The radiologist talked me through the procedure and asked whether or not I wanted to have local anaesthetic (What?! I thought it was always done with anaesthetic!). He said that local anaesthetic requires a series of injections, each getting deeper, whereas without there would be one injection straight to the joint and it would be over more quickly. He said most people find this tolerable but it’s my choice whether to have it or not.
I’m not usually too bothered about needles, but my stomach churned at the prospect of having one in my hip joint without anaesthetic. However, I trusted the radiologist and decided to go for the quick anaesthetic-free option.
I lay on the bed as the injection fluid was prepared at a table beside me. My heart was thumping. After a few minutes, I was cleaned and then told I would feel a scratch. The needle was pushed in quickly and fully, which made me shout out... more through surprise than pain. It certainly was painful and very uncomfortable, but not excruciating like some people would have you believe. The needle stayed in for a while and was aligned using x-ray. The contrast fluid was injected and the needle removed (I didn’t enjoy the removal much either).
The needle is injected in the front near the groin area, not the side. Here’s a picture of me showing where the injection took place (I’ve covered my man parts so as not to scare readers).
After the injection I was put in a wheelchair and wheeled through the hospital for the MRI scan. As I had the scan (which is completely painless) my hip was good. It felt a little strange and numb but nothing notable. After 30 or so minutes of banging and clunking, the scan was complete and I was allowed to go home.
After the appointment
I walked along the car park and all seemed well, until one movement made my hip hurt a lot, but it was a new sensation and not like the usual catching pain. In the car on the way home I was fine for 95% of time, but would occasionally get bursts of pain and discomfort (I'm glad I didn't drive). By the time we reached our destination about 90 minutes later, movement was pretty uncomfortable and it hurt to walk. Things were fine as long as I didn’t move, so I sat in a chair until some painkillers kicked in.
I wasn’t able to walk normally up stairs that night. I had to use my left (good) leg to lead up each step and a walking stick for balance. I didn’t have any pain during the night and I woke feeling good and agile. It still felt a little strange that day but I could walk around just fine. Today, 2 days on, it’s as though I never had it. All I have to show for it is a tiny red dot.
My experience of the MRI Arthrogram is that it’s nothing to fear. Yes, it hurts and makes you feel uncomfortable, but is it as bad as some people make out? No, not for me anyway. If you’ve had one of these yourself, please post a comment to let others know about your experience.
Posts
Glad to find your blog. I just had the MRI arthogram a few hours ago. I was nervous and almost chickened out, but after ten minutes of waffling, I went ahead and did it. What made me nervous was the thought of having dye injected and for being stuck in the MRI machine for an hour. Here's my experience, which I also posted on another hip blog:
ReplyDeleteHi, it's 11/6/09, and I just had this procedure done on my right hip a couple hours ago. I didn't have any sedative (e.g., Valium) for the MRI part. I arrived at the facility at 1 pm. and left at 4 pm, after which I went to work, picked up my kids from school, got gas, picked up my husband, and then went out to dinner. By 6 pm (3.5 hours after the dye injection), my hip was stiffening up -- I guess the anesthesia wore off -- but I still drove around and got home at 7:30 pm. The dye injection wasn't as bad as I was expecting. A little pinch from the surface anesthetic but after that I didn't really feel anything except for the sensation of liquid going into the joint. The anticipation was definitely a lot worse than the actual procedure. I also had no problem with staining of underclothes from the disinfectant as they had me remove everything and just covered everything except for the injection site which was in the bikini crease on the top of the hip. They then wheeled me over to the MRI area, which was what I was nervous about. I was in the MRI machine a little over an hour, and I was fully in the machine, although I went in feet first so my head was near the opening. If I looked up, I could see the ceiling, which helped with feeling closed in. I tried to breathe slowly and evenly, and I think in parts I fell asleep. I pretended I was on an airplane where when you get bored, you sleep. In the middle I had a coughing fit, so they had to stop and then redo one of the pictures. I don't know how sore I'll be, but right now, a few hours after the procedure, I feel really stiff. I couldn't unzip my boots when I got home. I think I'll ice the area and see if that helps.
Hello, Paul. Thank you for your blog, which I happened to stumble onto just a couple of hours or so before having to go to the hospital to have an MRI arthrogram, to be injected in the hip with dye before being entombed in an MRI tunnel for a while, much like you.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Fred, and, at 62, I guess I am twice your age, and I live in Massachusetts, New England, USA. I have moderate arthritis in both hips, but the particular pain symptoms in my left hip have caused my orthopedic surgeon to suspect a labral tear as a possible cause. Since a tear in the labrum doesn't show up in "regular" X-rays, it was off to the hospital today to have an MRI of my hip, with the added "enhancement" ({g}) of a contrast dye injection.
At this point, as I write this, I am back home from the hospital, having had a procedure, and an experience, basically similar to yours, but not identical. Since I have learned and have benefited from looking over your blog (somewhat cursorily so far, due to lack of time at that point) before heading off for my own MRI arthrogram, I thought I would offer my own thoughts and experiences as comments to your blog.
Like you, I was not overly pleased with having to have a needle stuck into my hip joint. Everyone at the hospital was both friendly and professional at the same time, so I did gain some confidence before the actual dye injection started. One difference between your experience and mine was that I was not given a choice about using a local anesthetic or not - lidocaine was going to be employed to help make the needle insertion more "pleasant" ({g}), ~and~ lidocaine was also going to be injected, along with the gadolinium dye, into my hip joint.
Considering that you later had to have a "hip block" procedure, to see if the pain was internal to your hip or external, I guess my combination dye-and-lidocaine injection may end up doing "double duty" in contrast (no pun intended). In any event, my hip felt quite good shortly after the injection, and also after the MRI, and is only now (a few hours later) starting to feel a bit "angry" again - therefore, my assumption is that my hip pain must be internal and not external to the hip joint itself. I should note that the radiologist who performed the injection did emphasize that I should make sure my orthopedic surgeon hears from me about the effect of the lidocaine on my hip pain after the injection.
I do have to say that the procedure I had today (which did use lidocaine to make it more "comfortable") was not too bad, all things considered. Much of the time I felt no worse than merely a bit uncomfortable (if moderately uneasy). There were two occasions when I did feel a painful jab - however, in both cases the pain was actually less than the surprise - I think uttered a not-too-loud "Oooh" each time, but never any loud "OW!", and certainly not any curses of any sort at any time - {g}.
I should mention that I had three X-rays taken of the hip just before the procedure, and three identical X-rays taken immediately afterward, and that the actual injection procedure took place while the radiologist watched on a fluoroscope, guiding the needle penetrating my innards. (Upon asking the doctor, near the end of the procedure, I did get a chance to see the image on the fluoroscope, which was kind of fun (perhaps in a macabre sort of way - {g}.)
I will probably not know for a few days yet about the results from my MRI arthrogram, but I will report what I find out as comments on your blog (possibly on another, more relevant page).
I should also mention that I am to receive an injection or cortisone six days from now (using essentially the same procedure as today's), and I will report on that also.
[Fred]
Hi, when i had mine done on my left hip i was asked after the mri from 0 - 10 what was my pain scale, mine was 0 no pain in my hip joint but before the procedure i was in a lot of pain, 6 days after i have had it done my pain is about 4 -5 when it was 10 before the procedure.
ReplyDeleteAnyone else noticed a pain reduction.
I just had mine done 2 days ago amd oddly enough, I feel like Im now having less hip pain.
DeleteI had an arthrogram done yesterday and my pain level is way down. The way I feel now makes the pain of the procedure totally worth it, even if this is just a welcome "side effect".
DeleteHello again, Paul, and hello, Ninette.
ReplyDeleteThis is Fred again (despite the "anonymous" billing), and I am writing this follow-up comment, appending to my first comment from about a month ago. (I am 62 and live in Massachusetts, New England, USA.)
I have received the results of the MRI testing, and I have also had an injection of cortisone (which involved virtually the identical procedure as the MRI contrast injection, and which felt nearly identical at the time, as well).
Previously I had said, "I have moderate arthritis in both hips, but the particular pain symptoms in my left hip have caused my orthopedic surgeon to suspect a labral tear as a possible cause."
However, the MRI shows that my left hip (the one in question) has "severe osteoarthritic changes", "superior joint space narrowing" ["superior" referring to location, and not to "quality" - {g}], "diffuse cartilage irregularity and thinning", and "along the lateral and posterior aspect of the acetabulum, subchondral cystic changes".
As far as the possibility of a labral tear goes, "there is no discrete linear tear in the labrum, but the portion of the labrum adjacent to the acetabular cystic changes is degenerated."
So, I "just" have severe arthritis, that's all ({g}) - no labral tear. Therefore, hip replacement will be the likely outcome, I guess. (Not only do "regular" X-rays not adequately show labral tears, they also do not fully show arthritic changes in certain locations - the bones of the hip do hide parts of the joint from sight, parts that can the show up on "3-D" MRI imaging.)
I did have that cortisone injection six days after the MRI contrast injection, and the effects of that have been remarkable. The positive effects did not appear immediately (and, in fact, on the day after the injection, I was somewhat uncomfortable). However, since then (and it has been four weeks since the cortisone was injected), I have been virtually pain-free on most days. It does seem as if I can still bring about rather sharp pain when doing certain "abusive" things with/to my hip, but, when I am able to just do "normal" things (e.g., walking on relatively smooth surfaces, standing, sitting, etc.), I manage to feel almost no pain - even the more-or-less constant "background rawness" that I used to feel after walking is essentially gone.
One positive outcome of the cortisone injection is diagnostic - it would certainly seem as if there is no external (as in outside of the hip joint itself) cause of my hip pain.
However, I do know that the cortisone's positive effects will sooner or later wear off, that I am unlikely to be given repeated injections of cortisone, and that cortisone is not a cure but only a temporary treatment. Therefore, I am probably going to end up being "treated" to an artificial hip sometime in the future.
So, despite the fact that the direction of my own diagnosis has veered off from Paul's, I just wanted to add this update to my original comment on his blog.
I do wish everyone experiencing hip pain to obtain an accurate diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment. Carry on then...
[Fred]
Hi Fred,
DeleteI am going to go thru the same process as you on Feb 8th with the only difference being that I will get the cortisone as the same time as the contrast imaging. I also felt that I would go for the hip replacement if that is what is called for after the cortisone wears off. Now I am wondering if stem cell isn't the way to go before going for the hip replacement. Have you looked into this option? I hear that it works very well on knees but the hip improves but not quite as well.
Hi there.
ReplyDeleteI am having a hip arthogram Dec. 1st. I am going to my doc. on Monday to have an EKG so she can give my doc clearance to do it. My orthopedic surgeon is performing the test. I had a cortisone shot, etc. by a radiologist three weeks ago and it did nothing. I am also on Relefen for the pain and it does nothing. I am walking on a cane. I feel the pain in my groin, alongside the thigh, in and around my knee and sometimes goes down my shin and into my ankle. I have had my right hip replacement due to severe arthritis. I went to my ortho last week and he said I have moderate arthritis in my left hip according to the x-ray. But I am walking with a cane and I can't sit long and driving is nuts! It feels like when my other hip went.
My doctor told me he is giving me anesthesia and that is why I have to have clearance from my doctor. I had this test before I had my right hip replaced 3 years ago. That's how they diagnosed the labral tear but I had such severe arthritis he decided to just replace the hip. So, I will know sometime after Dec. 1st what the future holds as far as my hip. All I know it is pretty painful and the more I walk around, the worse it feels.
Hi, I'm a 31 year old female & had DDH "clicky hips" when I was born. Over the last two months I have had very bad hip pain, mainly on the left hip, when I walk quickly I limp, I have had an arthrogram and MRI yesterday & I am in more pain than I have ever been in. I can not do anything without having shooting pains in my hip. I am on strong painkillers & these are doing nothing & I have actually been sick with the pain. Could someone please tell me if this is normal & if it will pass soon? I really can't stand the thought of this any longer!!!
ReplyDeleteHi sarah,
DeleteI had mr arthrogram in Monday and it's Sunday no improvement! What happened for you after your mr arthrogram! Results were negative for hip related pathology but now I'm limping
Hi I had the same procedure this morning. I thought it was painful, not the needle as much when it first entered but midway through. The pressure and pain hit like a ton of bricks. Shot down my leg into my knee and around from my groin to my butt cheek then down the back of my leg. I'm glad they tapes my feet down or I would have jumped up. I had to drive 40 minutes home after and should not have. My right leg is throbbing like a bad toothache. I took 4 ibprophen when I got home. They talked like I would feel ok after, I'm worried something went wrong.
DeleteDid the pain ever go away. I had mine yesterday and I have the same exact pain you described. I'm worried about an infection or something
DeleteDid *your* pain ever go away? I'm going through this situation now. I got injected on Thursday. It's Sunday now and I'm in a great deal of localized pressure like pain around my joint. It aches when I walk. This is different then the pain I went in with.
DeleteHi, I'm a 31 year old female from Bristol, UK. I just had the MRI arthrogram a few days ago, as I have suspected Femero-acetabular Impingement (FAI) with labral tear. Here's my experience...
ReplyDeleteI was nervous about going into the MRI, so I got some valium from my doctor. When I was getting the dye injection, I was given local anaesthetic injections in the skin, which really didn't hurt at all. It just felt like a slight scratch. When the dye was going in, I did feel a sensation like my hip was being filled with something but it definitely wasn't that painful. After about an hour in the MRI machine I was allowed to go, but there was no way I could have driven. My hip was quite stiff and numb. The anaesthetic wore off after about 6 hours and my hip got quite achey, but I'm pretty used to that already! It has now been three days and my hip is still stiff. I can walk about as normal and don't have any pain, just stiffness.
My advice to anyone having this procedure done is: Don't worry about it. It was no where near as bad as I thought. Just ask for the local anaesthetic and ask to have anaesthetic mixed in with the dye that goes into your hip.
I hope this helps.
I JUST returned from my hip arthrogram (FAI, Labral tears). Literally, had it done 3 and 2 hours ago. Thats right, they did it TWICE because the first time the dye didn't get in the joint. Now, I have an extreme fear of needles, and didn't realize until the night before this was a huge needle going right into a rather delicate place. I completely freaked out and asked MRI for valium or small sedative just to get me through the ordeal. He said they couldn't do that and i'd have to ask my doctor- well the doctor was out off office and wouldn't be back in until the next morning. So i self treated with 3 clozapram. They barely took the edge off, I will in tears and hyperventilating the whole time. Then he said ok we can give it to you as long as you hadn't eaten anything- i had an apple b/c i asked and they said it was OK!After the first procedure failed the doctor DID give me a calming drug. Jerk- why didn't he give it to me in the first place. As far as the pain, its not bad, but that wasn't my issue, I'm terrified of needles. Now 1 hour later my hip is much worse then it was before, very stiff and painful. Nurse said should wear off in 1 or 2 days and then the painkiller will start working and i should see pain relief. Well since it only hurts when i run 3+ miles and i'm on 0 pain now, not quite sure how to know if its reducing pain. ( I also have osteitis pubis which precludes running to make hips hurt). I wish doctors would actually take patients on a case by case basis and see what makes sense for them instead of a one size fits all approach. I'm limping now and pain 2-3 on scale. Before i was not limping and 0 pain, but got to keep my eye on the ball...6 mile runs every days, triathlons, and backcountry trekking adventures! :)
ReplyDeleteI know this post if from over a year ago but I was wondering how things worked out for you ecogirl2206? I just had this procedure done three days ago and for some reason my hip, which had 0 pain before the procedure, is now impairing my running schedule. I ran 16 miles the day before the procedure and I couldn't finish a 4 miler yesterday. It doesn't just hurt it feels like something is blocking in there (more than normal) despite my stretching and mobilization efforts. It is very discouraging since I am training for a marathon at the end of summer. :(
DeleteHoping for good news and a light at the end of the tunnel.
i am really nervous for my first ever MRI scan! i am only fifteen and training as a professional ballet dancer. i have been having hip pains for a while and the doctor suspects a labrum tear too. i am really terrified at the thought of having so many jabs i cried so much. my friend recently did hers too and she did not have to inject ink i don't understand why i have to. anyone has any advice?
ReplyDeleteI'll add my experience here too :) I'm 38yo and have had on and off hip pain for 2 years. I call my pains "epiodic." They come and go and about a year ago were coming more than they were going, so I sought out an ortho after chiropractic care. What I experience is sharp catching, which causes my hip to buckle. This is the start of the epsiode which can last a week with catching and dull pain. That was in my left hip and I was diagnosed with hip flexor strain and snapping hip syndrome, sent to PT for a month with Lodine. For the month of PT, I didn't have episodes. Last week, I went camping with my daughter and on the last day, experienced catching in the right hip. I went to another ortho (who took my insurance), expecting to go to PT again. He diagnosed me with hip dysplasia and I had my MR Arthogram yesterday to check for labral tear(s). No results yet.
ReplyDeleteI was very apprehensive about the arthogram. I didn't think I could tolerate my head in the tube. My ortho gave me diazepam, which I didn't take because I went to look at the machine prior and was told my head would be out or halfway out...lie. Anyway, the injection was awful. It was freezing in the room and on the slab. My body was shaking. Never thought I would have to use my birth breathing again! The first doc just wasn't getting it. The second one got it immediately and it was hard for him to push the cortisone in at the end because of the swelling. I made sure I got his name if I ever have to do that again! I made them get my husband who had my med because I was still shaking. The Valium definitely took the edge off for the MRI. The shaking subsided and I was ok in the tube. The loudness didn't bother me. I was knowing I was in the dark with the tube above me that wigged me out. I closed my eyes before they got me in. I'm still hobbling around. It took me twice as long to do my errands this morning because of the soreness. Now I wait to see my ortho for the results.
Hope this helps someone!
"I’ve covered my man parts so as not to scare readers"
ReplyDeleteMr. Paul the blog man, you have made my day, hilarious. I too am the lucky owner of a right hip labral tear.
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"I had to use my left (good) leg to lead up each step"
Oh the joy of the left leg lead~
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So even with local anesthetic I was pinching my neck to distract the odd awkward feeling in my hip. I had shit-my-leg-is-about-to-spasm moments as waves of slight contraction ran down to my toes. Later when trying to get off the table-bed my right leg gave. The numbing sensation took over, my right knee felt like it was never going to stop expanding. I try to walk but my leg wouldn't let me, it felt heavy and awkward. I was assisted to a bed. I began touching the numb leg. I could hardly feel my inner thigh, knee and calf. The same sort of feeling you get at a dentist but at a larger scale. I was helped into the MRI scan. Afterward I was assisted back to a bed until sensation came back.
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I had my MRI Arthrogram last week, there is still bruising and swelling in the injected area, and I still have some mild pain while walking. No elliptical or biking just yet :(
I had an MRI arhtrogram a few years ago. I found it fascinating and asked questions as they explained the procedure. Seeing how interested I was, they asked me if I wanted to watch on the monitor while they guided the needle along the hip bone. Absolutely, I did! It was just so amazing to watch that and then to see the dye injected. I drove myself to and from the procedure; no problems.
ReplyDeleteI am about to have my MRI athrogram tomorrow. my concerns are many. 1) can i drive myself home after, as I live an hour and a half away. 2) Will there be much pain, bearing in mind that I have a high tolerance for pain but a low tolerance for bullshit. 3) What on earth did I agree to do??
ReplyDeleteso i'm 17 and volleyball is my love. I've been experiencing pain in my right hip for over a year now and my ortho and I are finally deciding we have to do something about this now before my senior season gets here. I'm so nervous. I'm going in tomorrow for my mri. After reading some of y'alls responses I feel quite a bit more relieved knowing that they're not just going to try to rip my leg off.
ReplyDeletePut aside your fears and nerves people! Knowledge is power! Without this exam, you and your doctors will remain in the dark regarding any labral tears or soft tissue problems in the joint. To have an accurate diagnosis is worth the very small of inconvenience or pain now for proper treatment later. I actually requested to obtain MRA in both hips since I was diagnosed with FAI, but was only symptomatic in the left leg. This helps prevent you from getting treated/operated in the wrong spot and for no reason!
ReplyDeleteim so glad to find your blog, im so afraid that it would hurt a lot... ill have my MRA pretty soon... what a relief... thanx a bunch
ReplyDeletealma of montreal, canada
Have to admit after reading the various Blogs about the MRA experiences some had, I was beyond scared. My procedure was scheduled for 4/26/13. I was so nervou The anticipation of having this test freaked me out so much I could not sleep for 2 days!!!(made worse by reading some of the blogs) But the test just had to be done. To my total surprise it was nothing that I thought it would be. First, the smartest thing I did was take 2 Clonazpam (2mg) 1. an hour before the test and the other 20 minutes prior. To my total amazement I got through it with no tears. I had the most amazing Radiologist, She insisted I have a local anesthesia prior to the injection of the dye (so glad I did) because of that I did not feel anything except slight pressure of the dye being injected. Then came the dreaded MRI..... The tech listened to my fears and suggested i put a towel to cover my eyes. Because of the meds and my eyes being covered the tech had to wake me up when the MRI was over. I have had little to no pain since the exam and it is over with !! Thank you for all that took the time to blog. It helped me get prepared to make myself as comfortable as possible. I am not suggesting that everyone take what I did prior to this exam but please take the time to talk to you Dr. about your fears and if they are not willing to prescribe you sometime ask someone you know who takes anti anxiety meds (we all know someone). You will get through the test so much easier. Best of luck to future MRA testers
ReplyDeleteHello. I am 42 years old and I am having same problems as well (catching in both groins which is excruciating!) My MRI came back "normal" but I am still having major groin issues. I have started physical therapy with a women's specialist, however I will be calling my doctor to have the arthrogram done to find out what the heck is going on. I am so glad I stumble upon this blog!
