Questions about medical procedures

[LiteralNotMedical]

Two questions.
I have to have an MRI on my knee tomorrow. Was referred through A&E so I don't have an appointment letter, just a card written by the A&E doctor who arranged it.
I assume I can eat normally?
What do I wear? Presumably I have to take trousers off, so should I take sports shorts to change into? Wear a skirt?
Anything else I need to know?

I've got to have a fasting blood test next week for sugar levels. Am I allowed to drink anything in the morning? Cup of tea? Water? Bit worried about driving on an empty stomach. What do I do if I feel faint?

MRI - mine was of my head so not sure about whether trousers are O K or not but I'd imagine if the machine can see through skin it can see through fabric.

you have to make sure you have no metal.at all on you so jewellery, buttons, zips, metallic nail polish etc

Fasting glucose i was told no water or food for 12 hours before the test.

For an mri it's likely they'll put you into a gown. They can't risk any metal going on the scanner. Underwire in bras, metal catches buttons etc. Also don't wear watches jewellery etc as you'll need to remove.
Fasting bloods, nothing from 10pm the night before and only water in the morning. Make it an early appointment as you'll be starving as you know you can't eat 😂

Thank you! I can't make it early as I have to get the DC to school first, then drive to doctors.

Do I need to fast before the MRI too? I sincerely hope not

MRI - you can eat normally. You may well be given a gown to wear. As PP said, you can't wear anything with metal (some sports wear has metal fibres in the fabric). Leggings are good as they have no zips but are less revealing than a skirt when you lie down! Lots of make up, beauty products and nail polish have metal in them so best not to wear any. You'll have to leave your clothes and belongings in a locker outside the room for safety so best not to wear/take anything valuable.

Blood test - if it's for glucose, you need to fast for 8-10 hours usually. You can drink water. As it's next week, it would probably be best to call the department and ask for instructions though.

MRI - eat normally
they'll ask you to wear a gown I expect

re blood test

hmmmm

never had to drive to one but if you think there's a risk of feeling faint, is it worth asking if you really need it done as fasting? It will depend on the reason for the test, but lately I was part of a control group and told I could have toast and coffee before the test (so obviously not a fasting one). the reason I mention it is that the surgery were trying to check glucose levels in different situations, so if you call and ask, you might be able to switch groups so to speak.

I know my dad used to take some tea in a flask, and a banana, so he could have that before getting back in the car.

Yes, it has to be fasting. They did the rest today but I'd already eaten a couple of slices of toast. Have to have the rest done when I go for the results. Will definitely take something to eat with me. If I feel really awful then I'll have to eat a mouthful on the way.

It’s not fasting if you eat something. Even just a bite.

If you eat a mouthful on the way the result of your test will be worthless.

I don't think the fasting will be as bad as you imagine, it will be like having breakfast a little bit late.

If I miss a meal I tend to either pass out, throw up or do both in either order.

In that case I think you would be best phoning and asking their advice and definitely looking into options of if anyone can take you.

You can't eat on the way to the fast. I struggled to, when I had mine I was passing out if I didn't eat every four hours. I had toast 20 minutes before the deadline where I couldn't eat anymore, and sipped water.

I got a taxi to the doctors, too, and a friend bought me back. Not the most convenient, but the results won't work if you've eaten anything at all and you'll end up stuck in a cycle of trying to have a fasting test, having to eat and being rescheduled.

Hmmm. Well, I could leave the DC on the playground 10 minutes early and assume someone will help if there's an issue, catch the bus. Maybe tie a luggage label around me saying " deliver to Dr K." In case I don't make it the whole way

For the MRI, as well as ensuring you have nothing metal, don’t take credit or debit cards in as they stop them from working!

Oh, good point. Except I'll have to take a card to pay for the bus. They must have to deal with that every day though, won't they have lockers or keep my bag in their office?

Hi OP I have MRIs on my knees every six months. One hospital makes me change into a gown, the other hospital just checks I have no metal (such as zips, jewellery, etc) on. So dress with no metal on your clothing - they will ask you to put all of you stuff (handbags, shoes) in a locker outside the MRI room.

Fasting - yep you need to make sure you have nothing to eat for 12 hours before.

Good luck, hope you're OK.

They provide lockers for your belongings when you are having an MRI. Our hospital provides gowns to change into.

What time is your blood test?