Wellness

[tsavorite]

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@tansy wrote:

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@gidgetgh wrote:

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@tansy wrote:

A DEXA scan is for detecting osteoporosis, @gidgetgh.  An extremely easy procedure but not meant to detect fractures that I know of.

It's interesting to me that lying flat brings on your vertigo.  When I have an episode, I go straight to bed.  

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@tansy Lying flat or flatter and turning my head or "looking" backward while lying down.  Like I can't get my hair washed at the hairdresser.  I sleep fairly propped up. Not sitting up certainly, but not 1 pillow.

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@gidgetgh I have to lie flat with my head not turned to the side even slightly.  I take a meclizine and an anti nausea pill whose name I can never remember.

It sounds like you should look for an adjustable bed frame if you don't have one.  

I had to have a brain MRI and understand your feelings.  I hope to never have to do that again.

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Zofran....I take this sometimes and have it for emergency use due to vertigo.

I also second the adjustable bed....best thing I have ever bought for all my issues LOL!  I love it and can raise the head of the bed more or less at any time during the night.  I sleep now almost only on my back with head up a good deal and legs feet area also up.  

[hckynutjohn]

@tsavorite 

I bought an adjustable bed about 25 years ago, it still working. Thought it would help with my back issues, but it didn't. Tried every position, but like you, I am a back sleeper. Just couldn't get comfortable in it.

Not long after the purchase I ended up having another back surgery. This one to remove a ruptured L-3 disc. My friend, the Spinal Doctor, did it in his office, it was a semi- expiremental, procedure. He said it works 40% of the time. I told him "let's do it".

Was awake watching the Monitor the whole 2 hours, which I enjoy. Bed didn't work after the successful surgery. That is when I decided to try a recliner. Have been sleeping in one since. 

hckynut   🇺🇸

[wagirl]

@gidgetgh --yes, I read and understood what you wrote--- I read in your first post he wanted to "make sure"--then you just said he wanted  "coupla scans and see if they show any fractures". Fractures are the key words here---so sounds like you are going to have to buck up and get them---but you need to tell them your concerns about MRI,s and that extra precautions will have to be made for you. It's their job to accomodate you as best as they can. Sorry if I sound kind of testy  about this, but after going thru horrendous scans and tests and pokes and jabs after being dx with breast cancer, and having only me to voice my concerns,  I feel very strongly that you are the only person that can stand up for yourself and advocate. Ask questions until you are satisfied---they work for you!!

[grandma r]

@gidgetgh. So sorry you're in pain.

I can completely understand your concerns.  DH suffers from vertigo and has issues with MRIs.  Some imaging facilities say they have "open"  machines, but, they're not completely open, nor can your head be propped up.  We found a facility about an hour away that was what you described.   He sat on a chair and it was totally open.  Turns out the results actually more accurate than the traditional MRI.  By sitting,  the pressure to his hip and lower back was more pronounced.   

I would say try to find a similar facility and insist that your scans be done there.  No one understands your body and knows what works and what doesn't.  From my own experiences,  doctors who have not experienced certain aspects that result from traditional scans really don't know how difficult these are for patients.

I wish you the best of luck. 

[tansy]

Zofran...bingo!  Thanks, @tsavorite.

[Drythe]

@gidgetgh 

Don’t have vertigo, but do NOT close me in a small space I can’t get out of.

Can throw a good ole’ Southern Hissy.

So, one small thought, knowing you’ve had MRI before.  Been able to hold on VERY tight and finish some 3 of them,  IF and ONLY IF I can have the remote call bell in my hands.  

Know it seems trite in light of what’s going on in your life, but sometimes it’s the small things.

Do NOT underestimate the healing power of SLEEP!

[Tissyanne]

What would the treatment be if the MRI shows you have a fracture ?

I always ask myself how a procedure will affect the treatment plan. 

If the treatment would be no different why put yourself through this?

[hckynutjohn]

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@Tissyanne wrote:

What would the treatment be if the MRI shows you have a fracture ?

I always ask myself how a procedure will affect the treatment plan. 

If the treatment would be no different why put yourself through this?

@Tissyanne 

1 of my 2 Orthopedic friends, does nothing but Hip and Knee, Repairs and Replacements. His looking at an MRI of a Fractured Hip, might be one that is easily repaired.

Like my other Orthopedic friend, that is a Spinal Micro Surgeon, the MRI shows both of them, what process will be necessary to repair either of the 2 issues, the Spine or the Hip. 

That is why both of them have their patients get an MRI.

hckynut   🇺🇸

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[CelticCrafter]

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@Tissyanne wrote:

What would the treatment be if the MRI shows you have a fracture ?

I always ask myself how a procedure will affect the treatment plan. 

If the treatment would be no different why put yourself through this?

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My husband has neuropathy in his legs, from his knees to his ankles.  The endocrinologist tells him it's diabetic neuropathy, the pain management doctor tells him it's caused by an old fracture to a disc.  

Who does he believe?

The PM doctor wants him to do that nerve study test, which we understand isn't covered by Medicare.

From what we read, it's no big deal but when we speak to people that have had it done, the pain is excrutiating. 

He wouldn't agree to any kind back surgery anyway, so having it done is a no for him.

He will finish this round of PT and learn to live with the numbness and tingling.  He feels the PM doctor is a waste of time and it's a long story as to why he went to him to begin with because he has no back pain at all.

[gidgetgh]

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@Tissyanne wrote:

What would the treatment be if the MRI shows you have a fracture ?

I always ask myself how a procedure will affect the treatment plan. 

If the treatment would be no different why put yourself through this?

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@Tissyanne - we didn't get that far.  He said I'm walking fine.  I know I'm walking fine, but something sure set off the pain that day.  It's still a little sore, but not the constant pain.  I'll see what the physical therapist says.