good news and bad news

[bertha katzenengel]

Good news: after a first visit with a well-loved spinal surgeon, it looks like I won't need surgery. He'll probably refer me to a colleague who specializes in treating non-surgery-required back pain.

Bad news: he wants to see an MRI to be sure and having an MRI hurts like a mofo. And there is the waiting time for the MRI, then the waiting time for the appt to review the new MRI, then the waiting time for the other specialist.

Meantime: ow.

That's all. At least it's Friday and I don't have to sit in this godforsaken chair for the next two days!

[LynzM]

1. Hi Bertha....

Glad you don't have to have surgery! Why does an MRI hurt so much for you? Is it the having to lay still for such a long time or something? :hug:

Also, if you haven't seen a good massage therapist and can manage to do so, DO IT. I don't know what kind of pain you are having, but I basically emliminated chronic lower back pain (to the point of not being able to sit for more than 10-15 minutes) with a few visits to one :) May not do that for you, but probably wouldn't hurt!

[bertha katzenengel]

4. yeah, the pain w/ MRI is laying on that hard surface and not

being able to move.

My firm has a massage therapist come in once every two weeks, and staff can get a 15 min. massage for a $17 payroll deduction. Will this do me any good?

[LynzM]

5. Hrm....

You should be able to get 'more for your money', dollar-to-time wise... go see someone who is licensed and can do a full-body, deep tissue massage. Even if it doesn't fix your back, or help too much, it is good for blood pressure and other things, too. I'd recommend someone but I don't think you want to come to CT ;)

Can you request that they put some blankets or pillows under you to make you more comfortable during the MRI?

[bertha katzenengel]

6. Won't hurt to ask. I don't know if they can

Even a blanket folded 2-3x would help.

Sigh.

Thanks, Lynz. You're the best.

[GreenPartyVoter]

2. Good luck hon *hugs*

[bertha katzenengel]

7. thanks, GPV. BTW I'm perusing your Boston Tea Party link.

:thinks:

[GreenPartyVoter]

9. Good. :^) Hope you find some places you can feel comfy shopping at

[kedrys]

3. Good luck Bertha

:hug: Hope everything turns out okay! :loveya:

[bertha katzenengel]

8. sweet kedrys

always there
thank you
:hug:

[barb162]

10. Yes, that is good news

Have you noticed the wait time seems to be getting longer and longer over the last few years.

I was talking to a specialist in early June and the first appts open were late sept.

[bertha katzenengel]

14. Yep. I requested today's appointment on June 8.

:eyes: Hope you get to see your specialist soon.

[dajoki]

11. mri's don't hurt

:silly:

[bertha katzenengel]

13. Having an MRI done hurts.

It may be a non-invasive procedure but lying stock still for two hours on the god damned table hurts.

[dajoki]

16. maybe uncomfortable but not hurt

i've had quite a few and no hurt, ever have a discogram, now that HURTS!! yeeeooowwww!!!
:cry:

[bertha katzenengel]

17. dajoki

I hate it when people dismiss me. If I say something hurts me then it hurts me. Okay?

I do not believe in comparative pain. Because you find a discogram very painful does not mean that an MRI is NOT painful to someone else. And because you don't find an MRI to cause you pain also does not mean that an MRI is NOT painful to someone else.

That said: I don't mean any disrespect to you with this post. :hi:

I'm sorry the discogram hurt you so much. I hope I don't have one in my future.

[dajoki]

18. i'm sorry too

i didn't mean any disrespect. i should know that pain is pain no matter what. that was stupid of me and i sincerely apologize. let's be friends, o. k.:pals:

[bertha katzenengel]

19. absolutely

:pals:

So, how 'bout them Knicks? (my nephew's standard line when he feels he's embarrassed himself)

[dajoki]

20. mine is...

how 'bout those yankees.:blush:

[GoddessOfGuinness]

12. I'm sorry to hear that you're suffering with this...

Maybe it'd be good to arrange for a massage before the MRI. It may relax you enough to alleviate or avoid some of the pain.

Thankfully, I've not had to have an MRI as yet. But from what Mr GoG told me about the experience, it sounded horribly unpleasant.

You might consider bringing earplugs along, if they allow it. And though it'll be difficult, try meditating or just focusing on your breath to keep yourself as relaxed as possible.

:hug:

[bertha katzenengel]

15. All excellent ideas, Goddess.

Thank you. :bounce: