Discussion: Good luck!

When I was suffering with intolerable lower back pain in my 30's, I was told never to get an MRI, because it showed way too many problems...that were just 'red-herrings.' That is, not the basis for my pain. But with your medical experience, you should be able to sort out the BS better than most.

Fortunately in those days, my company was changing my work locations a great deal. And I was never in one place long enough for a surgeon to carry out his nefarious plans! So my back remained 'scalpel-naive.' I eventually landed at MGH and the back doc there put me into a PT program that took six months, but cured the pain. And I've never looked back. Good luck!

Hope you get clear insight into your issues and a plan to resolve them. Best wishes!

Best wishes from me, too. I'll be interested to hear how this all turns out, and hope you will be back in action ere long.

Thanks for the good wishes! The MRI was an experience in warding off claustrophobia in that o-so-small tube. It didn't help that I was relatively overdressed. I got to feeling too hot and, of course, was unable to do anything but "grin and bear it" which is contrary to my personality type (leap tall buildings in an effort to remove the shirt kind of thing). There was an itch that needed scratching, too. The clanking noises were one ok distraction. A second MRI (thoracic) is scheduled for Wed.

MRIs are certainly a weird experience. I've had a bunch of them, so at least I know what to expect.

I’ve had the lot - mri, ct, pet, radiation. Fortunately not claustrophobic. Found all rather relaxing and fell asleep.

Your results are scary! Hope they can isolate a cause. Good luck with it.

Yes, spooky, and from where. Falling asleep is certainly the best approach. Indeed it is mind over matter.

Best wishes. Hope it can be addressed and fixed.
(When I had my lumbar MRI, they offered to play relaxing music: I opted for soft Hawaiian songs - but there was a subtle steady rhythm, to which I naturally tapped my toe - that messed it all up, and I had to go in for a second round promising no toe-tapping.)

Interesting. How could one have guessed that tapping a toe would tip the balance. I would have benefited from more info before the scan started. I asked about NPR, sort of kiddingly. No offer of music was made. I have a second chance, a new area - so moving on, thankfully.