ReplyDeleteI experienced MRI way back in 2008. I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in 2007 and been to different medications. I've gone through various scan and lab tests, seen by different specialists, including physical therapist and chiropractor. My hip joint was getting bad and the pain increased each time I walk. There were also time where I couldn't bear standing for few minutes. One of my tennis buddies visited me after ignoring his match... He saw me in bed playing poker by myself.. He told me I should go and get a stem cell treatment. He said he had tendonitis and was cured through stem cell after few weeks. I scheduled an appointment with Dr Grossman (he is from Stem MD) and we agreed to have the evaluation a week after. The evaluation took 5 hours and I was scheduled to have a 6-week treatment. I remember I had fever after the last session and my joints a bit swollen. He said it may take few weeks to get the beneficial effect of stem cell, which it did, coz it took me almost 4 months to feel its effect. Well, at least, it is the only one that gave me real, lasting relief amongst the therapies I tried...
ReplyDeleteTranquilizer is key. I fell asleep during the MRI and the Arthogram was no big deal. A bit sore and sensitive the next day. Fine on day 2.
DeleteHy it seems everyone has had a different experience, I am due to have one next Tuseday. I am in England and going to Kent to have it...I am now very worried about having it done. My lower spine looks in not too clever state, but the pain is in my groin and my hip, I am a slim athletic 62 year old. Can only walk on the flat now - very frustrating. I am worried now. Trica
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI'm 18 years old and had this procedure done yesterday and the anxiety I felt before was much worse than the actual procedure. I experienced pain during the novacane injection, when the needle hit my joint at which point I was given more novacane, and when I straightened my leg on the MRI table I felt a good bit of pain! I limped afterwards and it's still really full feeling and I'm limping slightly but not much pain. I did feel hot, naseaus and had an elevated temperature after the procedure because of the adrenaline but that wore off in about a half hour. It wasn't a pleasant experience, but not as terrible as I convinced myself it would be! (:
I had an mri last Monday. Seemed pretty much the same as most of the above, little discomfort, little to no pain in the first instance.
ReplyDeleteThe day after I was in a fair bit of pain.
Wednesday was a dream.
However, since then I've steadily declined and am almost back to the beginning of barely being able to walk around the room without a sharp excruciatingly painful jarring.
My lesser osteoarthritic hip is booked in for next Monday to be mri'd but I'm contemplating postponing this til I at least know I'll fully 'recover' and get back to just managing the pain.
Any other ideas opinions and help greatly appreciated.
I'm 32, was initially told it was possible labral tear but 2hip specialists agree it's osteoarthritis and I will eventually need new hips.... :-\
Hi! My name is Shelley and I just had an MRI arthrogram for my hip joint today. I wanted to share my experience as it was a very positive one.
ReplyDeleteMy doctor thinks I may have a torn labrum, so that's why I got the test today. I was really, really nervous after reading about other people's experiences, and the procedure combines my two greatest fears: needles and small spaces. But, I really want to diagnose my hip, which pops audibly and aches on a continual basis.
So here is exactly what to expect:
I was asked to change into a gown. I had to remove my underwear, as that would be in the way of the shot. I laid down on a table under a large x-ray. The doc uses the x-ray to make sure the injection is going straight into the joint. The injection is right below the pelvic bone and inward a few inches. First he injected me with a numbing agent, which was a thin sharp pain for a couple seconds. Nothing bad! He kept the needle in me for a minute while he prepared the dye. Once I was all numbed up he injected the dye, which doesn't hurt at all. It does make your hip flexor feel full, like a water balloon. It's a strange feeling for about a minute, and then my body got used to it.
Then a few minutes later they put me in a wheelchair, because your leg needs to move as little as possible, as to not disturb the dye. An MRI technician came to pick me up and wheel me down the hall to the MRI room. They made the room really relaxing with dimmed lighting and pictures of gardens. The machine looks like a huge donut, open on both sides, and I went through the hole. What's nice is that my head was outside of the machine. The technician gave me a ball attached to a wire, to squeeze if I needed anything. I also got headphones to listen to music. The technician watches you at all times through a glass window. The MRI took about 20-25 minutes. It was painless and not that loud with the headphones on.
Then they released me. I was able to walk pretty well to my car. I had a slight hobble since my hip was still a bit numb, but I was able to drive myself home just fine! Now it feels a little achy but nothing bad.
All the doctors did a really great job and made me feel comfortable. If I can do this procedure, completely afraid, anyone can! Good luck:)
Hi Shelly. I'm scheduled for an MRI this Thursday. I am at wits end. Heard so many things about it. I'm a retired detective so I'm able to deal with a normal amount of pain, i.e. Pepper spray training, taser training, etc. Any thoughts?
DeleteHi, my name is Stormee, I'm 19 years old. I had a dye injection/MRI yesterday afternoon. I was very nervous for the injection because I have a terrible fear of needles that I have yet to overcome so they gave me Valium. Because of my size (I am very small) the dosage they gave me was not enough and it didn't really do anything except make me a little dizzy which worried the doctors more than anything.
ReplyDeleteLong story short the injection wasn't quite as bad as I thought it would be but it still hurt quite a bit. My MRI went smoothly as I expected and upon request I was actually able to look at the pictures after I was finished, they decided that because of my pre-med status it would only further my personal education.
My whole leg was very stiff and had a full feeling to it and my foot felt numb and tingly. I was expecting this to happen so I wasn't worried until I woke up this morning to find that the pain was much worse and the numbness and tingling in my foot was still there.
The pain I have felt all day today has been some of the worse pain I have ever had and as a runner who has gone through several surgeries already I feel that it is justified to be worried about the pain I have felt all day.
As a pre-med student who has taken many first aid classes and has held a job in a medical clinic I have been trained to identify infections at the sites of injections and incisions. After looking at my injection site I did not find any evidence of an infection, it looked to be healing very well and it wasn't even a little bit pink.
Right now I am unable to hold my baby or even bend over to give him a hug. I cannot go up or down stairs which means I am sleeping on the couch tonight and I am unable to walk more than a few steps at a time.
While I am not pleased with the results of this procedure the doctors, nurses, radiologists, etc... who worked with me were amazing and did a great job making me feel comfortable during this procedure. It is not my intent to scare anyone out of having this procedure done. If it helps tell you what your condition is then in my opinion it is worth the potential discomfort you may feel.
Although I happen to be in pain I do believe that if I could go into that procedure room knowing that I didn't absolutely have to get the injection and still did then anyone else can do it to.
Today is January 9, 2014 and I just got home after 2 hrs 15 minutes at ARA in Cranston RI where I had a hip Arthrogram. Like all the prior posts I read through and became nervous for my own experience. Took 1 .50 diazepam 1/2 hr prior (didn't seem to work) but no matter it didn't matter. In short, this was a piece of cake... EZ... Don't look at the set up table with the needles, talk to the radiologist and make sure you let them know as they go if you feel any discomfort or even the slightest sign of discomfort as I did with mine who insisted that's how we would proceed. His name is Dr. Levy and I would recommend him if you are ever in need. He has a talent beyond his medical experience it is also his demeanor and respectful way he treated me and not making me feel silly about being nervous and when his part was all over (about 25 minutes in total) that includes me changing into my gown. Anyway... The posts before are not what I experienced. There is no reason to be nervous. Its not that bad.... Good Luck!!
ReplyDeleteI had my procedure today. My doc prescribed all the painkillers and anestetic (can't spell) along with I guess cortizone to kill the pain long term. I took my own 1.0 zanax which I usually use .25 as needed for anxiety. I was feeling great. Everything was great until he injected what I thought was the cortizone, It shot down the my right inner thigh to my knee so so painful. I could not freakin believe it. Good thing my feet were taped together cause they would have went up in the air. I arched my back and kept saying loudly ow! ow! ow! It was over very quickly and then I just had the radiating pain that I usually have. I was crying and had to stay laying down cause Doc did not want me to faint. The nurse stayed with me and was so nice. This really was very quick but so freakin painful. I'm worried that something went wrong cause I did not feel any discomfort to the side of my leg and around my groin where most of my pain is. I asked and they said yes it was normal where the pain was. I will tell my Doc about this so maybe if more painkiller needs to be used and perhaps they don't inject so quickly it wouldn't be so painful. I felt like all my zanax had worn off but when they put me in the tube I was fine. I am no way a big baby when it comes to pain but I must lie to everyone not to scare them. It was horrible. Now they told me I may be uncomfortable for a couple of days and then the steriods should kick in hopefully.
DeleteI had my hip arthrogram mri yesterday and you described the procedure perfectly! Mine was done at UC Davis Med Center. Folks there took nice care of me
ReplyDeleteI had my hip arthrogram done yesterday and was super nervous about it. I almost cried while waiting. They prepped me and asked me if I was ready and I said no. One nurse said she would distract me and talk to me. She started and they administered the lidocaine shot. It was simple- not even as pinchy as a shot in the arm. I was so surprised! Then they started with the larger needle for the dye. I felt pressure and it felt kind of weird- but not painful. They got in on the first try and put the dye in. The whole injection process took about 40 minutes. The MRI was about 40 minutes as well. I had already had other MRI's and was not scared about that part. The worst part is that my hip is rotated in the wrong direction ( my right foot sticks outward), so they had to tape my feet and legs together to hold it in the correct position. They taped them for the shot as well. It was holding that position that was the worst of it. My hip actually felt pretty good for a little bit because of the numbing meds. Today I am pretty sore though. Sore at the injection site and sore from being in a position that is not natural for me. I know it is different for everyone, but feel some relief that it may be super easy like I though it was. Don't get worked up over it if you can control yourself! If I have to have it done on my other hip I feel fine about it now. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteso basically i have one have one of these, i'm 16 and not too good with needles. and really scared about getting it, i was only told today by my doctor i needed one and after looking up what it was only now realise what it fully entails. The appoingment hasn't even been booked yet but already having sleepless nights over it. HELP please
ReplyDeleteGoing for my arthrogram tomorrow morning at the Northern General in Sheffield...wish me luck! Have already had a 'normal' MRI and an x-ray guided steroid injection into the joint, both of which were absolutely fine, so hoping there's minimal potential for freak-outs! Will report back...
ReplyDeleteHad an arthrogram with MRI a couple of hours ago. Wished I hadn't fretted because it wasn't bad. Mild pain. There an hour and 15 minutes. Odd thing is my quadricep aches.
ReplyDeleteI had a Hip Arthogram and MRI scan on Monday 11th August. This was done as a prerequisite to having surgery for FAI which has been scheduled in for November '14.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest i wasn't even slightly concerned about the procedure, therefore did no research as to what it entailed. I just turned up and went along with it - all pretty straight forward and even afterwards i can say there was no reason to be concerned in my case. Sharp sting for the needle injection, literally lasting a second, but otherwise nothing.
The dye injection felt a bit weird, as if my hip and thigh was going to explode with pressure building up, but not painful.
The MRI scan lasted about 45 minutes i think - can't confirm as i fell asleep pretty much instantly and didn't wake up until i'd been removed from the tube and headphones were taken off my head.
- Monday evening i felt a bit sluggish, but perhaps that was due to the lack of food consumed (nil by mouth prior to arthogram).
- Tuesday morning i was walking with a limp due to a tension in my hip.
- Tuesday evening i was playing football with nothing other than my usual strains and inconveniences.
Now i just await results going to my orthopaedic consultant to find out what happens next.
My question - how is it that some of you people are capable of football and running triathlons (or even 3 miles a day) with a possible labral tear? I can barely walk normally which is why I'm being assessed as to whether I have a labral tear. Anyway, I went in for an "MRI with contrast" today and they plopped me down to do the arthrogram. I opted out and hoped the MRI would answer the question but I was told that they might be seeing me again as I left. :( For those of you who left "it's not too bad" stories, I will think of them through the procedure and I hope to forget the rest of the stories!
ReplyDeleteI was wondering the exact same thing. I dont understand how people can run marathons, play tennis, football with hip injury. Sitting causes me a great deal of pain. Im scheduled for hip arthogram to rule out labreal tear, but I'm wondering if it's my hip that should be checked out.
DeleteI was wondering the exact same thing. I dont understand how people can run marathons, play tennis, football with hip injury. Sitting causes me a great deal of pain. Im scheduled for hip arthogram to rule out labreal tear, but I'm wondering if it's my hip that should be checked out.
DeleteHad this done 2 days ago. My advice is don't google any procedure before you get it done. People only write about the worst stories. I even watched a YouTube video, and I was expecting it to hurt a lot more than it did. Even as they prepped me beforehand I was told to expect it to hurt, so understandably I was bricking it a bit. Truth is I didn't even really feel them inject the anaesthetic, it's much worse at the dentist. After that I could feel the big needle going in but it was really just a kind of achey sensation and the knowledge there was a big bit of metal in there, but mostly just relief I wasn't in agony. Didn't feel the fluid going in at all. Eyes didn't water once. Then got wheeled down for the mri. Basically the whole thing is nothing to stress out about. The worst bit is the anxiety as you get prepped for the injection, and the fact the whole thing takes a good few hours. Felt like I'd been on a long haul flight when I left the hospital.
ReplyDeleteI just had it today on hip. The Injection hurt alot, alot...... that's all I will say.....mri fine after that experience... :/
ReplyDeleteI just had a hip MRI Arthrogram today. It was great. It was not something I would for fun on a Friday night but compared to what I thought it might be, it was amazingly painless. I had a very good doctor do it and also took 10 mg of Valium which helped A TON with my nervousness about getting the dye injection.
ReplyDeleteAfter the area was shaved and cleaned the doctor gave me the numbing agent through a very small needle. It was an unpleasant pinch, and then the solution burned especially as they numbed me deeper. But it wasn't terrible. Then he inserted the needle for the dye solution. The worst part about that was for about 10 seconds the needle rubbed my bone. I was warned that it may feel a little unpleasant. It wasn't very intense pain though, just enough to make me clench my fists a little. then they filled my hip with dye. My hip joint felt a little snug after the injection, but it wasn't bad. It was still better for me than a CT scan. I am a little stiff and a little sore tonight but nothing advil won't handle.
