Mri

[david walker]

I'm going for a follow up visit at the VA for an MRI of my C-spine. Since that MRI is was granted 10% for DDD of the Lumbar spine. I have never had an MRI of the lumbar spine. If I ask for an MRI of the lumbar spine do you think they will do it. I know I have some serious problems due to the lower back and leg pain. I just don't know how they will react to my asking, I've always hated to ask for anything. MRI's are expensive and I don't want to pay my civilian doctor for it. Thanks

[Mike Soumis]

David,

If you have a primary care team and doc at the VA it can't hurt to speak with them about this and ask that they put in a request for a MRI and consult on your problem.

My VA shrink put in the request for an MRI on my neck and right shoulder, which was done at St. Pete VA within one month of the request, so I know it can be accomplished.

Good luck,

carlie

I've had 3 MRI's, head, left elbow, spinal area between the shoulders and nothing out of the usual was found. Dr. reports state that this isn't unusual to not find something wrong. Still I have serious neurological damage in my shoulders and arms. What I'm trying to say is, even though nothing showed up on the MRI, the damage is still there. Don't let anyone tell you nothing is wrong because it didn't show up on the MRI.

[Sean]

David,

I too have SC for DDD which is only 10%. I went to my Primary Care guy at the VA at kept complaining everytime I went in my back still hurts. I finally got a CT-scan, then results of that showed two herniated discs, Spina Bifida as well as the severity of the DDD...virtually no disc left at all. After that, withing two weeks I had a MRI ordered for me by the VA, so it can be done, just keep at it. Infact, I have to go see the osteo-specialist in Seattle in two months, but I already did my NOD. Persistance is the key to the VA. Good Luck,

Sean