Neck and shoulder MRI- what to expect?

dibdab

Hi all!,
I was hoping that some one might share their experience please. I've been in immense pain for 3 weeks now with shoulder/arm pain and numb fingers, 1 gp thinks it's from my neck and the other partner thinks I've torn the rotator cuff-whatever it is it hurts and coco's aren't touching the pain. They have referred for MRI of the neck and shoulder -going Thursday pm- and I'm starting to panic as I have a bit of a thing about being shut in. Any advice or reassurance would be much appreciated.

I know it's something that needs doing before they know who to refer me on to, and I'm desperate for answers because the pain is way beyond even my RA when it flares-feeling more than a bit sorry for myself :? I'm right handed and it's my right arm that hurts so my poor hubby is having to do all sorts for me from fastening my bra to washing my hair- bless him he's so patient and caring and I know how lucky I am to have him here, but I've done so much moaning and groaning lately I don't want to tell him just how panicky I'm getting about the scan.

Sorry to moan, thanks for listening.

Deb x

dreamdaisy

You are not moaning, you are under a deal of strain and pain and that makes life tougher than it needs be. I have had a number of MRIs but I've only been fed in up to my nose because my legs were being done. Yup, the tunnel seems small and yup, the machine is noisy but you can see through it; some hospitals provide music via headphones (mine just gives the headphones) and you will have an alarm button to hand in case you start feeling all peculiar.

I warn you they are tough because one has to stay still - you can wriggle a bit in-between scans but no more. I would advise keeping your eyes closed, your breathing regular and distract yourself with thoughts along the llines of how you would spend a million quid, (where would you have your holiday home and would one be enough?) and my fail-safe which is alphabet lists - trees, animals, flowers, composers, authors, artists, anything that takes your fancy. I spent a happy few moments in the early hours naming body parts, viz. anvil, bile duct, cartilage, duodenum, ear drum etc etc etc.

We'll be there with you in spirit, OK? DD

Toots

Hi Deb

So sorry to hear you're struggling with your shoulder pain on top of everything else.

I have no personal experience to share with you, just wanted to send virtual hugs x

kentishlady

Hi Deb. Do hope you get on ok on Thursday. Will be thinking of you. Has anyone mentioned Frozen Shoulder to you? I had one nearly 2 years ago with the same symptoms as you describe and pain was horrendous. Have now got some movement back in it but my Pain Consultant says it has now left me with OA in my shoulder. Have only recently been able to do my bra up properly. Fasten it at the front and then swivel it around - awkward I know but not impossible.

Hope you will be given something to help you soon.

Take care. Beryl

DebbieT

Hi Deb,

Really sorry to hear of ure added pain & I sympathize completely having arthritis in my neck & shoulder.

I've had an MRI on my brain so had to go in all the way. Unlike DD the machine I was in didn't allow me to see through it!! I'm claustrophobic too & I won't lie, it was a struggle :?

I'd ask ure GP for a sedative if your concerned, I didn't have any tho.

I'm sure this will differ but my head was placed in a cage, this I could see thru, the cage was necessary for good images of my brain so I don't know if ul need it!! I had headphones with rock music playing & a buzzer that I clung too. The technicians talked to me thru the headphones b4 the scan started to tell me wen they'd be starting it etc The machine is loud, lots of banging. You have to stay still.

I started with my eyes open as there was a mirror that a gorgeous beach scene picture was projected on to. I started to feel panicked tho & dealt with it all better with my eyes closed If you move they may have to start the scan again so try & stay calm & controlled. Mine lasted 90mins n I'm a real wimp so ul be fine

Good luck.x

19smp59

I've had a few MRI scans on my neck and spine. The one on just my neck took about 15 minutes. It's not great but you have a buzzer in your hand that you can press if you feel you need to come out but I find just closing my eyes and thinking about something nice does the trick. Good luck, it will be over before you know it and once you get the results you can start looking at getting the problem sorted out.

Suzanne x

dibdab

Thank you all for your encouragement and understanding, it's good to know that others understand. So, I've lined up a rather lovely cd by Alfie Boe-hope they will play it, and I'm minded to try the word type games, thanks DD. Guess I'll max out the pain killers before I go because lying on my shoulder is painful at the best of times, and maybe I'll have a little doze if they really do their stuff!!! (Guess that's a pipe dream :? ).

Hope you're all having an okay kind of day-lovely sunshine here in the Midlands, and the garden is full of birds and beautiful butterflies which somehow makes me feel more optimistic.

Deb xx

DebraKelly

I had an MRI done a few years ago on my knee.

The exray only lasted abour 20mins, but I am sure it differs from each exray depending on what you are getting.

The main thing about MRI's is the noise of the machine! Its so loud, you might get headphones or earplugs, I was allowed to take a cd to listen to, so check this out first.

Please don't worry about the MRI as it doesn't hurt, its just a bit uncomfortable trying to lie still for a period of time!

Well I found it difficult anyway! lol

LolaCrayola

Don't wear anything metal. I got a sleep bra from Primark. My hospital had lockers for your stuff. I took a CD and timed MRI by tracks. I could barely hear CD, it is like the noise of metal dustbins with bricks in it. It does not take long. I pressed the button the minute I heard Country and Western music from the previous person. You will be ok. I kept my eyes shut after checking out the view and concentrate on breathing deeply. X

salamander

Take an eye mask with you!

dibdab

Thankyou all for your encouragement.

Tomorrow is the big day, got the cd lined up and just resigned to being truly uncomfortable for the duration, but it's the next step to getting a proper diagnosis and hopefully some treatment beyond pain relief.

Would appreciate some pocket duties if anyone's free after lunch!

Deb x

DebbieT

I'll happily come ((((( ))))) xxx

dreamdaisy

I'll be there, I have an appointment at 1pm but should be home by 2, I hope that's OK. DD

dreamdaisy

Good luck for today, dibdab, I hope it goes well for you and that it isn't too hurty. I am thinking of you. DD

barbara12

Hello debs
Sorry I am late..just want to wish you good luck for today...hope it all goes well for you xx

Toots

Reporting for my first pocket duty assignment!

Good luck Deb, I hope it goes quickly and is all over before you know it x

dibdab

So, I went for my scan and coped okay with the shoulder scan, but after 30 minutes was in a lot of pain. So, they then secured my head for the neck scan and sad to say I just couldn't cope, too painful, too claustrophobic and made me panic . Home now and kicking myself for not getting both scans done-I really hope the shoulder scan will show the cause of my problem because I really don't think I could face that machine again even with tranquillisers :?

I wonder if they can check for neck problems with anything less claustrophobic -any ideas gratefully received!!!!

Thanks for the pocket duties. . Sorry of you felt a bit squashed in there with me.

Deb xx

DebbieT

Oh Deb I really do feel for you ((((calming hugs))))
I sobbed the whole 90 mins of the brain one I had done!! I had my head in a cage & velcro'd down. Awful experience n I've to repeat annually

I believe an xray shows arthritic changes ... Haven't you been offered one?

I'm really sorry it was such an awful experience xxx

dreamdaisy

Well, you managed to get one done and that is a good thing: it could be that having the two together was too much anyway and, now you know what it is involved, hopefully you can approach the next one with a little more confidence.

MRIs are not that pleasant but I do know that they give the docs a very good view of what is going on and that helps them so much. I hope you get the next appointment sooner rather than later so this isn't hanging over you for too long - just get it done and dusted, dibdab, you need to know what is going on as do your docs. DD