I had an arthrogram 9 days ago and there was some mild pain with the numbing, but nothing more than a pinch. I actually hurt more today (possibly from the cold temp out) than I did during the procedure.
ReplyDeleteI was diagnosed with a labral tear and bursitis.
I am going to undergo a hip MRI arthrogram next week.
ReplyDeleteThere is one issue I have been worring about. I mean the radiation from X-ray while the are inserting a needle. One day I refused to do x-ray test due to the fact that my genitals were under radiations and the doctor said that in this situation it is impossible to cover them.
Will you share your experience?
I just had my injection and MRI. I was so nervous as I had had one in my shoulder in Wisconsin and it was the worst pain I've ever had. I had my hip fleuro injection done in Hutchinson MN, and it didn't hurt one tiny bit. I was shaking I was so nervous and lost sleep over nothing. KUDOS to their radiology program as it was totally painless! I'll find out my results in one to two days and I'll post again, but the injection actually helped my hip feel better! I suppose any numbing would do that :).
ReplyDeleteCan't be shy as no pants are worn, but that should be the last of anyone's concern as far as health goes!
I had this done today about 14 hours ago. My wonderful boyfriend talked me out of my zanax and i made it through the injection of lidocaine and iodine relatively well. Came home and took an aleive and layed down. Felt great and went about my day as normal. Nothing strenuous. 12 hours after injection and i started to ache and it has progressed to excruciating pain. Shooting from both inner and outer joint down to my knee. Tingling in heel. Have taken a while norco and its not doing alot. :-( i still think this procedure is worth it and i hope this isnt everyones experience. I definitely recommend getting the lidocaine and if u can take them have a zanax. I was loaded head first into machine and even though my head ended up being partially out at the end it was very claustrophobic. Dont avoid it and dont over think it.
ReplyDeleteHi just curious how you are feeling? I just had an arthrogram of my hip yesterday at 4pm. I was given lidocaine, 40mg shot of cortisone and the contract dye. I had a little cramp feeling right after the injection but now I am so achy and it is hard to sit and get comfortable. I was not in this much pain before the procedure. The weird thing is I also feel similar pain in my other hip although not as strong. I'd appreciate your advice! Thanks!
DeleteI wish i had read this sooner and I hope you are well. This was my after experience sadly.
Deletesince that day, I ended up in the emergency room inconsolable, , where they told me it was simply a reaction to the contrast and sent me home with no blood tests and a bottle of oxycodone which i had never taken before. I was in a wheelchair 11 hours after my procedure and 5 days later it was discovered that I had contracted streptococcus virus from the needle in the radiology room. On day 7 I had to have emergency surgery to flush out the infection and spent a week in hospital followed by 6 weeks with a PICC line in my arm which I fused antibiotics into. I weaned myself off Oxycodone at 5 weeks and am continuing to have physical therapy twice a week 8 weeks on with no end in sight. This has been an absolute nightmare for me and my family. I would highly recommend really knowing the risks and making sure your radiology department are CLEAN!
I am so happy to report that my arthrogram of my left hip was a snap. And I am one of those hypersensitive people who usually have something unforeseen go wrong. Two things made a huge difference:
ReplyDelete1. They gave me 10mg of Valium (tablet) 30min before the procedure. What a difference that makes! I hardly remember the arthrogram itself and I slept through the MRI. Request it!
2. I carefully chose where I had the procedure. I did some calling around and found a place that had a radiologist doing these procedures, not a resident or a tech or whatever. I looked up the facility and it had good reviews (you won't always be able to find reviews on a clinic like this, but it can't hurt to look for them.) And it was the clinic my orthopedist recommended most.
My only additional recommendation is to make a follow up appointment with your ortho to be 3-5 days after your MRI. I didn't think I'd have to see the doc to get my results, I thought they'd just call me. But that's not the case here, so I now have to wait 2 weeks to find out what they found. So aggravating!
Seriously, I lost a lot of sleep over this procedure unnecessarily. If you do your homework , find a really good place to get it done, and get something like Valium, you should have an easy time of it.
I reported this on August 22. and my not so pleasant follow up is below.
ReplyDelete"Anonymous22 August 2015 at 08:42
I had this done today about 14 hours ago. My wonderful boyfriend talked me out of my zanax and i made it through the injection of lidocaine and iodine relatively well. Came home and took an aleive and layed down. Felt great and went about my day as normal. Nothing strenuous. 12 hours after injection and i started to ache and it has progressed to excruciating pain. Shooting from both inner and outer joint down to my knee. Tingling in heel. Have taken a while norco and its not doing alot. :-( i still think this procedure is worth it and i hope this isnt everyones experience. I definitely recommend getting the lidocaine and if u can take them have a zanax. I was loaded head first into machine and even though my head ended up being partially out at the end it was very claustrophobic. Dont avoid it and dont over think it"
since that day, I ended up in the emergency room inconsolable, , where they told me it was simply a reaction to the contrast and sent me home with no blood tests and a bottle of oxycodone which i had never taken before. I was in a wheelchair 11 hours after my procedure and 5 days later it was discovered that I had contracted streptococcus virus from the needle in the radiology room. On day 7 I had to have emergency surgery to flush out the infection and spent a week in hospital followed by 6 weeks with a PICC line in my arm which I fused antibiotics into. I weaned myself off Oxycodone at 5 weeks and am continuing to have physical therapy twice a week 8 weeks on with no end in sight. This has been an absolute nightmare for me and my family. I would highly recommend really knowing the risks and making sure your radiology department are CLEAN!
That is horrifying! I am so sorry! Good luck to you, I hope that there are no permanent effects from all of that!
DeleteI had my MRA this morning. I had a lidocaine and Marcaine injection done prior to the arthrogram because the ortho wanted to see what my pain level was after they numbed the joint. As they started the injection, they told me it would feel like a bee sting. I don't know what kind of mutant bees these people have been stung by, but holy cow did it hurt. I almost came off the table. The physician's assistant had to call the tech in to hold my foot because I was shaking at that point. The pain in my hip subsided dramatically (from a 7 to a 2 or3), but my hip joint felt completely bizarre. I get a pinch when I walk, and I can't extend my leg backward fully when I walk. That being said, I was able to sit comfortably (yayayayayay!!!) for an hour. After that, they injected the dye which was fair less painful given that the joint was numb, but that was more of a pinch, and then just the feeling that the joint space is being filled. The MRI was easy - 30 minutes of buzzing and clanging (not my first one), but I had headphones, and just zoned out. That being said, I am not claustrophobic by nature.I have been out of the procedure for about 4 hours now, and still feel pretty numbed up. I'm sure I will be sore tomorrow, and the injection site bled quite a bit, so that will likely be tender, but the whole experience was tolerable. The initial injection was awful for me, but after that, it was not too bad.
