MRI flow study scheduled

[linnielou232]

Just got back from the NS and had a good conversation with him withthe concern of something still being wrong.  He reassured be it is probably due to how many surgeries I had in such a short time.  I said my concern of rapid heart pulsation and very very frequent urination.  He showed concerned of maybe tethered cord, so he did order a full spine MRI.  I just didn't expect it to take 2 day's.  They said I will be in the machine for at least 2 to 4 hrs at a time.  I didn't realize this.  He is doing an upper of brain and neck.  then lumbar and throaic.  Just happy he listened to me and my flustration's.  I also started on a fentalol patch that should keep med's in symtem at a more even level and also won't have to injest the med's.  It's a patch.  So I'm anxious to see if this will work.  I was just happy with my visit and wanted to share.  There is hope.  At least like I stated to the dr.  if every thing is o.k. than I have to except it is still the healing process if not the problem can be resolved.  1st MRI on 21 2nd one on 23 find out the result on the 28th.  Also happy to hear all this will be done before 1st of year because of insurance reason's.   Hope all had a good day.  

[selmaS]

  I am not sure I understand ur question, are u asking if post op if u can develop spina bifida?

If so, no...spina bifida is a development issue that happens while an infant inutero.....it is where an opening of the spine does not close....

  The bladder issues, that u may have if  they are tethered cord are more closely related to spina bifida, but again are not, but do cause many of the bladder and bowel issues, and the spine being tethered pull down on the brain stem.

  "selma"

[sandy629]

  omg  sexybear  ive been complaining of the same area since my surgery  3 1/2  yrs ago. ive had problems with my lower back for years but now it's unbearable.  the doc is sending me for an mri on my lower bac on monday,  it's funny you should mention urinating alot, i thought it was my sugar,  i use to pee once a day small amount now omg ( sorry for beeing blunt )  i love this web site !!!  i don't feel like an idiot anymore   my question to anybody is  chairi is a sign of spina bifada  after surgery can it cause it ?

[selmaS]

  The sacral dimple is an outward sign that u would have tethered cord....the urodynamics test is one they will do after they have u do a record catch....u have to record and measure  ur output for a 24 hr period....depending on the amount u put out in a time frame will give the Dr an indication if the urodynamics test is next after that point, so u will want to tell ur Dr about ur bladder issues and see where he/she goes from there.

    "selma"

[linnielou232]

Thanks so much for the love and support, and yes that is all we want is answer's.  As I told my dr. if the MRI comes back o.k. then I will have to except that I am still in the healing process.  I feel as you do.  You want it fixed yesterday LOL..... So this will be my gift this Chistmas.  Just to have reasurrance.  I'm having the same issues as you as far as the back.  I have to say I was demanding when it came to the CINE MRI  Selma gives us so much good info and I'm so grateful to have her for direction and for question's.  You have your appt the 1st of the year.  I suggest you start a question list so you can have it ready for your visit.  This has helped me so much through all of this.  Then you won't forget why you are going and you will get the answer's you need.  I wish you the best also.  I know this isn't an easy process for any of us.  Have a good day.

[Sexybare]

Linnielou232- i wish you luck. Youve been thru enough my dear. Im just glad you are on your way to finding more answers...again.

[Sexybare]

I myself am tryin to get in for a full spinr mri. Seeing ibe never had it. Not even pre op. And im having lots of back pain. Both lower where my scoliosis is theres like a fatty cyst thimg that moves around in this area and my mid to upprr back is hurting me to. Never bothered me before surgery. Only in shoulder blade area and up. But i have to wait i guess til jan. On the 3rd i ho to my pcp. On the 4th i go meet my new nl. Im ready now. Any advice on how to go about the new nl app?! I dont want to be too demamdin!

[linnielou232]

O.K. I have to write this one down.  Do I ask about this urodynamic test before my MRI?  just want to make sure I ask the right question's.  also sacral dimple?  do I ask the person who is doing the test or the Dr.  Thanks for your info.  IT"S so helpful...

[selmaS]

  Another FYI- TC does not always show on a MRI and that is y it is many times referred to as Occulta Tethered Cord...Occulta meaning hidden......

They should look for a sacral dimple, do a urodynamics test to check the muscles of the bladder, and look at the length of the brain stem....as I said not all TC show on a MRI....

  Good luck and do keep me posted

     "selma"

[linnielou232]

Thanks for the warning.  Didn't know this one.  Just want some relief you know.  I'm just grateful my dr actually sat with us for a long time and listened to my flustartion, and concern.  He did state that frequent urination is a sign of tethered cord, but said if it is it will show on the MRI.  They stated it will take 2 day's for MRI's  because it is to much for 1 day.   Will keep you updated.  Thanks again for the info and support.  It sure help's in day's when trying to find answer's.  

[selmaS]

  I am happy u got ur MRI's ordered and 2 days is not long to wait...

FYI- the FENTANYL patch can cause breathing issues...it is one of the side effects that most tend to have an issue with....be advised.

Good luck on all u r having done, keep us posted : )

   "selma"