MRI on my shoulder

37chief · Dec 30, 2015

Today I had a MRI on my shoulder today. I have had shoulder pains for over a month. Therapy wasn't doing anything except making my shoulder more. I was in this tube for 25 minutes, while the machine was doing it's thing taking pictures. About 1/2 way through my shoulder started really hurting because I couldn't move. Then my hand went to sleep. I was thinking how much longer can I take this. Then it was over. Any of you gone through a MRI procedure? Stan

Dell (WA) · Dec 30, 2015

Stan.........I hadda MRI on my JAW 'cuz it would "click" as I chewed food. Dental Hygienist cleaned my teeth and ground a couple of "points" down. Don't click ennymore. I remember laying on my back lookin' up at the ceiling wishing there was sumptin' to focus on. 'nuther time, I hadda 200# RAM tackle my KNEE. MRI said my kneesie wasn't broke. Good thing 'cuz I was scheduled to go to San Diego fer wind tunnel test fer Boeing. 7AM flight outta SeaTac and NO substitute. When we gitt the tunnel blowin', haffta send out fer sammishes. Got introduced to avocado and clover sprouts on sprouted wheat bread. Delish!..........now why am I hungry???......Dell

JF in MI · Dec 30, 2015

BTDT. Same thing happened with an MRI before my knee surgery. My knee was straight (couldn't keep it that way for long). About half way through the procedure I was in horrible pain. They were able to stop it and bend it slightly (which relieved the pain) to continue the pictures.

Tom in TN · Dec 30, 2015

Stan,

I have a torn rotator cuff in my right shoulder. I went through the MRI thing about three months ago, and had the same problem you had. The pain got so bad, I finally buzzed out of the test. After about 15 minutes of moving around and getting some relief, I went back into the tube and had the MRI finished. Not the best way to do it, but I simply couldn't stand to lie still any longer.

Doctor wants to cut on my shoulder, but I can't take the down time right now, so I just baby it and get by the best I can.

Tom in TN

MarkB_MI · Dec 30, 2015

I had an MRI done on my shoulder a couple of years ago after I dislocated it. The MRI procedure itself was no big deal; in fact the operator thought I went to sleep. But just prior to the MRI, I had a dye injection done and that was no fun. The doc gave me a local, then put me under a fluoroscope and stuck a horse needle directly into the middle of my shoulder joint. I don't know how much dye she used, but it must have been a bunch. My shoulder was so swollen I had to drive to the MRI one-handed and it was a couple of days before I could use my arm again.

K Effective · Dec 30, 2015

My first MRI was for a blown ACL in my knee, had no problems at all.
After tearing my rotator cuff at work, I went for another on my shoulder. I was able to identify a VERY intense case of latent claustrophobia (fear of closed spaces, NOT of Santa).

I guess since the knee was feet-first, with my head out-I was okay. But when I had to go in head first, left shoulder flat on the belt and my right shoulder rubbing on the side/top of the tube as I went in, I freaked out. My heart was racing, I couldn't breathe, they had to pull me out. I have never, ever, had a feeling like that, nor do I want to.

farmerwithmutt · Dec 30, 2015

Had mine done think the worst part was when they injected the dye. It was a new guy with little experience and I don't remember how many times he tried before he was satisfied. Depending on what your doing your down time might not be that bad I went home after surgery and that afternoon hopped in the truck and feed cattle changed battery in the oliver 2 days later only mistake I made was telling the therapist I was having trouble running the chainsaw one handed she didn't swear but I think she wanted to. I had impingement which means the hole in the bone where the muscle goes through is to small and wears out the muscle like a rubber band breaking. Also bone spurs and they cut and screwed the muscle in to the bone in a different spot. Internet is your friend look up all the fancy words he says it will help . I had mine done in November thinking it would be better in the winter will never do that again it's amazing how many more problems you can have in cold weather .
Good luck and do what the therapist says it will hurt but it well be better in the long run

K Effective · Dec 30, 2015

Doctor wants to cut on my shoulder, but I can't take the down time right now, so I just baby it and get by the best I can.

