Should I be nervous about MRI?
 

So, as some of you may have read, I have my first MRI on Monday.


Should I be nervous? I don't feel nervous about it at all. But maybe I should? Lol :D

How is it? Is it really unpleasant?

How loud is it?

Thanks!

You will have a gazillion different responses abut how and MRI. I find the only real 'problem' with mine is my size. A larger body just doesn't scrunch into that tube as well as others. Have music piped in, take those little rubber scrunchy ear plugs, or they may even provide them. And remember they are always there to talk to you if you need to let them know you are having some trouble. I have never, but some people get a little ancy with it.

Can we choose what music we have piped in? :D

In my hospital there is a choice between country & western, rock & roll or classical.
I only feel a bit odd when I open my eyes because the tube wall is only an inch or two from your face. You might find it easier to close your eyes...especially if you feel a bit anxious.
It has 3 or 4 particular noises one of which is loud enough to drown out the music unless you have them turn up the volume before they start.

Relax. You'll be fine.

With love, Erika

Hi Midori
 

Most of the time MRI's is an easy test. If it is with contrast, the worst in my opinion is the "stick" for contrast. I just get my favorite CD pumped in and enjoy a rest. It is a bit loud, and a bit cramped, but nothing that you should feel anxiety over. The person conducting the test is only a voice away, and can stop the test if you have trouble. You can see all around you, and see your toes etc. Just relax and it goes quickly. I hope that the experience isn't difficult for you. ginnie:hug:

Between MS/Tysabri and brain surgery, I have had about 20 of these now - they don't bother me.

I have learned to 'tune out' and meditate. The only thing I hate, is when I have an itch and I can't move. If that happens, eg my nose itches, I just focus all of my thoughts on my big toe - or similar, that I can wiggle or scratch.

Make sure that they give you a blanket over your legs - they ventilate them well, and you are very still, so there is nothing worse than trying to keep still when you feel like shivering.

That might just be me - not sure how others feel. I just remember my first one. and I couldn't stop shivering - could have been nerves too - but I have made sure ever since.

Good luck, and it will be over before you know it.

I'm the oddball here. I actually have enjoyed all the MRI's that I've had. :o

Being in tight areas doesn't bother me so that's one hurdle I don't have to worry about. I just close my eyes....even before I'm in the tube.....and don't open them until I'm out again.

The banging and clanging doesn't bother me and after a while it sort of gets its own rhythm and it doesn't seem as loud.

I can almost doze off even without any meds taken prior to the scan.

The technicians ask me frequently if I'm okay....through the little speaker system they have in the tube......and that's the only thing that annoys me while I'm in there! :p

Differing Experiences
 

My first MRI was in 2000. They put me in this tube, air blowing on me, and all was good. Wondered what all the fuss was about from things I had heard. Well, after about 20 minutes, the machine broke down, they pulled me out and rushed me into another tube in another room. It was MUCH smaller and I was a little claustrophobic but it was not a problem with my eyes closed. I was given a choice of open MRI for my next one and it was a piece of cake.

If you are claustrophobic, I would ask for an open MRI if possible. If you are nervous, sometimes they can give you medication to make you feel relaxed.

Hope all goes well for you.

MRIs have also never bothered me. Pretty easy to just lay there with you eyes closed and think about other happier things. :)

I would agree with Lynn that it is annoying when you have an itch and you have to figure out a way to deal with it without moving, certainly not the easiest thing to do haha.

Best of luck!

About the choice of what music. When I first started having my MRIs I took along my own CD. But some places now don't offer a CD player, you just select from their music. I remember one time along with all of the banging, I actually put myself into a video game!!! It was quite interesting.

I agree with the blanket. I also ask for a knee wedge. If I can remember I wear long excersice pants along with socks.

Have to admit - as long as I am warm, I get myself to a level of relaxation in the tube that when I come out I feel rested and so relaxed my arms and legs have usually gone to sleep and I can't move at first. I almost feel quite catatonic.

I actually really enjoyed it too! Lol:D

Glad to have it over with? Sometimes, it is not knowing exactly what to expect that makes some tests and procedures worse than they really turn out to be in reality. And you never know how YOU will react which may be entirely different than others. People think I am crazy because I have a terrible fear of the eye doctor but no fear of dentists.

Glad you did not have any problems with the MRI.