MRI think not!

I've spent recent days going back and forth with my primary care doc about imaging options to get a better look at the compressed vertebrae in my neck. Last Friday, I went in for my first MRI experience. Y'all... that imaging tube was waaaaay smaller than it appeared in pics, and totally triggered my claustrophobia. And so the sweet tech rolled me right back outta there before I totally lost it. I've never had an MRI before, despite 27 years of cervical spine issues. I call these things "flareups", which involve pinched nerves causing painful muscle spasms, numbness, tingling and general aching in the affected shoulder/arms. I kid you not - earlier this summer it dawned on me I haven't had any serious neck issues since 2008, and I was thinking to myself what a blessing it has been. 

Sure enough, 'ol scratch said hang on there, sis, let's tune up the pain in your neck to make you eat those words of thankfulness to the Almighty Lord. Because the devil doesn't want me praising God for His provision. Oh no, satan wants me on my knees in pain, shaking a fist at the Great Physician and asking Him why. The devil is a wily one, to be sure, but my One True God is greater than any of that snake's schemes to undermine my faith. 

When my primary doc plus the referred sports medicine/pain management physician ordered this imaging, I didn't dwell on the possibility that I might have issues with a standard MRI. After considering more of the traditional MRI tube scenarios that involve varying degrees of sedation, I looked at other options and found the seated MRI. And honestly, I think that sounds like a fabulous choice for a couple different reasons. First of all, the pain is more intense when I'm seated and so I think getting a good view of my spine in that position will be more helpful for my docs to see what's happening now, as well as provide a baseline for future flareups. The other positive to the seated MRI, other than me not feeling like I'm being suffocated in a cave, is that I can be distracted by watching TV. Annnnd maybe taking a Xanax before the appointment, just for good measure. Whatever it takes, y'all. I'm praying this seated option will work and my docs can get the imaging they need to provide the best approaches going forward. Because I've gotta get back to the lake to see how our boathouse updates are progressing.

Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. He sent out His word and healed them; He rescued them from the grave. Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind.

Psalms 107:19-21