What does MRI stand for?

I thought that it could be 'Mr Ray's Injuries' or maybe 'Marathon Running Implications' but the Internet tells me that it actually means 'Magnetic Resonance Imaging' and I think that is what the medical profession will be sticking with.

Anyway, on Wednesday evening I was booked in for two MRI scans one on my right knee and one on my left foot.

I am fortunate enough to have private health care through my work.  After registering, I was taken to the MRI area and was shown to a room where I could get changed and put my belongings into a locker.  I was also informed to have a look at the list on the wall and choose which music I would like to listen to whilst having my scans! :-)

 

 

When I got back to the waiting area, there were two other women waiting, so I asked what music they had chosen, but they were both waiting for x-rays and apparently didn't have the option of music. I decided to go for Moby to start with (but I must admit the Play album is much better) and then when my foot was scanned, I was asked if I wanted to change the music, I then went for David Gray (but I must admit that the White Ladder album is much better also).  I did consider going for Queen Greatest Hits, but if Don't Stop Me Now came on, I am not sure I could have kept still for the scan!

 

So why am I having these scans?

Five years ago I had a knee arthroscopy (better known as keyhole surgery) this was as a result of a football injury.  The surgery was to repair a torn meniscus.  At the time, my surgeon explained that I had to give up football and running.  I therefore took up cycling, which 2 years later resulted in me cycling from Lands End to John O'Groats.

Having an effective 3 year break from running/football my knee slowly got stronger and stronger and then having seen a mate running the London Marathon in 2011, I decided that I wanted to start running again.  Since August 2011 I have now been running pretty much every week.

I have tried playing a couple of games of 5-a-side football, but the constant change of direction and twisting and turning means I experience discomfort in the knee.  So the football boots are well and truly hung-up.

But since suffering my knee injury earlier this year in the Tunbridge Wells Half (resulting in me having to walk the last 3.5 miles) something has definitely been amiss.  I am concerned that maybe the constant running has weakened my knee?

Also as a result of this, I have been experiencing pain in my left foot, which maybe a result of sub conscious change of running style to compensate for my right knee?

So scans have now been done and I see the specialist tomorrow to see what the diagnosis is? and whether I can run the Kent Road Runner Marathon next week?

The other advantage of going private is that you get your own CD with your images, so here are images of my foot and knee. Not sure if they are good or bad news?

 

I will post a blog update to disclose the conclusion. 
TJH