Tom in TN

Tom- I'm in the same boat- tore the right shoulder in several places at several times, tore the long head of my right bicep, and most recently, the left shoulder. No time to schedule months of "light duty"

Three of the "kids" at work have had shoulder surgery in the past year- at least one of them looks to be finagling permanent disability out of it at age 25 or so...

Calvin Innes · Dec 30, 2015

I have several every year (cancer), in fact, I go tomorrow. I find it no big deal... except once when the place caught fire while I was in the machine and could not hear the alarms! Life is always an adventure!
Cal

larry@stinescorner · Dec 30, 2015

Had it before they removed half my thyroid gland,,it was a strange test for sure...best of luck for your shoulder they will find the problem and everything will get better

Richard G. · Dec 30, 2015

Yep, laying still in that thing sucks. If you have rotator cuff problems, do not put off surgury. Mine was bad by time I had it checked. The surgeon told me the next morning in the hospital, that I may never use my arm again. He had to hunt for tendons to put it back together. That has been about 6 years ago. I have full use (almost), but it hurts alot. It is hurting pretty bad this morning as I sit here typing. Spent the last 2 days putting up 16 foot rough cut 2x6 ceiling joists in my shop. By myself.
Again, do not let it go too long before having it fixed if it is rotator cuff problems.
Richard in NW SC

Bonnan · Dec 30, 2015

Tom, like the others have said don't put it off! Surgeons have much better luck putting fresh tissue back together. I had a severe torn rotator cuff, surgery within 3 weeks and I have full use of the arm now.

lee little · Dec 30, 2015

Been there , done that but didnt get the tee shirt. The first one I had was when I had a severe tear in the cuff from a mule wreck.{4 legged} My shoulders were too wide to get in the tube unless I put the other arm over my head at an extreme angle.VERY uncomfortable! It took them forever to get it done. I started complaining and they asked if I was scared. This gained some very unkind comments from me. I wasnt scared I was in major pain. That was 15-18 years ago and I have had others done since then. The machines must be better cause I didnt have to get in such a shape in the later ones. If you need surgery get it done as soon as you can work it into your schedule. I have had it done 4 times { I dont learn too fast} and came out better each time. Two things, choose your surgeon carefully and do the therapy. I have friends who let a crappy Dr.work on them and came out much worse off. Good luck ! Lee

fixerupper · Dec 30, 2015

Stan, I've been in the tube seven times at last count and the shoulder MRI was by far the worst. The pain got so intense I darned near hit the panic button. When I got out I needed help sitting up. Good luck with your shoulder.

Dachshund · Dec 30, 2015

I have been in the MRI on several occasions - from shoulders to legs. I ALWAYS fall asleep in them....

Leroy · Dec 30, 2015

Look for where they have the ioen units, lot better than the closed ones. Had one earlier this winter and unit was plenty wide enough for a 400# man.

CH(upstate,NY) · Dec 30, 2015

In that 25 minutes you probably had 6 to 8 different scans, maybe more. Different angles and different tissue aspects. Back 33 or so years ago I worked in R&D. After making any hardware or software changes, we would scan ourselves to check image quality. Can't count the amount of times while I was working late, I would wake up an hour or two later and wonder where I was.

Consider yourselves lucky, back then one of those 6 to 8 scans would take 35 minutes. The whole test was 1.5 hours on average. We've come a long way.

dpendzic · Dec 30, 2015

I have had 4 or 5 of them---back a couple of times, gunshot wound, gall bladder,knee--I only go to places that have a "wide body" tube so my shoulders fit much more comfortably.

notjustair · Dec 30, 2015

I had one Monday on my heart. Every time I go they are faster. About 13 years ago I had a stroke. I don't know if it was an MRI or a CAT scan, but it was hideous. I wasn't well, I had to be in there forever, and they put a cage over my head and bolted it down. I felt like something from a horror show. My nose itched within 13 seconds of starting the test.

