MRI freakout

[911_Dude]

Ive had 3-4 MRI's. They pretty much make me fall asleep with the rhythm the machine makes.

[Racerbvd]

Had one a few weeks ago, but I have had several, so no big deal for me

[berettafan]

Well if anything I've learned to be more mindful of what the docs/techs have already had to deal with that day and try not to add to their pile of grief. It can be a beech dealing with the public.

[dw1]

I've had several MRI's over the years, most of which involved my head going in the tube with headphone or earplugs. In the past, the MRI's were for (BPH), shoulder rotator cuff (presurgical), and checking for a potential concussion or subdural hemotoma.

After the check for concussion, I got a call from my primary care physican who told me "...we looked in your head and saw nothing." Seriously. My wife still finds that amusing (and in her opinion - accurate).

Most recently, I've had MR exams pre & post cranial neurosurgery. For these, the head going into the MRI and being immobilized (with a kind of support brace) was important.

The closeness of the tube never bothered me (kind of vaguely reminding me of a bunk I had aboard a Navy ship many years ago and/or the many times spent working under a car) nor did the noise. In fact my brain assembles the noises into some sort of avant-garde minimalist music like some of the works by Philip Glass or other composers in that genre.

I mention all of this to suggest potential coping mechanisms for those who suffer having this type of exam. (BTW, I believe the suffering is real.)

BTW, I strongly agree with the above comments regards closed vs open MRI. Open MRI just doesn't show the details close ones do, in fact, my neurosurgical staff specifically prescribed a closed MRI having at least a certain minimum field strength.

[zakthor]

Originally Posted by dw1

In fact my brain assembles the noises into some sort of avant-garde minimalist music like some of the works by Philip Glass or other composers in that genre.

Exactly. It is beautiful and every chorus is different.

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by 911_Dude

Ive had 3-4 MRI's. They pretty much make me fall asleep with the rhythm the machine makes.

That was my experience for the first 4 or 5, literally falling asleep. Then I got stuffed in a small one with my arms clamped at my sides and - no effin’ way.

[stevej37]

I'm 5'9" and 150....no tube scares me because I know lots of larger people have survived it.

Just like crawling into a cave...if others have done it, I'm good to go.

[jcwade]

I've had many MRI's over the years and never once was I offered headphones or music. Now I feel cheated.

[Rapewta]

Just got the bill for my MRI. $13,700.00. It is covered by the V.A. I hope everyone has some kind of insurance.
They never offered me any meds or music.

[Rapewta]

Just got the bill for my MRI. $13,700.00. It is covered by the V.A. I hope everyone has some kind of insurance.
They never offered me any meds or music.

[cstreit]

Some of the older ones are really narrow. I’m not claustrophobic and one of them had me anxious for a few moments. I think if you could somehow see that it was open above your head it wouldn’t feel so bad.

[matthewb0051]

UPDATE:

Had another MRI this past Saturday. It was supposed to be a 'wide bore' machine but honestly it seemed to be the same size. The Tech made all the difference in the world though. I told him about the first one and how I was moved entirely into the tube. He was able to set it up so my eyes were just at the edge of the tube.

Music was provided and he continually gave me time hacks throughout the procedure, which only lasted 10 minutes. Mission success!

[Seahawk]

Had one done today...Sunday appointments mean I can get there at 0700 and get going since I had to fast, etc.

The nice machine was sneakers up so it was back to the birthing canal OG...the one that keeps your grill covered the entire time.

The folks were great, the music really helped and the 35 - 40 minutes of love flew by like a turtle on a runway.

Happy to be home!

I apologize in advance...

[DonDavis]

ba dum, tiss!

And like said above, great Technologists make a ton of difference. I’ve seen them all.

[matthewb0051]

Originally Posted by DonDavis

ba dum, tiss!

And like said above, great Technologists make a ton of difference. I’ve seen them all.

I should have known the first Tech was going to be bad when she started telling me about her 10 yo Corvette on original tires that only has 3k miles on it.

[gacook]

I've only had 2 MRIs--one many years ago for an ankle; one a couple years ago for a knee, so didn't have to go head-in for either. First one was no music, second was. That really didn't help, though. I don't feel claustrophobic but I have pretty sensitive ears. I can FEEL the noise, even with the headphones and music. It's just annoying but not a big deal.

[Steve Carlton]

[stevej37]

Here's what not to do when going in or being around an MRI machine.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/man-critically-injured-being-pulled-211014029.html

.

[A930Rocket]

^^^ His “necklace” was a 20 pound chain and lock he used for “exercise”. That said, he never should’ve been allowed in the room.

[rwest]

Originally Posted by A930Rocket

^^^ His “necklace” was a 20 pound chain and lock he used for “exercise”. That said, he never should’ve been allowed in the room.

We’ll probably never know, but that chain violently trying to leave his neck could have partially decapitated him or broke his neck. I wonder if there was a patient in the machine when he or parts of him came flying at the machine?