What should I expect?

SopChick

I have to have an MRI next week as part of the diagnosis process for the cysts on my ovaries. I have never had an MRI before, so I'm a little worried about what to expect. Have any of you had one? I would really appreciate some idea of what to prepare myself for.

Thanks!

AudgiePodge

Don't wear any metal.  No jewelry, take out any piercings, hair clips.  Let them know if you're claustrophobic.  You have to stay perfectly still while being scanned.

SopChick

Thanks Audgie. I've read that it can be really loud too, do you think they would let me wear foam earplugs or something?

When they called me to book the appointment, I wasn't given a chance to ask any questions. I'm sorry that I'm being a big baby about this.

AudgiePodge

There is no pain or anything and it's over fairly quick. The sound is kind of like a "whomp whomp" whirling sound if that makes any sense. Eta: I'm not sure about the earplugs.

tuarceatha

!
I had an MRI for an experiment for a grad school class. I'm not sure if you can wear ear plugs, I think for the experiment I had headphones on so they could talk to me.
Like Audgie said, expect to stay perfectly still. I wonder if you can take Advil or something like that before because I was really tense afterwards. I too didn't know what to expect, even though they tried to explain it to be before I got in there. I think overall it was just really exhausting. From trying to stay so still to the weird stuff the experiment had me do. i.e. they taped a vitamin to my head and said it was so they could tell my left side from my ride side in the images the MRI took? Other people who did the experiment said they didn't have to wear a vitamin on their heads. ha I wonder what all the experiment was REALLY about... Good luck!

kbb34

I hope you get the answers you are looking for after your MRI.

I have had a few and the noise was the worst thing about it, meaning its not that awful so don't be nervous .  IT sounds like a sledgehammer in your ears and the worst is that it is inconsistent so right when you are sort of relaxing "whomp whomp whomp" returns...

A lot of clinics will provide you with the earplugs, but mine didn't you will need to ask them though bc the technician may try to talk to you from the room while they are conducting your MRI.

Good Luck!

lunarsongbird

Hi, darling. ::big squeezy hugs::

As you can imagine...I've had this exact same thing...for the exact same reason.

Are you having an open MRI or a closed one?
Open:


Closed:


If you don't know- I would call your doctor and ask, just so that you know what to expect. If you are having a closed MRI- you may want to ask if there is an open MRI available that will be covered in your insurance. I'm not going to lie....open MRIs are a bit nicer since you don't feel as closed in.

You won't be able to wear earplugs- as the MRI operator will need to speak to you to change different positions.

HOWEVER- I was able to bring in a CD that they actually really cranked into the room. I brought the first Twilight Soundtrack. The first movie was out and I really enjoyed it- it brought me a lot of comfort during that time.

Yes, the noise is loud. Although it doesn't hurt your ears. And it's not a scary noise. It's just like you're lying there thinking, "WTF? Why haven't the come up with technology that is quieter yet?"

Here are some of the noises it makes- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h398qoUFGGM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GZvd_4ot04
It doesn't have any good "knocking" noises though...I'll try to find those. Those were my favorite.

You'll be able to talk to the tech. And probably hallfway way through the procedure they will give you a shot of contrast- and do some scans all over again. Most people don't have any reaction to the contrast...like none, but it gave me a bit of a tummy ache. So I took the rest of the day off...mostly to be pouty and cuddly by myself.

bethsmiles

I had an MRI a couple years ago. The whole time I was in there I kept wondering how I would escape if the zombie apocalypse happened. I don't remember it being super loud. Unless you are claustrophobic it's pretty easy. You just breathe in and out when they tell you to and keep really still.

I had a closed MRI, but the open one looks way better. It's weird being in a large tube.

meamolly

I was given earplugs. I did not need to move since it was the closed MRI. I am pretty good at meditating and going to a happy place when needed so I just used the noise to help. If you like NIN, it sounds a lot like one of the songs Trent may create. I am a bigger girl so it ended up being kinda tight and that was the only bad part.

Blessed=2BeInLove

I have had many MRI scans in the donut looking one. I was never bothered. Like everyone else said don't wear any jewlery and just stay still, which is actually the only thing I focused on while I was getting scanned. The other thing I do when I get MRI's or X-Rays (or scanned in any sort of way really), is to focus on my breathing, while staying as still as possible. For some reason if I try to hold my breathe for a certain number of seconds or when I went directly under the donut I was more focused on that then anything else going on. It always ends quicker when I am thinking about something rather than just laying there waiting for it to end. I have had so many x-rays and MRI's that it wasn't out of the norm after 4 major surgeries, but it definitely isn't a bad experience and it definitely won't hurt. It's basically like a slow Disney ride.

flygirlmeg

I've never had an MRI but my mom had to have one (for different reasons) a couple years ago.  She's very claustrophobic and she told them that so they made sure to walk her through the steps of what they were doing and help keep her calm.  At the end of it, she said it was'nt as horrible as she expected.  I would echo what all the smart PPsters have said.  And, I wouldn't hesitate to call them back with any questions you have so you can be prepared. 

*fingers crossed* and sending positive vibes!!

polkadot111

I've had lots of MRIs. Is it weird that I sort of enjoy them? I remember when I was little and they'd say, "Here goes the space ship!!!! Blastoff!!!!!!!!!!" And then I'd go in there and get an awesome prize after I was done. So, even when I was little I wasn't scared. You just have to lay pretty still and that's it. It's not bad at all.

pockysquirrel

I had a closed MRI when I was in high school. Biggest problem I had with it was that I was just...bored. Seriously, I wish I could have like, read a book in there or something.

wink0erin

I've had a few. Some lengthy ones and some sort of short ones. They are LOUD and annoying but some places will provide earplugs or special headphones (guess it depends on the place).

At my first MRI they gave me heaphones so I could listen to music. I just wasn't allowed to move, so it kind of sucked when I song I LOVED came on and I had to lay perfectly still (I was 13). I think that was the only time I got to listen to music (it was also my only MRI at that place).

At most my other MRIs I think they gave me either headphones (no music, they just talked through them when needed) or earplugs. I may have had one with no earplugs (I can't remember to be honest).

Mostly they are boring, and the sounds are just... weird.

And definitely no metal allowed, including bra clasp or piercings/jewelry. I think they give you a lovely hospital gown to wear anyway.

SopChick

Thank you so much for the responses ladies! It really does make me feel better about the whole MRI process. The lady on the phone said that they likely will want to have some scans done with contrast too, so hopefully I don't feel too crummy after that, because I have to sing later in the evening.

I have an appointment in December with the specialist back home (I'm away for school), I'll keep you updated!