MRN Opinions

[PaulSa]

Looking for any opinions to see if you think there would be any value in getting an MRN? Some background, I did have an MRI with Dr Potter about 20 years ago when my problem first started, nothing concrete found at that time. I did have bilateral pudendal decompression surgery done by Dr Beco which addressed some other issues but made my primary issue of sit pain worse. My pain is primarily sit pain meaning that some sort of compression happens while sitting and as you are aware MRN happens while you are lying down so I'm not sure if this test would be of any value especially since it would be paid out of pocket and I would have to travel from Canada to New York.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

[Violet M]

Hi Paul,

That's a tough decision since you would have to pay out-of-pocket. Some patients have reported that some of the PN surgeons don't feel that MRI's are accurate in determining if you have a nerve entrapment. While the Potter software setting/protocol is a step above an MRI, I can see how it could miss some things, such as positional factors like you stated - sitting vs. lying down. I guess one question is what treatments you are considering pursuing. For instance, if you are considering a re-do on your surgery, then you would likely want to get another MRI first. But if surgery is not in the cards, then would there be any purpose in the MRI/MRN?

Violet

[PaulSa]

Thanks for your reply Violet. Not sure what direction to go in anymore, I would just like to be able to sit comfortably at some point. I obviously have some sort of nerve compression when sitting or maybe even a tendon (possible hamstring) that is causing my sit pain. I looked into the sit/stand MRI's but in my research found the image quality is not very good. Thanks again

[Violet M]

That's a tough call, for sure. Does your sitting pain cause local sit bone pain or pain throughout the distribution area of the PN -- that is the geintals and perineum and possibly the anus?

Violet