United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Kath

This was my first experience with this. My mom or
I don't recall any other mri's being done on me nor can we find any documented in progress notes we have tracked down.

When I had a MRI done(we had to insist that this be done) in July, the tech. had me slide my affected arm in this brace looking thing that held it downward towards the table before sliding me in tube. It was very painful. My shoulder always has curved towards the front. I could feel muscles tensing up and I began shaking uncontrollably. The tech. came on over the speaker and said that I would have to remain still. I tried to explain that pushing my shoulder back was causing the "tremors" and he told me to just take deep breathes. This went on for about 2 1/2 hours. Finally, he said he thought he had something to work with. When I got up I about passed out(very lightheaded). They put me in a wheelchair and took me back to where my mom was waiting on me. I was very pail and shaking for about 1/2 hour. I waited about a week for neuro. to let me know results. I finally called. He said they found "Nothing Serious" and that he had done all he could for me as he was just taught the "BASICS". This was after I told him I had I lost employment/insurance. Kath, I really feel I/my mom was brushed off as child concerning this injury. I am trying to connect the dots so to speak. The pain came out of no where in my lower back/hip area then had it shooting pains up leg from my right foot after picking up a case of green beans(50#), right neck/shoulder muscles tensed up, started having reaction to cold and has been spiraling downward. The neuro. I mentioned, of course said when I brought up my birth injury-it has nothing to do with that- THAT'S AN OLD INJURY!!!

I refuse to let it "brushed off" any longer. I now have a doctor who is willing work with me to try to reverse the damage it seems I have done to my body the last 32 yrs. He is no specialists, but he he is not charging me. That in it self is a MAJOR BLESSING" right now. Nancy sent me some back issues of Outreach. I am going to take them with me Monday(appt.) So far you guys are "top notch" for info. Thanks doesn't seem to be enough!!! God Bless.

Tracy

Tracy
You keep pushing for information.
I want to remind you to get copies of all films.
When you have a test done call and ask for a copy of the resport.

I had my films from an open cervical neck MRI and it was a good thing because the radiologist never noted the bright white spot in my spinal cord and the doctors were at first concerned it was a cycst or tumor... until they had the bpi MRI films.
I took a copy of my films with me and they were able to see it and see it was exactly the same 5 years before.
It is a long hard road for adults to document our injury and to get disability from SSA but you can do it.

I am so glad we can help you.
Kath

I will Kath. I did have the neuro. send his report(also had mri of lower back and head) to my G.P. How do I get copies of films? Just call and request them? I sure don't want to wait 30 years and have them destroyed, too!! So much to learn!! But I have the time.

p.s. I read something you wrote in issue #11 "what I lost, what I gained(twice as many things--so true!!!)" that really helped through a tough week! You are one special lady. Just thought you should know!!!!!

Tracy

Thank You Tracy.
I wrote that after a parent asked what I had lost... it was a post on our old message board.
I had never really thought about any losses before then.
It helped me to write it and then count my blessings.

Call the place where you had the MRI and ask for copies of your films... for a second opinion.

Kath