Today, I underwent the good old MRI of my cervical spine and I must say, I
now understand why patients come back from this test, unable to do it due
to feeling panic. They covered my eyes, plugged my ears and put me into
the machine. My shoulders hit the walls of the machine and I instantly
panicked. I asked them to take me out so they pulled me out and I asked
them to remove the head wrap and ear plugs. They put me back in but for
30 minutes, not being able to swallow for 3 minute intervals, it was the most
miserable I've been in a while. I now have all the empathy in the world for
people who cannot tolerate this procedure. Anyone have a similar
experience. I thought I was going to suffocate.
I'm so sorry you had such a bad experience with the MRI. They are indeed, a test of patience and will-power.
I've had many MRI's over the years: brain, all levels of spine several times, hips, knees, shoulders, etc.
My last one was of my hands, and believe it or not, they had to strap my hands down to my sides, because I cannot raise over my head, and my whole body was in the machine. My hands started to twitch, which I warned them about. It's just something that happens and I have no control over it. So they had to pull me out and pad my hands and strap into place, so I couldn't twitch, even. Finally got the pictures. They usually don't bother me, but I hated being tied down!
They used to give me earphones and play music for me, that way you don't hear the clanking of the maching. But I haven't had that for a few years. I wish they'd bring it back. It helps a lot.
One suggestion: Ask your doctor for a valium to take one-half to one hour before your MRI. It should help you relax and control any jerking your body does on it's own.
Let us know how your test comes out, please?
Take care and Happy New Year! Nini
That does sound like it could make a person feel pretty nervous Lori. Sorry you had to go through it. Why do they cover your eyes and plug your ears if it isn't necessary? That seems like ti would make it all the worse. And how do you know when you can swallow? Do they have a little timer in there with you?
Yes, I had a similar experience last year when I had an MRI brain scan. The whole process took about 45 mins though I was only in the machine for about 15 min intervals...seemed like an eternity! I'm mildly claustraphobic so it was uncomfortable and unnerving especially with the added cage they put around your head to keep it still. I kept my eyes closed most of the time and focused on my feet, which were out of the machine, when I opened my eyes. It certainly brings you in touch with a more primitive part of your brain that isn't easily influenced by logic! If I had to do it again I probably would take the sedative...though you have to have someone with you to drive you home.
Alan
Lori, I hate to tell you this but.....I've fallen asleep both times I've had an MRI, even with the noise. I also need to tell you I can sleep through just about anything. I have no idea how bad or good it was. I just hope I didn't snore. LindyLinncn. They plug your ears so you do not have to listen to the sound. AndI'd say it's pretty normal to be nervous Lori.
Hope everythings turns out ok with yours and you get relief.
Next morning, panic call, had to go back, it was a typo on the first report. Had to have two more MRIs to find out where it truly was, a very common right hip nodule. Morons, I never understood why nobody took a second look at the first set of MRIs to find it once they knew they were lost.
I'm actually with Lindy...I've had quite a few and I always have to fight off falling asleep, afraid that I'll "jerk" when I wake up. But I can definitely understand why they would bother people.
My problem is that I am large, so that space is awfully tight, and that I can't always stay comfortably in the positions they need you to be. By the time I get out I am hurting pretty badly.
I just had an ortho appt yesterday and they need an updated L-spine (last one was 2003 and the films from my closet are barely readable!), so here I go again. My dr always wants the closed MRI's because he says they show more detail. I was just glad that he finally explained/made clear to me that all this pain I have in my SI joints could easily be coming from my L4/L5 herniation.
I had my MRI about two weeks ago. They had my head pinned down so I wouldn't move - also had my eyes covered. For about the first five minutes I struggled incredibly with the adrenaline rushes I was getting from panic attacks.