3 T MRI tomorrow

[monotreme]

Hi all.  Craig just got on the jet to Portland for his 3T spine MRI tomorrow.  This will probably be his last solo trip as his legs are really hurting today.  His denial is starting to wear away and he is getting very afraid of the test.  

He said he feels like there is a gremlin inside of him eating away at his body and there is nothing he can do to stop it.

He really does not like to actually talk about his "condition" but he said he is really hoping they find a pinched nerve and that would be the only problem.  Now this from a man who had seven spine MRI's in 2007 with no pinched nerve in sight.   We are talking major denial here.

He is really just beginning the emotional journey.  He said that Quix, Heather and T-Lynn seem like pros at handling this, but he is very angry and frustrated and feels lost at the moment.   Craig's mother died at the age of 53 from cancer so he was always worried about getting sick at the age of 50 (when his mother did).  So he is now 50 and living out his nightmare.

Thanks everyone and thanks Quix too!!

Elaine

[LLWB]

I do have the brain CD. I looked at it, but it was all Greek to me! I could recognize it was a brain, but that was all. LOL I guess that's why the neuro's get the big bucks. I couldn't find the 4mm lesion that was in the radiologist's summary. I'm going to try to come up with some kind of a timeline before my appt. It's going to be hard, as I've had so many problems for so long. Isn't getting old great....NOT.....I am looking forward to actually being treated like someone with a brain (pun intended). Get some rest, when will Craig fly out?Home for the weekend? Take care, crossing fingers & toes for some results this time for Craig...........Maggie

[monotreme]

Hi Maggie,
  I waited up for craig to call, and his plane landed safely.  thank you for your note.  The next appt with Dr. M is the first friday in April.  He only does the OCT on Mondays and Fridays and it is easier for him to get a Friday off and travel later in the week.  His office asst will call the MRI place and see if they have an opening the day after your appt so hopefully there will be one.

  You will really like Dr. M.  He is as smart as Quix has described him and I really think he can help Craig.  I hope your appt will go well.  Dr. M will look at the brain MRI if you have a cd of it and he does read reports you bring.  He is so thorough and a refreshing change from the previous neuros Craig has been to.

  The time will go fast and April will be here before you know it.  Be careful on the steps in the meantime!!!
Elaine

[LLWB]

I hope Craig had a good flight out, it was really windy here today 50+ winds, but I didn't hear anything about Airport being closed. Is Craig taxi-ing to Hospital and hottel? I see Dr. M April 1, took the 2nd off too in case they could do MRI next day. My 3 1/2hour driving trip not nearly as far as your's is, but I have problems getting off of work. When in April is Craig's appt with Dr. M? It would be awsome if it was 1st or 2nd. I bless Quix every day for her help and support. I would probably give up on finding a cause for my pain except for this forum. My legs have gotten worse. Every time I do my steps it really hurts, and now going down the 14 steps my left leg has started quivering. I'm afraid I'm going to fall, and they are concrete steps!

Once Craig knows what is wrong, then he will start to accept it....be in pinched nerve, MS, or whatever..but NOT crazy. Until a definitive diagnosis, it's so easy to deny to yourself & others that there is a real problem. Been there, done that, burned the T-shirt on the last weine roast we had! Take care of yourself too, Elaine. I know how much strength it takes to support someone who is going through something like this. You too will have a let down once things are resolved. Hugs & prayers, Maggie

[monotreme]

HI T.  CRAIG WON'T SEE DR. M UNTIL APRIL.  THIS TRIP IS JUST FOR THE 3T MRI OF THE CERVICAL AND THORACIC SPINE.  THANKS FOR THE GOOD WISHES AND PRAYERS.  I HOPE THE STORM SETTLES FOR YOU IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE T.

SUZANNE, BELIEVE IT OR NOT, HOPKINS ONLY HAS ONE 3T MRI AND IT IS JUST FOR BRAIN MRI'S.  JEFFERSON IN PHILA ONLY HAS ONE AND IT IS JUST FOR INPATIENTS AND ONLY FOR BRAIN STUDIES.  THERE ARE NONE IN DELAWARE OR NEW JERSEY.  PORTLAND OR HAS THREE.  THE INVESTMENT IN EQUIPMENT MUST NOT BE A PRIORITY HERE.  THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

ELAINE

[young at heart]

I'M PRAYING CRAIG GETS ANSWERS THIS TRIP,I REALLY WISH THEY COULD DO A SPINAL MYELOGRAM TO CHECK FOR NERVE ENTRAPMENT.

ELAINE I CAN RELATE TO THE GREMLIN EATING AWAY FROM THE INSIDE OUT,ONCE THEY FINALLY GOT MY MEDS REGULATED IT HAS BEEN A GOD SENT.

WHEN I GET STRESSED(THE HOUSE FIRE HAS CREATED SOME HAVOC ) I GET TERRIBLE PAIN IN LUMBAR AND BACK AND ITS RELENTLESS AT TIMES.

QUIX HAS REFERRED HIM TO A EXCELLENT DR.

I PRAY CRAIG GETS HIS ANSWERS FOR HIMSELF AND HIS FAMILY.

I PRAY HE HAS HAD A SAFE TRIP,WILL HE SEE THE DR THIS TIME ALSO.

T

[CtResident]

You've been so supportive of me, now I'd like to offer prayers and support to you and Craig as well. But he had to fly clear across the country to get a 3T MRI?! Well, for that time/effort, I hope things turn out alright for him.

I'm just vaguely familiar with the details that you two went out to see Quix. Is this trip today a related thing? Hoping for the very best of news!

Suzanne

[Momzilla]

I know Craig is pinning so much hope on these MRIs.  It feels like so much hangs in the balance.  This awful waiting will end soon, like sage ess says.  He's in the hands of an excellent Quix-picked doctor, and one that is very much interested in getting him diagnosed and well.

Prayers are with you all.  This is the beginning.

Zil*

[essdipity]

I send my very best wishes to you and Craig. I so much hope that everything form here on gets only better. You two and your family deserve it so much. Sometimes denial is good. It gets us through a lot. But that will end, and with it may come a resolution of the awful situation you have been facing so long.

The best of luck.

ess