i seriously would really try and put aside any real fears you have with the MRI and get this done. it really IS the only way to really see 'into" all the areas of that spine that could be producing your symptoms. i have managed myself to get thru 17 MRIs, yes 17 on various body areas with most done on my c spine or the rest of my spine for many diifferent reasons. i just keep my eyes shut during the whole thing and go off to my 'happy place' during the actual scan. and if you really need to, just ask your referring doc for a bit of valium? this just helps with any possible anxiety and also really relaxes you too during the whole thing. it really does not take all that long to do even the whloe spine. you could also probabley find the open sided MRI somewhere close by since they have become pretty popular these days too. but i would jump at this if i were you jay. you just need the spine clearly scanned and looked into at this point in order to get the best possible treatment and answers right now. ya just have to keep thinking of the much bigger picture in all this. finding the reason(s) for what you have as symptoms. just make cetrtain they do this with a contrasting agent in order to best highlight all areas that do not always show as well without it being used. it helps.
believe me jay, if i can get thru 17 seperate MRIs, you CAN get thru this one. just put the things into place i mentioned above. this is what has helped me the most with this type of testing. this one scan will go wayyy deeper than a mere x ray ever possibly could, and that IS just what you need right now hon. good luck and ask your doc about the valium, it really helps me tons. as usual please keep me posted, FB
