Is there a doctor in the house...for myself and Pepper

shadowofnight

I only have a few minutes...got to get back to my canine buddy Pepper.


One, Last week I had an MRI ( Have had like 6 prior ) and a huge surge of pain from my lower back out through my left hip. This was a brand new MRI tool ...and it felt like someone hooked up my lower back to a wall ac outlet.

Previous MRI scans were totally smooth...could have slept through them all. They say there are 2 possibilities....I have had 6 or 7 nerve root blocks with 8 inch needles to L3 L4 and L5 since my last uneventful MRI scan....possibly a broken needle tip left in ?

Second, being a brand new MRI tool , and the technician told me some people have been complaining of burning sensations...saying they were " Sensitive to the frequency of this newer tool " and those aborted scans had to be completed back on the older MRI tools next door. As someone who calibrates high RF power supplys at work to drive Plasma fields ...this sounded like a load of crap to me....for that tool to create that kind of pain it had to be so far off calibration it has me pretty worried...my left hip is still killing me 6 days later.



So I find out tomorrow ( Wed ) if its me or the tools fault...I am scheduled for another MRI in the older MRI tool. If I feel the same pain in there it is something left inside me....if its a painless scan...then that new MRI tool zapped the hell out me....both possibilities are pretty bad.

Any input from our resident doc's or even radiology techs would be greatly appreciated....I couldnt find anything on the web concerning this.



I also didnt get much of a chance to surf and look because the very same day I had this happen to me, my wife texted me that our older male dog was in the family room and couldnt get up

We rushed him to the vet and it was a broken femur/hip....they took an asparite ( ? ) xrays and blood work to rule out osteo cancer ( A repair wouldnt hold and would have to be put to sleep ) ....thank god they came out negative. I transported him to a trauma center for the delicate surgery and 5,000 dollars later he is back home ...but a 24/7 job keeping him away from the other 2 dogs.

Pepper has a long road ahead of him , and any prayers from you fine folk in our extended Polk family would be greatly appreciated.



I really miss you guys/gals , as this was my first oppertunity in front of a keyboard since last week ...any input on the MRI issue would also be greatly appreciated....and Pepper sends his love of course


John

shawn474

shadow,
It would be HIGHLY unlikely that the new MRI tool zapped you. I'll be honest and say that I have no idea which new tool you are talking about, but know that those machines go through a rigorous and thorough certification / calibration process before they are put into use.

That said, the feeling you are describing is not uncommon. For example, they always ask if you have been exposed to or work in metal industries (welding, blacksmithing, grinding, etc.). Why? Because the MRI machines have HUGE magnets - meaning if there is any implanted metal that magnet will attempt to extract it when the machine is cycling to capture the images. In all my years of sports medicine, I have never, ever heard of a needle tip breaking off and being left in any part of the body. If it was broken, the doctor would have to disclose that to you or it would be a huge liability on their part.

Have you had any previous surgery to your back? Surgery to your hip? Ever been exposed to metal / possibility of schrapnel? Even the medical grade implants made of metal can sometimes "back out" during these procedures due to the high power magnets.

Either way, I hope you get this figured out and get some relief soon.

Take care,
Shawn

PS- Send Pepper our best. It's crazy how much a part of the family animals become. Get well soon and have Pepper do the same.

fossy

Hope you & pepper get better --

One of my dogs still has a rod in her leg from tryin to climb a chain link fence almost 6 years ago -- $1200 --- but a hip is another thing altogether-- but I would have paid the 5g's for my pet no questions ask ( well ya got ask a few questions )..:rolleyes:

Prayers to both

george daniel

If you have a broken needle,or part of one in your back,, you don't need an MRI to determine it's presence,, sounds like you have a herniation of L-5 / S-1,,quite possibly,, have you lifted anything haevy,strained,etc--lately,, I don't think the "Magnet" is the source of your problems,,of course, there's a first for everything,, but doubtful in this case,either way,, hope thing get better quick.

danger boy

wow what kind of MRI is this anyways? I had one a month ago.. no tools required on me.

but I hate the LOUD sounds the MRI makes... even with headphones and music playing.. it's still freakin' LOUD!

bobman1235

danger boy wrote: »

but I hate the LOUD sounds the MRI makes... even with headphones and music playing.. it's still freakin' LOUD!

Last time I had an MRI I just had ear plugs (no music) and one of them fell out halfway through. God damn was that unpleasant.

cfrizz

My best wishes to both of you for speedy recoveries.

Airplay355

I had an MRI on my ankle once. It was an open MRI, it was so quiet I fell asleep (without headphones) and I didn't feel a thing. I'd be scared shitless if it started hurting though. I hope you figure everything out and it turns out to be no big deal. Not knowing is probably one of the worst parts.