The only worse experience I've had is when they didn't sedate me enough and I could feel them doing surgery on me. That still gives me cold sweats and it was over 20 years ago.

sqweeky · Dec 30, 2015

I had a shoulder injury Sept 2 had 7 physical therapy appointments with little improvement so I had MRI that was a breeze. It showed a tear in the tendon so I had rotator cuff surgery 16 days ago. The Doc said I had a bad tear on one side, I saw him yesterday and he said I would have no use of my arm for a least another month with theropy. Does that sound right?

rustyfarmall · Dec 30, 2015

(quoted from post at 23:23:13 12/29/15) Today I had a MRI on my shoulder today. I have had shoulder pains for over a month. Therapy wasn't doing anything except making my shoulder more. I was in this tube for 25 minutes, while the machine was doing it's thing taking pictures. About 1/2 way through my shoulder started really hurting because I couldn't move. Then my hand went to sleep. I was thinking how much longer can I take this. Then it was over. Any of you gone through a MRI procedure? Stan

Yes. A few years ago. MRI showed nothing. X-rays showed nothing. Therapy did nothing to alleviate the pain. I lost my faith in the medical community after that. Shoulder still causes grief from time to time. I guess I'll just live with it. Ain't going back to doctor who is in it only for the money.

37chief · Dec 30, 2015

I was probably within a couple minutes myself from punching out myself. About that time the table started moving back out. We are finished. The words were music to my ears. Stan

David G · Dec 30, 2015

I have been through it twice, not fun but gets the job done.

Blackhole49 · Dec 30, 2015

Had one in June on my left shoulder. After therapy (insurance recommended), had rotator cuff surgery and a bone spur removed middle of August. Another month of physical therapy and good as new by the 1st of October (bow opener). Hope your as lucky.

bcdave · Dec 30, 2015

Wrecked my shoulder 35 years ago. At the time surgery would nave been major and I was told it was to risky. 30 years of pain. 5 years ago I had a ladder slip on ice and down I went on my shoulder. I got an MRI. It showed two tendons torn. One was 80% torn. I got micro surgery. In and out the same day. After doing nothing for two months and only physio for four months I am retired with no shoulder pain. Still working at building up the muscle. It was definitely worth taking six months off.
Dave

Patsdeere · Dec 30, 2015

I've had dozens (one a month for two years then less frequently) for a brain tumor. First one was horrible. After that I learned a trick. I just fall asleep. It is so easy with a wedge under you knees, a blanket on top and eat plugs in. Though I do have to remember to tell the tech that if I don't respond to not freak, I'm just asleep. Doesn't matter how long it is, just a long nap.

Now the part I really hate is the dye injection. The local place used brand a fire awhile and then switched. Made me sticker than a dog. It was like they flipped a switch with in seconds of it being injected. Complained to the tech who said it is only salt water. I call BULL$#!t. He wouldn't believe me. After having to clean up the room and change his clothes he finally learned.

fixerupper · Dec 30, 2015

Sqweeky that sounds about right. I was reading about the recovery times for several various orthopedic surgeries and the chart I read indicated rotator cuff surgery has a recovery time that is twice as long as the recovery for complete shoulder replacement. The rotator surgery I had took a long time to heal and I thought I would never get my hand up behind my back again, but eventually I was back to normal.

RandyB(MI) · Dec 30, 2015

When I went in for torn cuff/bicept/bone spurs , they told me as I was getting back up (in tears) that that's how they know right away if you actually have a tear. They said if you come out smiling that you are more than likely not needing surgery.

Rollie NE PA · Dec 30, 2015

Tom, I tore my rotator cuff several years ago. I felt it tear and I almost passed out from the pain. I went to the ER and they X rayed it and Dr. said I just pulled the muscle. Two years later and lots of pain I went to the Orthopedic surgeon. He ordered a MRI and the results showed a full thickness tear with retraction, severe muscle athropy and some other things. He said the shoulder could not be repaired. He said a replacement would not really benefit me because of the muscles that turned to fat.
Two years later I have learned to work with the shoulder the way it is and only have minor pain. I can even hammer nails overhead.

My point is don't let your shoulder go. Once the muscle turns to fat you can't get it back

Paul from MI · Dec 30, 2015

Had a couple before a total shoulder replacement a year ago. Replacement was the best idea I ever had, no more pain, only minor loss of motion, and got my strength back. It worked for me.

MRI on my shoulder

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