GRRRRRRRRR I HATE LE..........
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Carol - 5 hours? OMG. I was only in there for about an hour and it just about drove me nuts. 5 hours would be horrible.
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...and not even a potty break! After 3 hours, I had a very painful backache, so they put pain relief through the IV, and something to relax the back muscles. That is what made the final hours tolerable. Never want to do that again, that is for sure.
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I've had 9 MRIs in my lifetime and I would much prefer one to a mammo with LE. I have to get in touch with my BS and see if she will order one and IF SO, if my INS will cover it. Goes to show how different we all are , though I admit 5 hrs sounds ridiculous .
I just hate the fact that someone else ( e.g my BS who was blind to my LE until my ring could no longer fit ) will decide if I dont ' need a mammo' but can get the MRI instead. I suppose I should get used to that for whatever is ahead with gov't healthcare !
GMA
Hang tough- I know that help is on the way for you!0 -
Cinnamon
Have you checked the " ALL THINGS GLOVES AND SLEEVES" thread ? I personally LOVE the Lymphediva sleeves and when ordered, if you specify DB , they come with the silicone. My fitter did take it upon herself to order one without, and the DB is much preferred ( by me )
They have a good exchange policy and great customer service so you can order with confidence.Feel free to PM me if you need more info
or visit
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Cinnamon - my first two custom made sleeves did not stay up. I found this Juzo lotion that really did work. My skin is pretty sensitive but I didn't have reaction to this stuff. I know I ordered it online but I don't remember which site - it could be a nice solution to the sleeve you cannot return. http://www.juzousa.com/Product.aspx?menu1=Stockings&menu2=App+Aids+%26+Accessories&product_class=AC&group_model=9800
Good fitter - I didn't even know the sleeves were supposed to stay up on their own after my first fit. when I learned the sleeves were to be replaced regularyly, I found another fitter. I wasn't real sure she was good but when I got my sleeves I loved the fit and the comfort - now I like her!
Good luck to you - it took a lot of internet research to find my fitter but it was worth the effort.
Diane
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Gma, have you tried the nasal pillow instead of a mask? If not, you might ask about it.
Lots of (((((((hugs!))))))),
Binney0 -
Purple, have you had a breast MRI, I've had several MRI's for my back, neck.... I'm a little claustrophobic so would take an Ativan. When I had my breast MRI, I'd forgotten the ativan and I needed it for that one more than ever. I can't imagine being in there for 5 yours, that was one of the most painful, uncomfortable things I've ever been through, mine took about an hour and a half - I thought I was going to throw up, pass out, cry, I really didn't think I was going to make it through, but it was they only time I could have it before my surgery - the techs were great, they did keep stopping, fanning me, brought me water, which actually helped, but if you move it's all over. With the breast one I swear they suspend you buy your sternum and push your stomach up in to your throat, tell you not to move FOREVER!!!! Carol you are a real hero for making it through.
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Yes. I think the bar down the sternum was less than an inch wide and all of my weight was pressing down on it. I'd just had a biopsy and was sore and swollen from that... miserable. I think if theyd needed me in there for much longer they would have had to sedate me.
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Binney, I'm a mouth breather so they won't even give me that option
. I was thinking nasal pillows with a chin strap, but we shall see. I figured out what was causing my pain in my breast to hurt.. I am swollen and I haven't been wearing the mempad over my scar. When my bra rubs on the scar it flares the pain, but the MLD last night didn't seem to help - I feel like my breast is going to explode... That's what I get when I don't watch what I eat... Think it is time to get back on track and cut out the junk...
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The initial diagnostic MRI was reasonable, about 1.25 hours total. The marathon MRI was for 3 MRI assisted biopsies. One of the biopsies was especially difficult. If I ever had to do another MRI, I would expect it to be simple and short. My experience was surely unusual.
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Purple, have you had a breast MRI, I've...
No. But I have had, among other things, a brain MRI and those are not too spiffy either when they put you in the ' head cage ". I had so many dizzy spells before they DX my low BP ( NCS) I had 2 of the brain MRIs............
All I know is if this LE gets worse on its own, it is what it is. That's upsetting enough. But from this point forward, I cant bear the thought of MAKING it worse ...even if it is through mammo.It was Carol who was there for 5 hrs btw ( not I ) I agree- that is excessive.
I once had 2 MRIs back to back ( cervical spine, then the T spine) and was in almost 3 hrs. That was enough.
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figured out what was causing my pain in my breast to hurt.. I am swollen and I haven't been wearing the mempad over my scar.
YAY!
Figuring it out is half the battle GMA Hopefully you will get back on track soon.I know sticking to the healthy stuff is not always easy, but it can be done ( Ive lost 20 lbs since OCT on WW)
I was salt loading for 10 yrs ( DR advice) and havent touched a saltshaker in 3 mos. either,
I am eating pineapple ( bromelain) and an apple every day too ( quecertin) I figure it cant hurt.
My trouble if the water intake as I am always freeezing. I know, I know, warm, or herbal tea etc ... I'm trying.You hang in - I know this will get better for you !
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Gma - Have you asked your LE-T if you should have a mammo at this time? It worries me, could they get enough info from an ultrasound, then do a mammo if they needed more info?
Purple - I know what you mean about being afraid of the mammo with LE - With a breast MRI you lay on your stomach on this weird contraption that is designed to crush your sternum, and shove anything you have in your stomach up through your teeth! Not sure which would be worse on Gma at this point, the pressure on the sternum might trigger more LE too? My punch biopsy was right next to my sternum, and that triggered a major issue with my LE!
