I was definitely an MRI scardy cat. I am claustrophic and then read of others' fears of metal being pulled out, or heating up and so on.
I did the humane thing for myself and others, and pre-visited the imaging center where I got to talk to a technician. Harrington Rods made of stainless steel are a non-issue as it is non-ferrous (no iron). I was told they do the MRIs all the time and have never had a problem.
I also learned my legs would be out of the "tomb" and it's not a tomb... it's not dark in there, it's quite light and white. Also standing in front of it you can see end to end.
I was still nervous though for the week proceeding the appointment. The pre-visit helped because I knew where to go, had my questions answered. On the other hand I was so nervous, during the pre-visit, I finally grabbed onto the age of the desk to hide it more. Didn't work, "You're very nervous right now aren't you."
My doc gave me three Valiums. Call me silly but I had never taken a Valium before and while I tried to find out what they might be like... a GOOD drug right? I am 5'4" and about 120 lbs right now. I took one, I took the second... nothing.... and I still had some nervousness. I took the third, still didn't really notice anything except well, I was ready to go and face it.
I was actually fairly calm, not dopey, not drowsey, none of it. I was alert and thinking and I did get a worry now and then, but I didn't "go there."
The sounds didn't bother me. If you've seen sci-fi movies, the sounds are well... repetitive. They also call in, okay, next one is 6 mins. They began at 45 seconds. Then 10, then 2, or 4 ... The whole MRI is white. Yes, the first time I saw the top of the MRI from inside, it was a tad startling. I just shut my eyes. Later the top became a friend. Nice, white, with lighting on the sides.
I did the humane thing for myself and others, and pre-visited the imaging center where I got to talk to a technician. Harrington Rods made of stainless steel are a non-issue as it is non-ferrous (no iron). I was told they do the MRIs all the time and have never had a problem.
I also learned my legs would be out of the "tomb" and it's not a tomb... it's not dark in there, it's quite light and white. Also standing in front of it you can see end to end.
I was still nervous though for the week proceeding the appointment. The pre-visit helped because I knew where to go, had my questions answered. On the other hand I was so nervous, during the pre-visit, I finally grabbed onto the age of the desk to hide it more. Didn't work, "You're very nervous right now aren't you."
My doc gave me three Valiums. Call me silly but I had never taken a Valium before and while I tried to find out what they might be like... a GOOD drug right? I am 5'4" and about 120 lbs right now. I took one, I took the second... nothing.... and I still had some nervousness. I took the third, still didn't really notice anything except well, I was ready to go and face it.
I was actually fairly calm, not dopey, not drowsey, none of it. I was alert and thinking and I did get a worry now and then, but I didn't "go there."
The sounds didn't bother me. If you've seen sci-fi movies, the sounds are well... repetitive. They also call in, okay, next one is 6 mins. They began at 45 seconds. Then 10, then 2, or 4 ... The whole MRI is white. Yes, the first time I saw the top of the MRI from inside, it was a tad startling. I just shut my eyes. Later the top became a friend. Nice, white, with lighting on the sides.
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