I guess I'm not into bondage after all like some of you perverts are. I mean, what guy hasn't joked or poked fun at BDSM at one point or another. Or actually dove in and participated...Horrors! You know that I've been plagued as of late with numbness and tingling in my arms, along with a myriad of other symptoms, that have precluded me from blogging, typing, and working. The doc and I are on a crash course toward getting this mess sorted out. We have discussed: rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, Lou Gehrig's Disease, carpal tunnel, pinched nerve, blood pressure, low thyroid levels, among other peripheral topics. Started with blood work last week and headed off to an MRI of my entire spine on Saturday. Along with Valium. It is well known that in the last few years, claustrophobia has reared its ugly head from time to time in my life. Occasionally severe as in high levels of panic. Not fun. Nor pleasant. I was actually doing pretty well. I'd stopped by the clinic the day before to take a look at their MRI machine and familiarize myself with the place. All good. I mean, I have a huge interest in the medical field and actually used to work as a volunteer EMT in an ER back in Boise. So, the horribly patient clinician puts me in "just a bit to see how it goes for you." Not well. "Take me out." So, I sit up, dangling my feet toward the floor, and breathe deeply. He is patient. "I see this all of the time," He says. So, "Let's put you all of the way through the machine ("bore") so that your head is sticking out the other side"? Okay. I'll try. He and I are talking back and forth on the built-in chatting system (much like IM'ing!). He says that we're ready to start the first scan. All I could think of was being in this thing for the next hour or more. I'm breathing deeply. Trying to slow my head and heart rate down. I can feel my face and ears turning red and heating up. And I say it loudly and clearly: "I don't think I can do this...please get me out of here." And he did. Quickly. I felt like a baby. I mean, I can do anything....right? Apparently not.
So, I'm on the search for a completely open MRI that my insurance will cover. There are "normal/standard" MRI machines (40cm/1.3 feet/15.75 inches.....Yikes!!). There are also "open bore" machines (which is the one I tried on Saturday) (50cm/1.62 feet/19.69 inches). And then there are "open" MRI machines that have openings on all four sides. And, my little blossoms, don't forget that one's body has to fit in there too....so that can quickly reduce the amount of space available depending on how many pieces of pizza you've eaten recently.
Following the MRI results, I will probably be referred to a neurologist and possibly an orthopedic dude as well. I can see this being a long haul. But at least I know now that I'm not into bondage. Nope. Not this guy.
26 comments:
I just closed my eyes and tried to listen to the muzak through the pounding. By pretending I was asleep I had less trouble laying still. But it is a challenge... and when you're slightly smaller than a horse (as I am) they get out shoehorns and grease to get you inside that tube.
Hang in there and I'm confident the docs will figure things out! I don't know if you realize that I have major problems with my thyroid. The symptoms you've described; I had. Not saying that's the deal, just saying I can relate. Because obviously so many things can cause the issues you're having. I'll keep you in my thoughts, and pray that it's just some sort 'too much strain from an enlarged butt-plug or something' :P
I had the tingling and numbness down my arm a few years back and after the MRI they found two bulging disk in my neck that had to be repaired, but you'll have to have the MRI to see them I don't think a regular x-ray will show it. Anyway here's a (((HUG))) because it sound like you need one.
I get totally antsy if I'm confined. I don't even like seat belts.
Did they have to grease you up good, to get you in there?
Just imagine yourself as a giant full body penis, and perhaps that will make it a more pleasant experience for you.
My Dad loathes the closed MRIs. Keeping my fingers crossed that you'll find an open one!!
Sugar, no matter how much pizza you consume you would still fit into those damn machines!
Friend, I'm with you on the claustrophobia thing. I wasn't sure I could make it all the way through your post about the MRI, let alone have one myself. There would have to be some major anti-anxiety drugs in the offing.
i am sorry for your medical maladies; i hope you can find an answer to it all.
i'll fold you into the prayers for the sick; st. teresa is a good pal of mine.....
Isn't there someone you know who is a deeply calming presence who could go with you to keep you quiet and secure?
Hang in there! Hopefully you'll find an open one soon.
I don't consider myself claustrophobic, but I had a difficult time with the MRI when I had one, even though the technician talked to me to keep my calm. I have a friend who needed an MRI, and for some reason, his doctor didn't want him to have an open MRI. He was able to be medicated, and went through the regular MRI. I didn't think medication was possible because the results could be slanted, but he did it. I am thinking of you, Lewis, and keeping you in my prayers. Good luck!
i used to get MRI's all the time, i can't now because of my defibrillator, the magnetic field would rip it right out of my chest but i got freaked too... try one and a half 10mg valiums followed up by a couple of hits off a joint and you should breeze thru!!! worked for me... i hope this all goes well for you, just remember, what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger... i know!!!
I can just imagine the 70's porn music playing as the well hung clinician comes over to the MRI to lube you up and help out a patient in 'need'. You're such a slut sometimes :P
Hugs mister, good luck with the tests honey.
kb
I get claustrophic easily so I hear your pain. I hope your health problems are sorted out soon. It's not easy living with a big query going on inside your body.
*hugs*
Lewis... I wish you all the best. I am glad you are actively seeking help for whatever is causing you these problems. Good luck. BIG HUG. SLURP. NIP TUG.
I sympathize. I freak out in the same way when I am in an enclosed space.
Good luck buddy. I've been thinking about ya :)
Wishing you well...! Everything here is crossed for you.
Think of you and wishing you quick answers and remedies for these ills. Open MRI's are always featured here. Perhaps a layover in Chicago is necessary? I'm surprised (but glad) you haven't had claustrophobic problems in the cabin of a plane.
I just read an article where a woman was forgotten while in the machine and everyone in the clinic went home and locked up. She had to wriggle her way out of it and call the police to get her out of the clinic. Probably not what you wanted to hear, but this reminded me of it. I hope you get to the bottom of this thing and that it's nothing serious!
hang in there buddy and just take one step at a time...they will find out what the hell is goin on and then you can be back to your old self........smiles and hugs
oh, tornwordo didn't need to say that! Now you'll relly want an open one.
Goon luck!
I can completely relate to the claustrophobia. I have a few very intense phobias, and that's one of them. I think the idea of having someone be with you is a good one.
I'm thinking of you, as always.
Hopefully you'll find a fully open MRI soon. Just keep thinking naughty thoughts about your MRI tech. See if their high-tech machine can detect any new "growth." ;)
But at least I know now that I'm not into bondage. Nope. Not this guy.
You just haven't met the right MRI tech, yet.
The one time that I had an MRI done, I knew that I would feel claustophobic, so just before going in, I closed my eyes and did NOT open them at all until the process was completely over.
I'm not positive but I think there is a clinic in Phoenix that has an open MRI. I remember hearing commercials about it in the past. I know you wrote this days ago and I am a little behind on my reading but if it helps... ?
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