Severe pain continues from this pinched nerve – five weeks, now. Some days overwhelming, others a bit better. Physical therapy helps little. Traction helps some. Heat helps some.
Friday evening and Saturday were good days, but Sunday horrific, again. Today is really bad right now, despite physical therapy this morning, traction once (I’ve got to wait for Tom to get home to do it again) and 3 strong pain pills.
If you would, please pray for me that I can get through an MRI tomorrow. I went for it yesterday, but could not stay still enough for the young technician to get good pictures.
He told me the MRI process is extremely sensitive to movement and since I need one of my neck, I have to not only hold extremely still, as in not even blink an eyelash or move my eyeballs, I cannot swallow for several minutes while the machine is running and even have to breathe as shallow as possible.
I was tense to begin with (and in pain), even with the "open" MRI I went for, because it was open "sort of" out from me, but my head was shut in a "gizmo" and my face was like 4 inches from the machine on top of me. Even so, I thought I was being absolutely still.
But, he told me he couldn’t get the 2nd picture (I’m not sure how many they do – at least 3, I think) because of "too much movement," so of course, when he tried again, it was even worse. I didn’t think I was swallowing at all, but the tech kept telling me he thought I was trying to swallow over and over and asked if I was congested or something. Which I wasn’t. He seemed aggravated with me, and that didn’t help.
I’m having to get a Rx sedative from my doctor today to take 20 min. before the test tomorrow afternoon at 3 p.m. and Tom is going to have to drive me, of course. Please pray that somehow I can relax enough (and not swallow or breath!) to do this. I was in tears when I left yesterday because I need the MRI so badly and I was so mad at myself, although I don’t know what I could have done. I called Tom as soon as I got in the car and cried and cried. He said he wasn’t sure he could have done it, either, and told me it wasn’t my fault.
I’ve had a couple of MRIs before, but it was years ago and I don’t really remember what they were for. I sure don’t remember not being able to swallow for several minutes or to try to not even breathe. I do remember I had to take a sedative before the last one I had, so I guess I should have done that this time to begin with.
If I can’t get the MRI, then I’m certainly not going to be able to get any help. I know without a doubt I’ve not gotten near the help I’ve needed so far, so called yesterday morning to set up an appt with a different orthopedic surgeon, who is supposed to be very good. Of course, the first thing the receptionist told me was that he’ll need an MRI!! I got that all arranged, but cannot get in to see him for nearly a month – June 10!?!
This has been the worst nightmare. The pain has really worn me down. I have to say, though, that Tom has been an angel to me and for me. He has been exceptionally understanding and patient and good to take care of everything I can’t do and don’t feel like doing. Which isn’t much.
So, please pray that he stay in good health as he cares for me. And pray God heals me. Soon.
Much love to you all, Dee
P. S. Back to The Great Road Trip of 2009 just as soon as I feel well enough to work on it.
We love you, Dee. We also want you to know that you are definitely in our prayers. May you feel the nearness of God keeping you calm and still as you undergo the MRI tomorrow.
Dee, I am so sorry that this has been so bad. i have had only 1 MRI years ago and i know it was not comfortable. My mantra was “mind over matter” over and over and over again. My sweet hubby though has to take a relaxer to do an MRI. I am praying that you get the MRI over and done with and get the help you need. God Bless
Dee, it wasn’t your fault, and some tech’s can be ruff esp if they are having a bad day, i could tell ya a few storys, when I had a MRI done, it is very hard to hold still, and not breathe , “like dud no breathe no live”
ya are in my thoughts ans prayers !
huggs
Dee, I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing so much pain. I pray that you will be able to complete the test after the medication. Be sure to ask them to keep your feet warm or wear socks. I usually try to think about making some chocolate chip cookies. Maybe you could think about all the steps in making your Strawberry Pie!
When my mother was about 85 she had a MRI. She was scared of the test and said I bet this will cost $100. I assured her that she had insurance and did not need to worry about the cost. After the test, she said I bet the cost is $300!
We are looking forward to your recovery and completing your journal of the trip!
It hurts me to know that such a friend is going through so much. Yes, I will definitely pray for you to have a successful MRI. I hope you feel well enough to let us know how it goes. But we’ll pray until we hear otherwise.
You are in my prayers, and Tom, too. So sorry for such a rough time.
Praying for you — My wife had anMRI and she is claustrophobic — so she took a real shot of some type of sedativeand was very relaxed — and it went Ok – praying that the RX works for you.
God Bless
Charlie
I think I would need a vodka sedative as well as what ever you’re going to be taking to stay that still.
You’re in my prayers for stillness and a short term bout of dry throat.
Sorry to be after the fact. I have been caring for my 86 year old sister at her home through oral surgery and just read your message one hour (my time) after your MRI. I pray that it went well and you will get the answers and help you need. Blessings on you and Tom as you work through this dilemma.
So sorry you are going through all this…I will be praying.
I’m so sorry about your pain. I hope it gets better VERY soon-I’ll be praying for you.