Thank you all for the advice! Counting sounds like a good plan...and the being wrapped in the womb analogy is good too! I will research some more relaxation techniques. Being still always makes things more difficult for me.

The neuro told me that I should have my results within about 48 hours, but that is when he thought I was doing it at his facility, but my schedule didn't mesh with his facilities'...so, anyone know how long it will take to get results?

Thank you all very much, I really appreciate it!

even with ear plugs -
it is very noisy with vibrations, banging, clunking, grinding - or was that just the one I was in LOL

I wasn't at all prepared for the sounds & noise.

no metals in or on you is a main thing. {MRI uses a magnet}

I did best with closing my eyes and imagining a safe comfortable place.

The music the facility had was like elevator music Blahhh
I would have preferred some loud rock or country
But I might have started dancing or singing if a really good song came on

Well, I was fortunate my first time in the tube. My MRI tech was funny and we joked around most of the time which helped put my mind at ease. I would recommend you bring a blanket with you. For some reason i get cold every time I go in for one. i think it might be the contrast but other than that no problems. I was a little disappointed that my tattoo didn't explode (urban legend). Music helps a LOT! My tech let me blare the music the whole time I was in there. I would alos recommend something someone else mentioned. Get an eye mask. One of those cute little sleeping masks should do the trick. Just put it on before you lie on the table.

I've had more MRIs than the senate has arguements! I am glad that I'm not claustrophibic at all. I have never had anything but wonderful staff assist me and let me know that they are on the other side of the glass and all I have to do is call out and they will do anything the can to help. I would not hesitate to have another one tomorrow if I needed it!

These are my recomendations:
Be confortable. If that means warm then I make sure I wear my socks, sleep pants and ask for a blanket.

Keep your mind busy. I bring my own music. I love the 'soundscape' type music. I can hear the tide rush in and out, or light rain. Sometimes if it is done the right way even light rumbling thunder sounds relaxing. My personal favorite is the Dino 'peace' series, but that's pretty old and hard to find. I did get tired of it the week I had about 7 MRIs in one week. He personally wrote them when he realized that peaceful music along with the sounds of nature helped his daughter relax and be pain free.

As far as the noise the machine makes. It is what it is. The ear buds really didn't help me. One time I imagined that it was all part of a video game and I was actually inside the game and part of it. It was quite amusing.

Good luck! Enjoy the meds!

Thank you all for your suggestions! I can only hope and pray that the meds do their job! To say I'm a little nervous about this whole situation would be a gross understatement. Since MS was first mentioned three months ago, I've been in fear of this MRI. I know realistically that knowing what's causing my symptoms will be a relief, but this fear seems insurmountable.

I can't thank you all enough for your thoughts and suggestions!

Welcome to the MS forum, HopeSprings.

I didn't think I'd have a problem with doing a MRI, because I am not normally anxious or clausterphobic. I realized I wasn't going to like it at all once I tried, BUT one little Ativan and it was a breeze.

Good luck and let us know what you find out.

Cherie