I have been having increasingly painful right shoulder ...yuck grammer.
anyway I am having an MRI tomorrow of it finally and will see a new doctor first one I did not like so am seeing a new one.
any body have them do I need to take some klonipin before I go?
bizi

Good luck with the MRI, Bizi. If you've never had one, I don't think it's a bad idea to take something to keep you calm. I know folks without any issues about small spaces who felt anxious in the tube. My other bits of practical advice are to visit the washroom beforehand and accept a blanket - it can be cold in there.

Cheers

Beth,

I've had three MRIs -- one of my knee and two of my head.
(The knee test left my head out side the machine, the first head test was in an open MRI machine, the second head test was tight and cramped but I was not bothered).

The worst thing about the MRI is having to be still. The techs are very clear that you cannot move during the test.
Find out a head of time how long the test lasts.

Sometimes the tech will ask you what radio station you want to listen to.
The tech will be in another room and will be able to talk and listen to you during the test.

The machine makes lots of noise. It sounds like banginng most of the time.

I did not feel anxious or claustrophobic but by the time I took the third (tight) test I knew what to expect.

Good luck.
It will be good to get some answers.

M.

I have had two MRI's and it's just like Mari described Beth. I would take the klono, definitely, just to help stay relaxed. Be prepared fo it to hurt really bad when the test is done and you finally get to move again, take it slow and you should be just fine.

thank you for the wonderful suggestions:
bathroom
klonipin,
blanket
I don't know if it is open or closed I should have asked.
bizi

Mari nailed it.
I use my time to daydream or plan something.
It's a good time to do nothing.

sorry the first doc didn't work out... glad you are set up with a new one though.

MRI... especially if it is a closed machine and if they do not provide headphones/earmuffs/earplugs you might want to ask for them. it is really loud. i came out with a migraine - yes i am more sensitive in that regard, but the sound level alone can be bothersome to non-migraineurs. (when my dad had one done they put muffs on him without his even asking.)

For me i think keeping still was the hardest thing, mentally. now i don't recall - i may well have popped 2.5 mg ativan before to help with that... i felt pressure knowing i "MUST" keep still.

i am anything but claustrophobic so no issue for me there, but it certainly is a small space, which bothers many people.

a little extra klonopin is not a bad idea. bring it with if you are uncertain, and plan for a lift home if you think you might take enough to make you unsafe to drive.

if you know you will want the Klonopin if the machine is the closed-in type, perhaps call the facility before you go. they won't mind. it's a natural question to have.

((( HUGS )))

~ waves ~

It was a piece of cake!
hearing head set to muffle all of the noise!!!!
no radio though but only took 15 minutes.
I was in and out of there in less than half an hour!
Very organized, already have a film copy to give to my new ortho doc on next thursday, stopped by the first doc office to get copies of my exrays and the tech is only in on 2 days of the week!!!!
so I have to wait until next week to get them she said that she would call me when they were ready. I canceled the followup with her...felt sort of bad but the receptionist did not say a thing, and was still very nice to me.
thanks for all of your suggestions again I used them all!
bizi

Thanks for the update Beth! Glad it went so well!

AWESOME Bizi !!!