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Linda - I have sternal costochondritis - no way I could handle the MRI you all are talking about. The surgeon's office ordered the mammo and LE T said just do extra MLD today and drink water and do the same right after... The radiology department just called for the pre-registration stuff and offered to delay it, but I have been having issues with my good breast and I think a mammo would ease my mind... They won't do an ultrasound here unless you have a mass or lump to look at.. I will deal and then if it is really bad, I will deal with that too.. It is a hard run, this BC stuff, but I am here to enjoy my grandchildren... so its all good, even through the pain.. Do I believe what I just said at the moment??? No.. but it sounds good..
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a breast MRI you lay on your stomach on this weird contraption that is designed to crush your sternum,
Sounds lovely, Linda ...perhaps I wont ask for one ( grrrr)
GMA
I hope all of it goes well and eases your mind. Dont forget your tylenol!0 -
And remember to reward your self after it is over! I believe we all need a pedicure~~or manicure, or facial or whatever makes you feel good!
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I have been reading all your descriptions of an MRI and it sounds absolutely awful. I can't lie flat on my back for 20 min w/o getting terrible backpain, so this seems bad. It's almost funny to say, but my first reaction was "good that I had BMX so no more painful mammos for me, and even a uS is not necessay acc to the MD radiologist. If there is anything in the skin over the implants, it will be palpable supposedly. I should add that after my first MX, I did a mammo +US once a year, and my second CA was diagnosed not by the mammo but by the US! It was on a spot that the mammo can't reach properly. That was in 2007.so no more mammo squeezes. (Once I met a radiologist who actually suggested doing a mammo on the implant, and I had already visions of a rupture. I told him nothing doing till I talk to my onc. That was the end of that.)
In any case, I really feel for all of you out there having to suffer through either and hope there is a way for you to manage with minimal discomfort /pain.
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actually suggested doing a mammo on the implant, and I had already visions of a rupture. I told him nothing doing till I talk to my onc. That was the end of that.)
I dont blame you dassi!
My sister is 60 yrs old and got silicone implants a LIFETIME ago ( maybe almsot 40 yrs now !) She has never had a mammo and never will...leaving well enough alone.I really don't blame her AT ALL!
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Thanks for the tip, Ohio4me!! I feel better knowing that I am not wasting so much money on a sleeve!! You are all so helpful!! It is something that makes me happy having you all here in a world of stupid surgery side effects.
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Ahhh dassi you arent on your back. You are face down with your boobs hang down through holes in the unpaded table. Your arms are folded above your head.
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Gosh Gma - you have so much on your plate, I'll be praying for you. I'd love to meet you in person, you are quite an inspiration to me. Maybe if I ever get over to Roseburg!
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I finally got my ledbed DVD's! It has been just over 2 weeks, I ordered them right before Christmas expecting to get them between Christmas and New Year. I sent an email last Thursday wondering when they were sent and Sherry sent back saying they were shipped after the first. then she also sent another email saying if I didn't get them by this friday to let them know and they would send another set. I got the Focus on Healing DVD, Focus on Healing through movement and dance and Healthy steps class #1. I will start working on them tonight and try doing some every night. I may even see if the local support group might want to try one at one of the meetings this year.
Sheila
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I did not find the MRI bad. I was however heavy sedated. They had me take an ativan before the appointment and another one 15 minutes before taking me back. I don't remember anything after getting on the table. Funny I don't remember the second MRI either. I had no idea it took that long...wonder what I said or did in the sedated test.
I would say ask for ativan!
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I've always taken ativan for MRI's, but went for my initial surgeons visit 90 miles from home, he scheduled surgery for 5 days away, and wanted to get an MRI that day, as there wouldn't be time in between, plus I would have had to drive back for it, so I said ok - thinking I had a couple ativan in my purse - I didn't!!!! Never doing that again!!!
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I never considered drugs. Should have.
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The first 2 breast MRIs I had were uneventful, but the third!!!!!!!!! Last winter was VERY rainy (a relief after a number of years of serious drought) so in the spring everything was blooming and flowering so nicely - as were my allergies (including asthma). I didn't think about it before the MRI but let me tell you, the compression on my sternum did not do my lungs any good. I came close to pushing the panic button because I was having trouble breathing. When I was taken out, the doc saw immediately that I wasn't doing so well & asked what was happening. I said, "I NEED MY VENTOLIN!". She got the IV out really fast and I RAN to the change room.
Note to self: don't do MRIs in the spring.
Leah
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These MRIs, to image the breast, seem to be so different from one person to another. I don't recall any pressure on the sternum. My biggest issue was that for the biopsy MRI, two of the three lesions they were taking were located near the nipples. To center the nipple area in the MRI's field of vision (that is surely not the technical term!), they needed to have me elevate my torso, using a series of foam wedges. THAT was the killer for me--trunk unnaturally tilted upward, and it absolutely killed my back after a few hours. I think we need to remind ourselves that despite the discomfort, imaging technology is nothing short of a miracle, if you think about it. Leah, I can sure see why that MRI was panic-inducing! How scary!
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If they wanted another breast MRI I'd do it, I suppose, but I certainly wouldn't trade a 3 minute squish for an hour or so (or heaven help us 5 hours) in the iron maiden. But as they say your mileage may vary.
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Re breast MRI: I thought it weird that you had to lay on your tummy with your breasts hanging down in these cup like things. The whole thing was just strange to me. My mother was a singer/musician and I remembered her telling me how the clicks and sounds reminded her of different songs. I did ok until the clicks became more like a jack hammer. The whole experience was just super strange.
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Dawne - Yeah the whole thing was just strange... and I was scared to death anyway, 3 days out from dx...
Now why am I awake now? I could sleep for another 2 hours, but no.... grrrr
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