ReplyDeleteWell,I am a 52 year old female and have been suffering with undiagnosed pain for approx 10 years! And I have had an MRI Arthrogram today! I nearly chickened out after reading some horrendous stories about other's experiences. I am happy to say though that most posts on this blog convey positive experiences of having this procedure and even more happy to say that my experience was also a good one! I had a lovely caring radiologist who put my mind at rest regarding what I had read about the test being very painful!! It was not painful at all and not the most uncomfortable I have experienced, as someone on here said going to the dentist is much worse. My advise to anyone going to have an MRI Arthrogram is to take the negative experiences of others with a pinch of salt and not get over anxious like I did!! We live & learn! All the best everyone and hope your pain will subside soon x
ReplyDeleteI had my first arthrogram 6 months back. Radiologist said he didn't use an anaesthetic as there was already going to be some injected into hip capsule. That was a big mistake as I think he must've hit a nerve and I let out a 'squeak'. Afterwards it was slightly uncomfortable but nothing more. A month later I was to have a hydrocortisone injection and seeing the last time it hurt very much having a needle jammed into my hip I was quite apprehensive. I was reassured they (same clinic so weird) use an anaesthetic and it would be rather painless and it was. It didn't even register on my pain scale! After this procedure my hip felt awesome for approx 5 weeks then the pain returned with a vengeance. Yesterday I had another arthrogram that did not read on my pain scale either but today I am getting shooting pain down to my knee and I'm very stiff. I'm guessing it's different each time depending whether they hit nerves etc
ReplyDeleteYes my hip has been in pain for two weeks after the arthrogram mri. Thought I had an infection but seems to be sub siding. This is a painfull procedure , but wait untill the arthroscopy. Been dealing with this pain for over 4 years. I feel like I am disabled for life and my hip will always be in pain. One year after arthroscopy I am getting a nerve block to subside the sciatica that was a side effect from being in traction too long. The doctors had never warned me of this side effect. Anyone else had this problem or is it just me?
ReplyDeleteDO NOT STRESS! On my way home from my hip MRI-A and did not feel a thing, other than the painless feeling of liquid entering the joint. I was so nervous due to the many horror stories. It is nothing!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteNice article, I was spending a lot of time for reading pain treatment, and thanks for this article:)
ReplyDeleteI had an MR arthrogram on my hip yesterday. I have suffered with intermittent moderate to severe pain for 3 years. Now I have always been awful with needles and after reading other peoples experience of this procedure online I was absolutely petrified of having it done. I can honestly say it wasn't anywhere near as bad as I thought it would be. I told the Radiologist how nervous I was of needles so he just injected the local anaesthetic very slowly as the needle went deeper, all I felt was very minor stinging. There was slight discomfort approaching the joint capsule and I felt a sensation of pressure building up there but no pain. The rest of yesterday the joint felt stiff and was slightly painful when walking or lifting the leg but today is fine. Glad I had it done now as I was tempted to cancel it after reading horror stories about the procedure but just goes to show that no two peoples journey are the same.
ReplyDeleteI had an MR arthrogram on my hip yesterday. I have suffered with intermittent moderate to severe pain for 3 years. Now I have always been awful with needles and after reading other peoples experience of this procedure online I was absolutely petrified of having it done. I can honestly say it wasn't anywhere near as bad as I thought it would be. I told the Radiologist how nervous I was of needles so he just injected the local anaesthetic very slowly as the needle went deeper, all I felt was very minor stinging. There was slight discomfort approaching the joint capsule and I felt a sensation of pressure building up there but no pain. The rest of yesterday the joint felt stiff and was slightly painful when walking or lifting the leg but today is fine. Glad I had it done now as I was tempted to cancel it after reading horror stories about the procedure but just goes to show that no two peoples journey are the same.
ReplyDeleteHello I am having it done next Wednesday I am terrified of needles can't even have blood work done I did have an injection and was alone which was huge can anyone say something positive as I am so scared. I am bringing my nana with me as some sort of comfort but how can I get some Valium do I need a script for it or just ask when I am in the room ? I need to be sedated lol help !!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI had an Arthrogram MRI of the hip last week. The procedure went OK - not too painful with the needle insertion, but there was a feeling of pressure and fullness. I was then transferred to the MRI room to get the actual MRI done.
ReplyDeleteThe place I went to has a nice OPEN MRI machine. I can't go to any facility that does not offer these newer machines. In this particular facility, the machine is open on all sides and if you turn your head you are looking at a huge window which makes it even better. Call around and ask who has the "FULL OPEN" MRI machine - some say they are open machines and but not the "FULL" open. It makes a HUGE difference.
Anyway, after the injection the pain that was so strong in my hip disappeared for a few days due to the anesthetic, so I now know the worst of the pain is indeed coming from the hip joint itself. I will get a long-lasting hip injection under X-ray guidance next month at my pain management doctor to finally get rid of this horrible hip joint pain for awhile. I also have a tiny labral tear of the hip.
Note: shave the area of your groin where they will be inserting the needle or you will have a mess and pain when they pull off the tape they use to tape the needle in place. I was told this ahead of time and so glad that I did - the tape pull was worse than the actual needle insertion!
Hello! I'm Julie, 38, hip problems chronically since age 14. 3 years ago I started doing tons of half marathons. That is also when I started having the kind of pain and weakness that would make it impossible to walk/sit/stand for more than a few minutes at a time. I have had 2 rounds of corticosteroid injection into the hip joint (and a ton of steroids into the bursa in the greater trochanteric area too).
ReplyDeleteI had my MRI/arthrogram yesterday and I'll say it is in no more painful than a steroid injection- usually- except mine was the equivalent of having it done 8-10 times because he had some tissue he could not get the dye through without using more and more dye and so I would have a quick SHARP pain, followed by aching then fine and repeat until we made it to the joint. I didn't take any meds prior and just had to keep my right foot turned in for the injection and then both feet taped toes-together for MRI part. I was pain free for 45 min after MRI. Then I had an hour and a half commute driving myself home in rush hour. DO NOT DO THAT! I was crying most of the way home as I felt my leg might pop off, felt like overfilled balloon and the pressure caused immense groin pain. I got home, iced and layed down and it was mostly stiff and I couldn't move my leg without picking it up with both hands if I rolled over in bed. Woke up just fine this morning with only my original pain. GET SOMEONE TO DRIVE YOU HOME seriously...or time it for least traffic of day. I seriously think I'm at the high end of my normal pain because of driving.
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ReplyDeleteHi everyone! My name is Deanna and I am 50 years old. I have been suffering from RA and AS, and have had a short and crooked right leg due to a botched knee surgery 20 years ago. My right hip began its painful journey last May as I was tossed into a boat (it was pulled up near a beach in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico) where the water was up to my waist and I could not jump into the boat. The impatient tour guide took my cane and tossed me in. After my scream of fear, the scream of pain ripped through me. (So much for a fun vacation) Upon returning home, my rheumatologist gave me a cortisone shot, which did little to nothing to help with the pain. A few weeks later he gave me 2 more cortisone shots in my hip, and gave me a referral for an MRI with arthrogram. The shot of dye was nothing to me. However, the tech who performed the MRI put me in the most painful position for the scan. She had me lie down and touch the toes of my feet together with ankles pointed outward and knees touching (Anyone one else positioned this way?). I felt as if my hips were popped out of joint! She gave me the emergency bulb to squeeze if I absolutely needed to stop the procedure. During that 70 minutes, I was nearly crying from the excruciatingly painful position I was in! I vowed I would not squeeze that darn bulb, because I knew if I did, they'd have to start it all over again! I DID drive myself home as Julie suggests NOT DOING! Thank goodness my home is only 10 minutes from the hospital. At any rate, the MRI A showed I have severe joint degeneration, bursitis, a cyst, and a significant labral tear. I asked my rheumatologist to find me a surgeon with an amazing reputation, as he knows about my previous knee botch. I have been on a waiting list to see a particular surgeon for months now, and finally have an appointment with him in late January. I have had many surgeries, and therefore am not excited about another, but at least I know this is a good doc!
