its been a busy two weeks. I have seen the eye surgeon, the PCP, the MS folks, and so on. It has been decided that I am indeed in a flare, and my optic nerve is involved. Hence the visual migraines, and the visual difficulty. After much discussion it has been decided that even though I am not due for my MRI till July, I shall be seeing one in my near future.

I feel like a child that wants to throw a temper tantrum. I want this stupid disease to leave me alone! I dont want an MRI. I dont want steroids. I dont want to travel to see them at the big hospital. I dont want any of this. I just want to climb on deck a cruise ship and take a med cruise!

I dont want to lose any more vision. This disease is just robbing me!

So, lets hear it. Give me your best tips on surviving the MRI monster. I really hate that machine. I will be sure to use my mask to cover my eyes, and get ativan at the very least. So, hit me. tell me your best strategy.

I dont wanna go! They will call me tomorrow with the date/time. Waaaaaa, Waaaaa

I cant help with the MRI...my way of dealing with that stupid thing is to just not get any more MRI's.

I know what you mean about the never-ending flare. I think mine isnt as bad as yours, but it's just as annoying. (I've just had constant numbness in my left hand since september.)

I think you should just go ahead and have the temper tantrum. You're earning it having to endure the torture of the MS...What kind of tantrum do you want? The one where you're sitting on the floor, spinning on your back and screaming "no no no no no no no no" or the one where you hold your breath?

I'm seriously considering going around to garage sales to buy plates and china that people are getting rid of, with the express purpose of taking it somewhere safe to break on purpose when I'm mad at the MS or just frustrated. Someplace where I can Frisbee throw a bunch of plates a a wall so I can have the pleasure of smashing things.

Oh Deb. So sorry to hear about your flare. I don't have any problems with an MRI machine. I find the repetitive noises soothing, and have sometimes fallen asleep tot them.

I like listening to music. They'll put on my fav radio station for me. Don't know if they'd do a CD?

Another option I've read some ppl won't do without is asking your doc for a sedative.

~ Faith

(((Dej))) I am so sorry and really feel for you. Ativan is my magic bullet when dealing with MRIs. I won't go without it anymore after I panicked and they had to pull me out 3 times. They put a Xanax under my tongue and I was good to go within 10 minutes.

I make sure they put a mirror on so I can look out. It gives the illusion of space. And since I take the Ativan, I let my mind wander. Most places will play music. The last one I had done, they didn't. So, I used the noises the MRI was making to "create" music. I had a whole band going while I was in the tube - Ativan Band. LOL

Let the Ativan take you on that cruise you are talking about and use imagery to help you relax.

Wishing you luck! Let us know how it goes.

You fall asleep! I did that once when I took an extra Ativan and will never do that again. I jerk so much in my sleep and when I fell asleep they were having trouble getting a good picture. Thank you spasticity. I want in and out as quickly as possible. I lay so still and most of the time they can get it all in about 20 minutes.

Go ahead and throw a temper tantrum - you're entitled! As for the MRI, I have never been able to cope so no suggestions but best of luck.

hey dej, I have 2 scheduled for the 24th and the brain scheduled for the 25th. Neuro decided to hone in on ortho mri and get the w/without contrast and go on and do the cervical that day too to cut down on the MRIs. Seems to make more sense than making 3 appointments. I think we did 14 last year? or 16? Heck, I lost count!

On the plus side I am not afraid of the tube, it's the whole body stiffening I get from laying still for so long. Hoping the voltaren will help with that this time. Then again, I am going in with a broken vertebra this time, so i dunno.

And I usually burn a cd to take with me before I go. I have found heavy metal and techno are the best to drown out the noise. Made the mistake of taking an audio book once... horrible. the noise from the machine was too loud and I ended up asking them to switch to the radio halfway through.

Comfy non metal clothes... I have a few MRI OUTFITS... because it is more comfortable than trying to do it in a gown or in scrubs that don't belong to me.

Good Luck!

Sending your way Dej!

Legzz...sheesh, do you glow from so many MRIs? I haven't had one in 15 mos.

(((Dej)))...you have had a rough patch lady!! rant away!!

As soon as I lay down on the thingie before they roll me into the machine, I close my eyes and don't open them again until they tell me to sit up. I wear the earplugs they give me, and I count my breaths, in a group of 10. It distracts me and helps me focus on breathing so that I don't hyperventilate. I don't take tranquilizers because I have to drive myself to and from the facility.
Occasionally I find myself beginning to panic. Then I start praying...like just prayers of gratitude, stuff that will keep my mind in a positive frame.

I hope you do well, and that your doc can give you some relief!!

I had one on Thursday. I just do it, but it reminds me I have a real medical problem and reminds me of movies where you see the criticly injured being shoved into the MRI machine.
Unfortunately the scans were no better from months ago and even closer to the dx.

If I said this thread didn't bother me I would be lying. I feel for you, Dej, so hard to read and I want it to go away for you.

If you be my rock, I will be yours