my eating habits...more Vitamin D also!

It is interesting that one person mentioned that MRI's were the preferred method for orthopedic injuries. The ortho doctor that I had last fall for my ankle told me that CT scans were preferred for bone injures, and MRI's were preferred for soft tissue injuries. I guess that is just one more thing that modern medicine is not clear on.

Obviously, the most exercise I can get right now is just walking. Maybe after I get the "all clear" from my spine doc I will begin doing some water exercise in a pool to start out.

Thanks again for all the valuable advice!  

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@Yardlie, it was @SaRina  that posted about the fact that the MRI can be used, but she didn't say they were preferred for orthopedic injuries.  

MRIs may be particularly useful after a particular type of fracture has been identified to determine involvement of tendons or ligaments in that particular injury.  

But no one here said the MRI was preferred, so I just wanted to clear that up for you so it doesn't cause you more concern.  We all stated the x-ray was the standard and preferred diagnostic test for a suspected fracture.

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@Brinklii, @pitdakota - I alluded to the fact that MRI is preferable to CT because of the fact that there is no radiation involved with MRI. In many cases (perhaps most) and as far as my knowledge, MRI can correctly identify fractures in addition to soft tissue injuries.. There may be some instances where CT is needed, but I would always question my doc as to why CT is necessary and MRI could not be used.

... and this goes for any time a doc orders a CT -- not just to assess fractures. Always ask for MRI and get a satisfactory reason as to why not.

[LTT1]

@phoenixbrd
Love Garden of Life products because they don't upset my stomach. Good to know about this one. THX

[Reba055]

CT Scans expose you to ALOT more radiation. In fact, CT scans should be limited if at all possible. Too many CT scans are being performed that aren't necessary. 

They also pick up every little thing and can cause you to have unnecessary tests as follow up. This is particularly true in say a chest CT that might pick up nodules which are most often benign. 

And of course they are much more expensive. Same as MRI. I understand your frustration in your situation but often the CT is just overkill and can be more detrimental than good. 

Hope you feel better!

[Leeny]

@Yardlie

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@Brinklii wrote:

I know there are obvious uses for x-rays; however, I wish doctors would let patients have the choice between the x-rays and CT scans. Maybe insurance companies and Medicare require the x-rays first. I don't know. Does anyone know?

In September I fractured my ankle. The x-rays showed nothing. The CT scan done a week later showed a fractured tibia in my ankle.

Now, over the holidays, I hurt my back lifting something. I knew immediately that there was a fracture because I always get a bad burning feeling besides the pain when I fracture a bone. (Yes, I take calcium and Fosamax.) I went to the doctor. He took x-rays and said there was no fracture. Finally, I went to a spine specialist. He ordered a CT scan which showed a fractured vertebrae in my lumbar spine.

I wanted to join a gym as a New Year's resolution. The doctor who took regular x-rays told me I should wait 2 weeks. The spine specialist told me to wait 6-8 weeks until my spine heals.

It is frustrating to get exposed to all that radiation from regular x-rays and then end up needing a CT scan too.

Also, any ideas on how to strengthen my bones besides calcium, Fosamax, and weight-bearing exercise...which is out for the moment. Thanks much!  

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I was in the hospital in October and before I was admitted I had a X-ray and later they did a CT scan. Well this should tell you why you get the X-ray first.. 

X-ray $168 and CT scan $2800 I think that says it all. 

Vitamin D is good for strengthening bones, but check with your dr. first as to how  much you should take.