MRI Troubles

I have been having some big troubles with my back, its to the point where I can barely walk and stand. My doc is dragging his feet on helping me and says he doesnt want to xray or mri because he says even if they find something wrong, that noone will do anything about it anyway because of my weight. I suppose its true, but what do I do in the meantime? I think I'm to the point of a wheelchair and this is something I definatly do not want and it breaks my heart. So I asked for a referral to a pain clinic with hopes of getting some help there. Now all of the sudden my doc thinks he wants to do Xray and MRi and wont refer me. GRRRRRR! So I did xray- tried to do open mri and of course I didnt fit (real depressing in itsself). That was 3 weeks ago, many calls to doc, no return calls, hes really dragging his feet. So finally, after a fight, I got scheduled for a bigger open MRI machine in st louis and Im supposed to go for it tomorrow. Im scared- not of the MRI, but of the hummilation that comes along with it because of my size. I feel at the end of my rope tonight and Im thinking maybe its true that there is no help for me and this big fat blob of a body!! Wheelchair here I come. Sorry to be so down and depressed tonight, but I suppose everyone has these days, dont they? Its really not like me to let out my inner feelings, but I really dont have anyone else to talk to- and you all are so kind here- Thanks for listening!

Just a normal lurker popping in for a moment (ignore the IN--I lived and went to school at UMR). Before I had surgery, I had severe back problems. I couldn't walk fifty yards without having to stop because of it. I was also very large. At my peak, I was at 525. I went in for an MRI, and we scheduled time at the 'one that would fit anyone'...of course, I didn't fit in it. To be honest, that was the moment I knew I had to do something about my weight. It's hard to hide from it when that happens. We did find one that eventually fit, although it was close. The diagnosis was that I had an arthritic spine and that I'd probably have to have surgery eventually. The good news is that after I started to lose weight after surgery, the pain stopped. After getting to my goal, I haven't had a single twinge from back there. There's permanent damage, and I'm not as flexible as I used to be, but nothing hurts. We have no plans at all to do surgery at this point I hope all goes well...I at least wanted to share some positive outcome of a similar situation. The other EC in IN

Robin, I'm so sorry that you are having to endure this situation. I hate it when doctors drag their feet and it feels like they've thrown in the towel on it just because of our weight/size. Discrimination of the overweight and especially the morbidly obese is not only practiced daily but is acceptable by so many people. Turn it around, you are doing something for yourself. Use this situation as motivating you to move forward with your plans for surgery. I had a lots of wake up moments such as what you described so bring me to the place within myself of making the decision to have surgery and to never endure it again. Also, I don't tolerate people treating others less than for any reason, especially for their size. They cheat themselves out of knowing truly special and wonderful people by being short sighted and judging them incorrectly. I know that we can't all get in the car and go to the MRI place with you. (It would be a fun field trip for us though!!). Please know though that you have a car load of your true friends on this Board with you and thinking of you every part of today. If you get scared and feel alone, please know that we're here with you and for you. If anyone makes you feel bad or you feel humuliated, please come home and post it to us. We understand. After you get home, please post to us, okay? Robin, another thing, wheelchair today.......walking up steps two at a time soon in your future! Thinking of you, Cathy ObesityHelp Support Group Specialist

before I had surgery I had to have an MRI. They asked if I wanted an open MRI designed to accommodate larger patients. I opted for that and it worked fine. I don't know much about MRIs or CAT Scans but I had both of them prior to surgery and I was over 400 lbs. The individuals that operated the machines were really great. Apparently many people who are claustrophobic use these larger options as well. So, they are very accommodating so as not to mess with the claustrophobic nature of individuals. I did not feel looked down upon at all. I guess because I'm also a tad bit claustrophobic, as well, so I was grateful for someone holding my hand, so to speak. Good luck.