Wellness

[Pasta Lover]

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.

[Carmie]

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.

[Kachina624]

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. 

[Mj12]

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!

[gizmogal]

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."

[RedTop]

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

[Foolywooly11]

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!!!

[noodleann]

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!

[hckynut]

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@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)

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[SaRina]

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.