I HAVE decided to go ahead and get the MRI. If nothing else the hospital will allow me to make payments. There have been too many problems with this shoulder, and while it is better in some ways than it was a year ago, in other ways it isn't. It would be good to know exactly what is going on with it and determine, realistically, how much stronger it can get. Surgery is NOT an option as long as I can use it! I do know my neck injury affects it... My doctor has been encouraging me to get the imaging for the last 6 months.