Painful MRI

[Mockingbird]

I have to go for an MRI soon, although not related to the RA, I find having to lay still for long periods of time to be very uncomfortable. I am reluctant to take a pain killer, in fact I don't think I can since they will use dye. Anyone have any advice?

[malou]

I have to go for an MRI soon, although not related to the RA, I find having to lay still for long periods of time to be very uncomfortable. I am reluctant to take a pain killer, in fact I don't think I can since they will use dye. Anyone have any advice?

i haven't experience it yet but heard some friends about MRI if you're claustrophobic then maybe its a problem for you but if youre not then i guess no pain at all unless if you're having pain already ..

[Mockingbird]

It does make you feel claustrophobic, I have had them before. The problem is you have to stay totally still for a long time on your back. That I can't do it gets so painful and I am messed up for a few days afterwards. I tried to get them to break it up but the MRI takes forever. i wondered if anyone had any tips to get thru, I want to avoid medications if possible

[faith]

It does make you feel claustrophobic, I have had them before. The problem is you have to stay totally still for a long time on your back. That I can't do it gets so painful and I am messed up for a few days afterwards. I tried to get them to break it up but the MRI takes forever. i wondered if anyone had any tips to get thru, I want to avoid medications if possible

i am claustrophobic too mockingbird..just by thinking of the procedure makes me feel afraid..

[faith]

i haven't experience it yet but heard some friends about MRI if you're claustrophobic then maybe its a problem for you but if youre not then i guess no pain at all unless if you're having pain already ..

hi malou...what about you? you're not claustrophobic i presumed? can you lay still on the machine without moving? just curious though..

[ZeroJointPain]

Are there any open mri machines by you? I know they aren't as common yet but I know in the last few months I have seen 2 places by me that have them. They have big signs in front of the buildings! lol WE NOW HAVE OPEN MRI

I guess the claustrophobic issue happens to a lot of people. I went for an MRI a few years back and I am not claustrophobic, but I def got a little weird for the first few minutes so I could totally see how you could freak out if you had this issue.

[harmin]

I experienced it.I went for MRI last year for the treatment of headache.Actually I am suffering from restless headache and I took many medicine which had proved worthless for me.At last I went For MRI.

[Mac]

I had an MRI and found there was nothing to it. I do not have clastrophobia and think I slept through part of it. Open MRI machines are available.

Mac

[lisar]

Good luck with MRI's! I can not stand it! My leg always twitch after a long time of trying to stay still, lol.

[naturelover]

I am reading that MRI is to be done for foot pain also or its just a routine check up with RA. Because my wife very recently got developed of mild RA and I am posting about this here. I am worried from your comments that MRI is very painful and particularly my wife is having in her both foots.

[kageyd]

MRI in and of itself is not painful any more than x-rays. I've had many. Nothing "happens" to you. However, it can mean lying still for a long period, and with any kind of arthritis that can be a problem. I'm new to RA, so I'm not sure of how or when to use NSAIDs for pain, and whether that's acceptable in the MRI's you are scheduled for. Several people have suggested "open" or "standing" MRI's, and in fact (in New York) I live just two blocks from a "standing MRI" center. That would seem to be the best answer for those who panic in enclosed spaces. Hope that helps. Kageyd

[Heather]

Can't they sedate someone who panics in a small space, and if they do it seems like they could do the same for you, and perhaps it would relax you enough so the stiffness wouldn't be a problem.

[crimson]

Taking an MRI I guess is really tough but if ever you need it to be done we'll you have to undergo the procedure. Just hang in there you can do it.

[naturelover]

kageyd wrote:


MRI in and of itself is not painful any more than x-rays. I've had many. Nothing "happens" to you. However, it can mean lying still for a long period, and with any kind of arthritis that can be a problem. I'm new to RA, so I'm not sure of how or when to use NSAIDs for pain, and whether that's acceptable in the MRI's you are scheduled for. Several people have suggested "open" or "standing" MRI's, and in fact (in New York) I live just two blocks from a "standing MRI" center. That would seem to be the best answer for those who panic in enclosed spaces. Hope that helps. Kageyd

Hi, NSAIDs for relief of pain are given at early stage and my wife was given the same in the initial stage some six months before when she started complaining of pain in her foot, knees and shoulder.

[kageyd]

Nope, MRI itself is not painful. The painful part comes from having to lie down and lie still for a long time - many people can't do that lying down without pain. MRI itself is just like an x-ray, you can't feel anything at all, no pain.

[kageyd]

http://texasearcenter.com/hearingdevices/baha.asp

Take a look at the above web page, which compares cochlear implants and the BAHA. A friend of mine, at age 77, just had a cochlear implant two months ago, and it requires a dedicated learning process over many months, but it is slowly re-generating her ability to hear her friends without reading lips (and to hear music, some, though not well yet).

I have no experience with friends who have had the bone condition implant.

Because of my friend's recent experience, I was very curious about BAHA, knew nothing about it, so quickly read up on it. Learn something new every day....

May your improvement be as beneficial as my friend's!!

[prasanth5]

There are indeed two medical procedures that cause real pain to the patients when they are under them. One is dialysis and the other one is of course MRI scans. The latter seems to be painful as rightly pointed out, due to the long spells and duration. But the former is more painful.