Tell me about your MRI's.

[SirBoobAlot]

Opened a letter today informing me that I have my MRI booked for Friday. It is for my brain, to try and find a cause the horrific head pain I have.

I'm really fucking frightened, to be blunt. DP is going to try and get time off work to come and hold my hand, but obviously won't be able to cuddle me in the machine

Could you please come and tell me your experiences? Be honest. Don't just try and make me feel better, I would like to know what it is going to be like.

[Tallgiraffe]

It's fine. Honestly! You lie down, it's a bit noisy, but you get headphones to listen to music and if you need them to stop for a break you can press a button. It'll be over before you know it.

[Wolfiefan]

Had a spinal one. I tried to get comfy and closed my eyes! (Tried to view it as a rest!) I had headphones. (They gave me a choice!) it was very noisy. The woman talked me through every stage (took about 40 mins to do whole back so you should not be as long.)and kept asking if I was ok. I had a button to press if I felt the need to get the heck out! Not tempted to use it though.

Hoping you get reassurance.

[CMOTDibbler]

Noisy, a bit cold, but thats it. Close your eyes before they slide you in, and just listen to the music.
No bother at all really.

[CabbageLeaves]

I went in with a friend. Ask if they will let you do this. It's safe. Not radiation.

It's noisy but accept that and it's painless.

[BeGoodElliot]

I had an MRI to look at a lump on my wrist so for a different thing but I can still share my experience if you think it will help.

I went into the machine superman style with my arm out in front lying on my tummy. I had to remove everything that was metal, so bra etc but I was able to keep my jeans on as they were far enough away, but if you have jogging bottoms or leggings to wear then that might be better as you will have no issue with anything being metal.

On thing I wasn't prepared for was how noisy it was and the type of noise. If you search for MRI sounds on YouTube there are done recording of the sounds which might prepare you.

You have big headphones on but it is still loud. Some hospitals play music for you. Mine never but it might be worth an ask if you think it would help you. You have a button to press if you feel you need out and someone will talk to you through the headphones to reassure you.

I think I was in for about 20 mins and the main thing to try to do is to keep as still as you can and it will be over quicker. My foot kept twitching which was enough to effect what they were looking at on my wrist.

But overall it's really not too bad. Hope all goes well for you and try not to worry .

[Wolfiefan]

YY to chilly. Should have taken thicker socks!
Assume you have no metal rods etc in your body? You will have to remove all jewellery.

[SirBoobAlot]

Really Cabbage? Thank you for that, I will ask.

Thank you all for the speedy and helpful replies. I also have severe anxiety, which is probably make it ten times worse. I am frightened of the test itself, and also of what they might - or might not - find. If they find something bad, then that is scary. If they don't, then they won't know what is causing my pain, and that is just as frightening, I think!

[headfairy]

My experience is similar to the others, cold, noisy, headphones for some music you can't really hear over the banging of the machine. I have a touch of claustrophobia so I kept my eyes tightly shut the whole time and gripped the panic button very very tightly. But it's fine really. Just close your eyes and day dream. Really the worse bit for me was lying so still for about40 minutes. It made me a bit stiff and uncomfortable.

[Notquite]

I've had 3. Noisy, boring, but fine. I feel much more confined in the dentist's chair. Definitely try and view it as a few minutes to yourself!

[ParsingFancy]

Some wise MNers told me to take warm socks! And they were right!

The thing I wish I had done before lying down (for a spinal) was look all the way through the donut and out the other side, just to reassure myself that the further in I was, the more nearly out again - just to keep any claustrophobia at bay.

But for the head one they didn't put me far in at all.

Noisy and painless, as people have said.

[SirBoobAlot]

No metal, no.

Right, thick socks, leggings, CD and pointy nipples - check

[Wolfiefan]

Can they prescribe something to help you relax? FWIW I got a clear answer about my back. Hoping you get good news. I can totally understand the fear of finding out something or nothing. The worst bit was lying still with a sore back. If the noise could hurt your head further then would they dope you up? (I'm all for the drugs me!)

[IncognitoIsMyFavouriteWord]

Its very noisy imo.

My hospital offered me to take my own cd's but I decided not to as I would end up tapping my feet and you have to stay still.

After about 10 minutes you'll tune the noise out and just go away with your own thoughts.

Good luck OP with the results the MRI will be fine.

[PickledMoomin]

I've had a head one. It was absolutely fine. Don't wind yourself up. Worst part was having to remove bra- do not wear a tight tshirt!
The noises gave me the giggles.
Keep your eyes closed if you're worried.

[MsElleTow]

I have had a head one. It is noisy, but they give you headphones with music on so it's not too bad. There is a mirror on the scanner so you can look in it and see what is going on around you. It is cold, but they have always given me a blanket. I have had quite a few since. The last one I had, on my pelvis, I fell asleep!

[SirBoobAlot]

I have some vallium prescribed anyway, I will take some of that with me, and possibly try and get a higher dose if I can get to see my GP / psych before Friday (doubt it). The laying still will be difficult because of the pain in various body parts, and I get twitches when the pain is bad. Hopefully if I take some vallium en route will be at least physically relaxed before hand.

Thank you everyone, I feel a little calmer.