I think it's great that you are able and willing to pay $5k for your pet. Pets are awesome and worth every penny. We spent $7k for cancer treatment for out pitbull and now she's perfectly happy and fine. She's a shelter dog and I can't understand why anyone wouldn't want her Dogs are by far the best friend you could ever ask for.

gdb

A painless way to determine if there's anything metalic in you,is to have an Xray taken. I can totally sympathize with your pet, I've spent in excess of $22,000.00 thru the years on operations for several dogs, that's not counting the regular visits, vaccinations & very expensive heartworm preventive ! :eek:
They're worth every penny IMO, hope you and your friend are all fixed up soon !:)

Hobbyguy

1) Spinal needles do not break off. There is no tip that was "left in". The needles are not 8" long and they are used to deliver cortisone to various parts of your spine...epidural, facet, nerve root, posterior rami etc depending on where the source of pain is thought to arise. The referral pain pattern that you have helps determine the source. You said down your hip....is this the front, the side or down the buttock...it makes a difference.
2) If this is a new MRI then it may be a 3T which offers much better resolution. It is unlikely that the MRI caused your pain but lying flat on the bed may have stirred up some previous problem....e.g. degenerative disk disease, facet arthritis or synovitis, nerve root encroachment-foraminal stenosis. The radiating pain can be from a pinched nerve (radiculopathy) or it can be referred pain. Physical exam can help determine the difference....EMG can also help but usually requires 6 weeks of symptoms to be useful.
3)The best treatment for low back pain is a good physical exercise program that consists of weight training and cardio.
4) If you smoke keep in mind smoking is the #1 risk factor for low back pain.

shawn474

^^^^^^^What he said.......great post and advice Hobbyguy. Could have just been the position that you were lying in caused the radicular pain. Either way, the MRI should show if there is any disc involvement.

Fireman32

John, Sorry to hear about what you and Pepper are going through. Hope to hear good news for both you and Pepper.

shadowofnight

Hobbyguy wrote: »

1) Spinal needles do not break off. There is no tip that was "left in". The needles are not 8" long and they are used to deliver cortisone to various parts of your spine...epidural, facet, nerve root, posterior rami etc depending on where the source of pain is thought to arise. The referral pain pattern that you have helps determine the source. You said down your hip....is this the front, the side or down the buttock...it makes a difference.
2) If this is a new MRI then it may be a 3T which offers much better resolution. It is unlikely that the MRI caused your pain but lying flat on the bed may have stirred up some previous problem....e.g. degenerative disk disease, facet arthritis or synovitis, nerve root encroachment-foraminal stenosis. The radiating pain can be from a pinched nerve (radiculopathy) or it can be referred pain. Physical exam can help determine the difference....EMG can also help but usually requires 6 weeks of symptoms to be useful.
3)The best treatment for low back pain is a good physical exercise program that consists of weight training and cardio.
4) If you smoke keep in mind smoking is the #1 risk factor for low back pain.

Thank you all so very much....I am heading for the next MRI right now. Not normally being a nervous individual whatsoever, I sure am a bit about this.


Hobbyguy, thank you very much for the detailed response...here are some details I left out in the first quick post.

I have had a huge workup on the back injury already ( This MRI was actually for my shoulder.) and I have 2 herniated and 1 bulging disc....have had 2 full MRI scans on the back already...could have slept through both. I am scheduled for a 3 level laminectomy to take the pressure off of the nerves.

I am 6'5" with a large amount of muscle from my training/fighting days ( My shoulders are too wide for the MRI tools...I have to lift my left shoulder completely above my head just to be shoehorned in the tool ) and during my first 3 level nerve root block the doctor was using the standard sized needles and couldnt reach the nerve area he needed....pulled all 3 out and needed to get longer needles to reach....all this while I am laying there with no pain meds because they need to know if the injections help the pain generator.

When he said we need to pull these out and go longer I **** you not I bit a hole in the pillow.


With that info, do you think it could really just be I am sensitive ( As the technician said others had to stop scans as well ) to the new tool ? I will find out in a couple of hours for sure.



Pepper is doing fantastic...I will take a couple shots of him when I get back....that is one hell of a battle scar. He has slowed on his water drinking though....food and restroom duties are fine , but he doesnt want much water anymore ? He thanks you all for the well wishes...we all know they work wonders on here

shadowofnight

Airplay355 wrote: »

I think it's great that you are able and willing to pay $5k for your pet. Pets are awesome and worth every penny. We spent $7k for cancer treatment for out pitbull and now she's perfectly happy and fine. She's a shelter dog and I can't understand why anyone wouldn't want her Dogs are by far the best friend you could ever ask for.

As soon as the workup showed he was fixable it wasnt even an option to not fix him....I have been off work for 2 years now so money aint growing on trees either...still...the thought to not fix my buddy never even entered my nor my wifes mind.

All 3 of our dogs are shelter rescues as well ( Actually I rescued princess off of a 4 lane busy highway )

wingnut4772

Feel better. I want to see pics of Pepper too.

shack

Airplay355 wrote:

I think it's great that you are able and willing to pay $5k for your pet. Pets are awesome and worth every penny. We spent $7k for cancer treatment for out pitbull and now she's perfectly happy and fine. She's a shelter dog and I can't understand why anyone wouldn't want her Dogs are by far the best friend you could ever ask for.

