Hip Arthrogram, MRI

Yesterday I had the second Hip Arthrogram, MR. You can read about my nightmare experience the first time here.

I won't lie to you, it was bad...maybe I shouldn't say bad, but painful. The experience however, was pleasant. I was surrounded by caring and competent personel and the little things like blankets and pillows and the tech who would pat my feet when I grimmaced to be sure I was ok.

What you should expect, bring and need to know:
First, it's going to take longer than you think. Both times about 3.5 hours.

Wear or bring socks because it is freezing cold in the MRI machine and you will be there about 30 minutes twice.

Bring earplugs in case they don't supply them...the MRI machine sounds like a concrete driller right in your ears.

Bring a book, there's a lot of waiting around.

Take something to calm your nerves if it's possible (or you think you'll need it).

Have someone drive you home. Even if you feel capable, which I doubt, your nerves will be so shot and you'll be so exhausted from answering questions and being rolled around like a lab rat you won't be able to concentrate. Both times my leg was really numb, sore and stiff for a few hours afterwards.

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Now, how does it feel? What do they do? Oh, and by the way...when your doctor sets up this appointment, I would suggest asking if they can please have you go to a hospital. Radiology offices just don't offer the same level of care in my opinion.

You check in, answer lots of questions re what medications you're on, allergies, etc. If you're having a pain test, they will ask you what your level of pain is at that moment, mine was a two. (I chose to not intentionally aggravate my hip before the procedure. I didn't really see the point of making matters worse. After the lidocane, I swung it around like a karate kid and enjoyed the fleeting moments of pain free as a test...more on that later).

So, you'll change into a gown and remove pants and underwear, but still be able to keep shirt, bra on. The best part is you get a little hand towel to wrap between your legs like a sumo wrestler...I guess so your "privates" are covered somewhat. The tech will tell you what to expect and ask more questions then when all is ready they call the doctor in to start the show...if the tech does not tell you what to expect ask! You need to know and you need to tell them if you are afraid. And when the doctor comes in you need to ask him/her to explain what will happen next. More on that coming up...

The actual injection period lasts about 90 seconds or so. First the doctor finds the spot to inject and marks it. A darn right miserable place to get an injection. Best I can describe, if you imagine a modest bikini line, about an inch and a half below that, just a little inside the middle of the front of the leg.

They sterilize the area and give you a little shot of lidocane first and give it a minute to numb the area. This feels like a typical shot...then they push the needle a little deeper and it hurts moderately. Wait a few secs then go deeper...hurts more...they watch this all on x-ray to keep their bearings and if you're lucky(or not) you can watch too. Finally, they have to push through...he used the phrase pop into the final joint space and this hurts like a *******!!! But it's over in a sec and then they release the dye. I found having the doctor tell me before each push what to expect helped immensely. The first guy never spoke a word, so I never knew when the misery would end. I'm not sure this one hurt any less, but I was less anxious and fearful and that does make a difference in your pain level.

Oh, I forgot to add...before the injections you get one round of MRI...then you go back and do it again with the dye...immediately after the injection start testing the pain because the lidocane wears off quick. I hopped off the table and did squats, kicks, stretches and what not...no pain, not even a pinch!! Although oddly, I had this kind of phantom pain...like physically I didn't feel it, but my mind was so accustomed to preparing for it...it would say that hurts! But it didn't...very odd.

Anyway, once the second MRI has been done you go home! When I get the results I will share them.

take care,

Vanessa