ReplyDeleteSorry to make this such a long and negative post, but in the long run, I am glad I had the MRI A!
I'll be quick. Had the anthogram done today at hip joint. Had lidocaine in injection. Minimal pain going in. Very weird feeling and pressure, but minimal pain. I didn't do as well as I'd hoped with my thinking which caused rapid breathing and very overwhelming need to pass out or vomit. It was quick, maybe two minutes start to finish. No anti anxiety meds. About 40 mins in MRI macheine. It was cold but I had socks and sports bra on and warm blankets. I drove myself. Wouldn't reccomend that. My hip really hurt for the next two hours. Had to get help up the driveway when I got home. It's about six hours post procedure and I'm still limping a bit. Original pain is back. It seemed gone for many hours after procedure. Had procedure done to rule out labral tear. Original complaint is that it feels like my leg isn't screwed on right. Pinches in certain positions. Hope this helps someone who's having fear about the procedure. It's not nearly as bad as the fear, lol. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI am sooooooooo scared! Im going for one next week on my right hip. Im very worried and nervous about it. Will i b able to walk without pain the next day? Im having mine sone at 5pm
ReplyDeleteIt's def not as bad as it seems but it's not fun you should be able to walk that day but I would def have someone drive you to and from I couldn't drive, even though they told me I would be able to. The worst part is the full feeling of your hip and also the position they put you in for mri with toes touching, that was very uncomfortable, I also commented earlier but I am petrified of needles and would much rather be out when the procedure is done but they won't do that I just about had an anxiety attack shaking like a leaf crying the whole nine and I survived and believe it or not had another injection don't after that and then am going back for another one but the injections are with a diff Doctor which was a much better experience ! Good luck you'll do great ! In the end all you want is answers ! Not sure where you are going for it but I had one done in ri and went to mass to change dr and was a much better experience in Boston mass than ri.
ReplyDeleteHello everybody
ReplyDeleteToday Is 04/19/2007 and I have my hip arthogram done. The last two weeks waiting for my appointment I lost weight because of bathroom visits constantly due to expecting the appointment. I also cried a lot and have sleepless nights thinking about it. I don't like needles or closed space, my boyfriend kept telling me that I was going to feel embarrassed for all the tears because it was. It going to be that bad... and he was right. Before the appointment I was crying, shaking and close to run away. I arrive to the place and they gave me Valium for my nerves, I was still shaking after 20 min. Then everything started... the shot was a little burn and pain but nothing crazy at all, the doctor and assistant were beyond amazing and we kept talking the whole time, just a few seconds I felt twice pressure, nothing horrible and then they put more lidocaine, but nothing bad. I felt a little bit the fluid going to my hip, like inflating but NO PAIN, I was I think that Thad the fluid going to my hip? Anyway and I kept talking about mariachis. When the doctor finished I looked in his eyes and I said are you sure? You are kidding me... he was like yes, for real ! I was like no way !!! I could do this every day! Believe me if I could do this everybody in the face of earth can do it too ! please don't Reese horrible stories about this procedure before you go, is nothing to be afraid of, and I mean nothing ! I am the biggest baby and I was embarrassed of my drama for all those days ... for nothing ! go ahead and don't worry for pain, because is not painful ! I have tears sometimes doing my eyebrow threading... and I was talking and laughing having a conversations the whole time, awesome doctor ! Awesome staff, but really that doesn't hurt, nothing at all.
Good luck !
Had my arthrogram/MRI on my right hip earlier today. I am 44, and went to the ortho due to my hip locking up for a few years - and being in more and more increasing pain. I was diagnosed as early onset osteoarthritis in both hips. However, the doc. suspected a labral tear and sent me for an MRI with arthrogram. I had an arthrogram of my knee back when I was an athlete in high school, so I sort of knew what to expect. But still, the idea of a needle in my hip - way down in my hip wasn't something I really wanted to do. Like so many commenters have said, it really was a walk in the park. The initial lidocaine stung. And after that took affect, the radiologist injected more, deeper into my hip before inserting the needle for the contrast/dye. Several times he had to "adjust" the needle position. And then he would also inject more lidocaine. Didn't really feel a lot of pain - but a very odd, uncomfortable pulling/pressure sensation. It went well, and before the injection was 1/2 over my hip started feeling markedly better. The radiologist said that as part of the protocol - he injects a good amount of lidocaine around the join to "test" and see if the pain goes away or not. And to make sure and mention to the orthopedic when we spoke if the injection made my hip pain better or not. After the arthrogram, I was walked a very short distance to the MRI room/machine. I was put in feet first (up to my neck). And I think the worse part was how they rotated my right leg/foot inward, and taped it to keep in place for the "best view". While my hip joint wasn't hurting at this point - it was awkward, and put a strain on certain muscles that haven't been stretched that way in a long time. After the MRI, I got up, changed out of the hospital gown and into my clothes. I was told that my orthopedic would have the results the next day. (My doc. had already said to call 2 days after the test.) I am now about 5 hours post MRI, and the hip pain/groin pain is starting to return. But hey - I had a great 5 hours pain free. Climbed up into my large vehicle without pain. Rode home (the 45+ minute drive - as a passenger) without pain. Went grocery shopping. Pain free!!! Looking forward to hearing the results the day after tomorrow and see what treatment will be.
ReplyDeleteI had an arthrogram MRI on my right hip yesterday. I was so nervous about the procedure because I've never had it before and lidocaine hasn't always worked properly in my mouth for dental work. I was prescribed 10mg of valium to ease my anxiety and it worked well. I found that talking everything through with the surgeon's assistant days before the procedure really put my mind at ease. The surgeon performed the procedure and has 20 years of experience doing it. They didn't even make me take my clothes off, just pulled my pants and underwear down enough to expose the injection spot. It was a little bit cold in the room but I wasn't uncomfortable. The assistant cleaned the spot and the surgeon introduced himself and asked me a few questions to distract me...good bed side manner. I didn't looke at the needles. He started right away and described when I might feel some discomfort. I felt some pinching and tender spots but it was totally bearable and very brief. When he injected the dye, my knee twitched but he said it might. My hip felt full and then I got up, walked down to MRI and was wheeled in feet first into the machine. This part was super easy because you just lie there. The close quarters didn't bother me. I listened to classical music and the tech checked in on me every few minutes and told me how much time was left. Then I was done. I was so pleased with the whole procedure. Today my hip is very stiff. It's not really painful but very challenging to walk and impossible to walk upstairs. In assuming I'll be back to normal in the next day or 2. I took off this morning from work. I had so much anxiety about this procedure and it turned out to be no big deal. I think it made a huge difference that the experienced surgeon did the procedure, so my advice is to go to a facility where that happens. And talk to them beforehand about it and how patients usually respond. Good luck everyone! I'll get my results in a few days.
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ReplyDelete43 year old female with a suspected labral tear. Had the arthogram today. It hurts. A lot. And even though I was given lidocaine it didn’t help. The lidocaine shot was nothing compared to the dye going in. It felt like he was cutting off my leg and I said some not nice things to him that I won’t write here and also told him to “get out.”
ReplyDeleteReading all these posts makes me wonder if it’s the skill of the practitioner.