MRI scan!

hey guys,

gotta MRI scan 2mrw, but ima bit worried about the small space, im a bit claustrophobic.
Has any1 else done a MRi scan? any1 got any tips?

thanks.

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Reply 1

The Mudman

If it's too bad, you could ask to be put on the waiting list for an open MRI scanner. But they have a longer waiting list, don't work as well, and take longer (I think). Maybe that's motivation?

Reply 2

stud1_89

well i would like to do the scan asap.
is it tru theres a lotta noise?

Reply 3

AlphaNumeric

There is absolutely no danger too it provided you've taken off any metal clothing you have, such as rings, earings and watches. Just lie still and you'll be fine.

Reply 4

gbduo

I have had quite a few MRI scans because i completly buggered up my knee playing rugby! When i had mine, it was only my legs that went into the machine, the rest of me was like outside of it if that makes sense, half in half out! When i went, you could take your favourite CD with you and they would play it for you while you were in there to pass the time, it takes about 20 mins.

The MRI is not obtrusive at all, my knee always felt a bit weird afterwards but that went away within a minute (it wasn't painful at all, just a weird feeling). There is nothing to be worried about, really there isn't!

I don't know what part of your body you are having scanned, but it is quite rare for your whole body to actually go into the machine so if you are claustrophobic i guess this is reassuring. Also you, altho you are restricted, everything is done up with velcro and you are in constant contact with the technician so if you want to get out you can!

There is nothing to worry about, you will go into the machine it make funny noises for 10-15 mins and then thats it!

Graham

EDIT: they don't make a lot of noise, but do make a noise, just like motors turning and stuff, but if you have music on you won't hear this.

Reply 5

stud1_89

well its my back, so i suess ill be in teh machine fully

Reply 6

gbduo

Probably, but as i said, there is nothing to be worried about! It is really quick, easy and painless.

You may be surprised at how big the machines are too, i mean they are about the size of of a really big pipe you see on the side of the road sometimes and at playgrounds...the ones you crawl through hunch back. They have got to be 5ft in diameter, they are not small!

As you are in the machine it may be a little noisier, but take a CD with you and see if they will play it for you (no harm in asking!)

Graham

Reply 7

RetiredAccount89

if need be ask them to give you some sedative before oyu go into the machine to relax you

Reply 8

djk_99

When I had an MRI scan (on my head) they told me to bring a CD and gave me some headphones so I could listen to the music. I just had to lie very still. It wasnt too bad- just shut your eyes and have a little rest! Probably too noisy to actually sleep, but if you really dont like it, maybe try some visualisation or something. Try not to worry, it doesnt hurt, its just a bit noisy.

Reply 9

Ella_belle

I've had nore MRI scans than I can remember and it's not painful or too claustrophobic. The only real problem is that it's quite boring! The noise isn't too bad - I have dropped to sleep on ocassion... :biggrin:

Reply 10

Dutchess of Doncaster

Noise didn't bother me at all, neither did the lack of space. Just close your eyes and relax. I find them quite soothing actually (spacewise not noise) - but then again i am not claustrophobic. Good luck

Reply 11

Talon

I had one on my neck so my head was in it. Wasnt a biggy. The one thing you mustnt do is move...they have to start again....

Reply 12

mrteacher

i had an MRI scan. mm..it went on for 45 minutes instead of 20 and my mum was as white as a **** when i came out and my dad was ready to faint. they thought the doctors have found something really bad!
it is boring. not very claustrophobic. there is a lot of noise though!!!

Reply 13

Natalie561

I had an MRI Scan on my back in 2004 because i had suspected scoliosis and they had to look at my spine and it came out positive. I was quite scared about it like you at first and being claustrophobic i also thought they would be doors at each end but getting in there it was nothing like that. When i got in there i asked loads of questions about the space and if there were any doors etc. There are no doors on the end, i was so happy about that - at least i can kinda see out and the space wasnt as tiny as i thought it was going to be. I was allowed to take a CD to listen to while i was in there which was really good but you do hear a lot of drumming aswell. Good Luck!

Reply 14

sheepgirl

I've had an MRI scan on my knee. It really wasnt as bad as I though it was. You can listen to music through head phones while you are in there which can help to relax you. I was also given a button to press if I wanted to get out or just talk to someone. As for the clastrophobia its really not so bad. Its a VERY big tube so you're not going to be trapped in a very small space/ The ends are exposed so even if you are right insed the tube you can see out either end. Good luck!

Reply 15

stud1_89

hey guys,

I got my MRI done, full body was in the tube....really load noises, sounded like somethings wrong or the machines going to break down.lol. :biggrin:

I didnt bother to close my eyes. It took about 10 mins. Felt a bit wierd after, like im being pushed down.

bad thing is.....my condition came out positive.... :frown:

Reply 16

Comp_Genius

what problem do you have?

Reply 17

jovialtom

i had a mri for my back, found it rather claustraphobic (was in completely and felt kinda trapped!) Was also noisey so couldnt hear my music either! otherwise it was great fun! Whats the condition? I had spondylolisthesis! (try saying that 5 times quickly!)
Tom

Reply 18

Comp_Genius

did you have degenerative or isthmic?