I can tell you right now...If I had a serious life threatening illness that would take most of our savings, my wife would tell me to consider that I had already lived a long and productive life and I should be happy with my time here on earth...and she would miss me dearly.

If it was her dog...she would drain the savings, cash in the IRAs, mortgage the house...

I know where I stand...:rolleyes:

Hobbyguy

Good luck in the MRI...I have not heard of anybody being too sensitive to MRI. The laminectomy does not relieve pressure on nerves...it allows access to the intervertebral disks, the foramen (the small tunnel where the nerve roots exit the spinal canal), and the spinal cord (which is not really a cord at that level). The stability of your spine can be compromised at those levels with a laminectomy and usually the laminectomy is performed in conjunction with a fusion to stabilize these levels. This then puts extra stress on the levels above and below and puts these levels at mild risk for arthritis. Surgery is a last resort when therapy, injections, smoking cessation, pain modalities (PT/chiropractic/accupuncture/etc) have failed.

Shack...can I have your audio gear if you get that illness?

cfrizz

:eek::eek::eek::D:D:D:D ROTFLMAO!!!!! Shack that is too funny for words. I'm cryin here! WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!:D:D:D

shack wrote: »

I can tell you right now...If I had a serious life threatening illness that would take most of our savings, my wife would tell me to consider that I had already lived a long and productive life and I should be happy with my time here on earth...and she would miss me dearly.

If it was her dog...she would drain the savings, cash in the IRAs, mortgage the house...

I know where I stand...:rolleyes:

shawn474

shack, that was hilarious.

Hobbyguy has the best explanations that I have heard in a long time. From someone who has gone through the exact progression and someone who rehabs these injuries fairly regularly, he is spot on. Take his advice - in fact he may be my next consult when L4-L5 go!!!!!

jtgranby

shawn474 wrote: »

shack, that was hilarious.

Hobbyguy has the best explanations that I have heard in a long time. From someone who has gone through the exact progression and someone who rehabs these injuries fairly regularly, he is spot on. Take his advice - in fact he may be my next consult when L4-L5 go!!!!!

Shawn

We have get him to relocate his practice.

Jim

shadowofnight

shack wrote: »

I can tell you right now...If I had a serious life threatening illness that would take most of our savings, my wife would tell me to consider that I had already lived a long and productive life and I should be happy with my time here on earth...and she would miss me dearly.

If it was her dog...she would drain the savings, cash in the IRAs, mortgage the house...

I know where I stand...:rolleyes:

That was seriously funny and I needed one of those laughs badly after my last week.....on the flip side...my wife and yours are on the same page


Went to the follow up MRI on the other machine today....went without a hitch...no additional pain or burning in the lower back or hip whatsoever .

So whatever happened ( My hip is still hurting like a **** 6 days later ) ...happened in that brand new MRI machine.

shadowofnight

Hobbyguy wrote: »

Good luck in the MRI...I have not heard of anybody being too sensitive to MRI. The laminectomy does not relieve pressure on nerves...it allows access to the intervertebral disks, the foramen (the small tunnel where the nerve roots exit the spinal canal), and the spinal cord (which is not really a cord at that level). The stability of your spine can be compromised at those levels with a laminectomy and usually the laminectomy is performed in conjunction with a fusion to stabilize these levels. This then puts extra stress on the levels above and below and puts these levels at mild risk for arthritis. Surgery is a last resort when therapy, injections, smoking cessation, pain modalities (PT/chiropractic/accupuncture/etc) have failed.

Shack...can I have your audio gear if you get that illness?

You da man Hobby The surgeon stated as long as I keep my facets during the surgery I wouldnt need the fusion...but also stated exactly as you mentioned...if the facets have to go, a fusion would be needed because of instability.

He stated my muscle mass in the area is a huge bonus, as is my overall shape and health. Also though, during the surgery that muscle mass needs to be cut and moved out of the way which is going to mean more pain during recovery....I think I'll take the more pain for now and the better support for down the road.

So we are planning on the laminectomy with as little facet removal as possible and no fusion. I need the shoulder repaired first though...the back comes later.

Thank you all for your responses, this forum community kicks ****...period.


I'll try and get the pics of Pepper before the sun goes down

shack

Hobbyguy wrote:

Shack...can I have your audio gear if you get that illness?

Good luck...my wife would probably sell it to buy dog toys and dog treats....

So if you hear of my demise, just do a scan for Polk and NAD on ebay...and it will be there (she has no idea what it's worth so you should be able to get it cheap!).

beardog03

Feel better soon , bro....

one of these days I will make it out there to build the "killer sub" Project !

nooshinjohn

good luck and a speedy recovery, but beware the painkillers. Oxycontin and the like can cause their own damage....

shadowofnight

Here is Pepper...the pic with 2 dogs in it is from when we brought him home in 2002...he is the dog on the right...he had just donated blood , thats the shaved spot on his chest.

The rest are from just now...already getting dark here so just shot them in the house.

He will have an impressive scar to show the ladies