this one's from the hip?

MRI analysis allows images the body to be examined three dimensionally. Snapshots can be taken at any given point and in any cross-sectional plain. White areas around the left hip joint indicate the presence of water in the joint area.

To quote the big man, this one’s from the hip, or so I have been told

Went for an MRI scan this afternoon. What an experience that was! I was worried about claustrophobia. But it was the pain. Pain in my leg. Straightened out and weighed down. It felt like it had been twisted upside down. Forty five minutes of pure pain. The sound of the machine is unbelievable. Even with headphones on. Like Daft Punks’ Robot Rock mixed with Kraftwerk’s The Robot Distorted. All knobs turned up to 11. I could only feel the pain in my leg. My heart banging against my ribs. The sweat running all over…

I got the data and took it back to show the doctor.

He thinks there is some water in the left hip joint. It shows up as white on the MRI images.

He says this is why I don't have much control over movement. Also the pressure on the thigh muscle causes pain.

He says that the water may come from:

1. injury
2. too much exercise
3. infection

Maybe no.2 is the case, but I asked for a blood and urine test just to be sure. (a blood test I had in August showed a high concentration of white blood cells).

If this is an accurate diagnosis, I am really happy. I was expecting surgery (some titanium hips to match my titanium bike) and a long period of rehabilitation.

I need to rest up. Rest up well. I have some painkillers and some medication to help with removing the water. Hopefully movement will come back gradually and the pain will ease away.

There is still the issue of worn hip joints that I will have to deal with at some point.

I’m grateful to Ludwig for arranging a second opinion of the data. I am also grateful to my friend Takashi Nakajima, Deputy Director of Niigata National Hospital, for looking over the data too.

I was expecting worse... Hopefully I'll get off lightly...Maybe it's not over yet...

Oh yeah, and before you ask, yes it was cold in the MRI tube!!!