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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Question about MRI

43 replies

JeanneFrench · 09/05/2021 19:55

Can you wear nail polish? Last week I had an operation and it had to be removed (so they can detect any changes...so I presume not relevant for MRI).

Any other tips for the MRI? First time so would appreciate any advice. (Have already been instructed to fast completely before).

OP posts:

TheSugarRefiner · 09/05/2021 19:57

What part of your body is being scanned. I didn't need to remove mine for my MRI head.

NichyNoo · 09/05/2021 20:02

I had an MRI on my hip but was full body immersed for 20 minutes. I’m not claustrophobic but I struggled. My advice is to keep your eyes shut from the moment you get in and don’t open until you get out. The roof of the scanner was so close to my face that if I’d opened my eyes I would’ve massively panicked.

LuckyAmy1986 · 09/05/2021 20:08

My advice is to keep your eyes shut from the moment you get in and don’t open until you get out. The roof of the scanner was so close to my face that if I’d opened my eyes I would’ve massively panicked

This. I have had a few brain ones lately and I put the eye mask on before they slide me in and it doesn’t come off until I’m fully out! I wouldn’t cope otherwise. If it’s your head going in then no make up or creams on that morning.

NeverMetANiceOne · 09/05/2021 20:11

I took an eyemask to my last MRI, I was fully in for about 40 minutes and it really helped me focus on relaxing.

Original poster

JeanneFrench · 09/05/2021 20:12

It's for my vagina but I presumed the whole of me goes in?

Thank you, everyone ❤

OP posts:

ballsdeep · 09/05/2021 20:16

As pp said , close your eyes and think of something else. I moved by finger slightly and touched the top 🤢🤢 and I nearly fraked out and pressed the panic button. I felt like I was in a jungle trial . Wear a thin mask!!! My mask was thicker and when I had to breathe in it stuck to my face and I nearly panicked again!!! Good luck!

HopingForOurRainbowBaby · 09/05/2021 23:31

I've had 2 one brain and one neck and spine. My advice is keep your eyes open as you go in and then if you feel claustrophobic then close them. I made the mistake the first time round of going in with them shut and then opening them midway through. I had a cage around my face which meant there wasn't much room above my head. It freaked me out slightly. The other thing is it vibrates a lot especially when it's constantly taking images oh and it's bloody noisy too even with ear plugs in and headphones over the top. I'm definitely not one of those people who can fall asleep in them. Also for me having an MRI scan totally wipes me out so I'm unable to drive afterwards. I end up with a migraine and in bed for the rest of the day

Confusedmeanderings · 09/05/2021 23:37

My MRI scans were a long time ago now, so things have probably changed, but for what its worth here are my thoughts. They weren't bothered about nail varnish. I dutifully brought in a CD(shows how long ago it was!) to listen too, but I couldn't hear a thing over the noise of the machine so I needn't have bothered.. Go to the loo beforehand!!

Lucked · 09/05/2021 23:38

I believe the nail polish for theatre is for the oxygen monitors that go on your fingers. It is fine for an MRI

Charmatt · 09/05/2021 23:41

Relax and wear a bra without a wire in it. Leave anything off that has metal in it - rings, belt, jewellery, etc. Don't dress yourself in thick clothes- it gets warm in there.
To be honest I fell asleep in mine - I didn't close my eyes when I went in but it was so warm and cosy I nodded off. They gave me ear defenders because of the knocking noise and it just contributed to the warm and peaceful environment.

Lupinhere37 · 09/05/2021 23:43

I once got told you can’t wear metallic nail polish with glitter. I’ve had 3 MRIs in my life; most recent about 16 months ago. Certainly wasn’t told it then though.
You should have been given an instruction/ info leaflet and it’ll be on there if it’s important. If it’s not on there, don’t worry

Elouera · 09/05/2021 23:44

YES- you can wear nail polish for an MRI. As another poster said, its to do with the pulse oximetry used during operations. In some cases, the light cannot penetrate thick, coloured nails.

TBH- I'm unsure what they even still advise this, because the pulse oximeter can be used on the side of the finger instead of through the nail.

Changechangychange · 09/05/2021 23:46

It is super-noisy! Take the ear protectors if they offer them.

I have had two pelvic MRIs, and they take way longer than you expect - about 40-60mins. It’s not like a CT scan. So pee before you go in. I’ve seen the images for one of mine, and my bladder looks like it was about to burst.

Lactarius · 09/05/2021 23:47

I quite enjoyed mine - full immersion - reminded me of trips I used to do on an ex RN survey ship (HMS Egeria was the TS Jonas Hanway when I was aboard her). Fairly compact and a bit noisy but I just laid there and dozed off.

omgwhy · 09/05/2021 23:48

The noise was louder than I imagined it would be, I was ok with the enclosed space and also having my pelvis scanned.

I fell asleep which is just the most bizarre thing, as I never nap at all, so I wonder if the sleep thing is like shut down mode?

It took me by surprise that I'd sleep with the noise.

Oh and good luck hope the results are all ok for you x

Thisisconfusing · 09/05/2021 23:48

Nail polish is fine - or certainly was and I’ve had 3 abdominal MRIs & one partial . It was about 7/8 years ago so might have moved on. It is really quite noisy as the magnets reverse - I was told I could bring my own CD. If you can make sure it I something rousing otherwise you can’t hear a thing . I had to lie very still - they marked the area of interest with a dollop of oil so I couldn’t move at all. The noise meant I had headache afterwards. . I don’t think your head will go in scanner if it’s gynae. Good luck

Original poster

JeanneFrench · 10/05/2021 16:38

Also, are you naked or what do you wear? Apart from ID, injection, and medical paperwork, do you take anything?

OP posts:

Original poster

JeanneFrench · 10/05/2021 16:41

I haven't been given a leaflet or any info.

Thanks to everyone for advice.

OP posts:

MrsJackSpratt · 10/05/2021 16:45

I've always changed into a gown for MRI's (including vaginal).. make sure you remove all piercings though and remove all jewellery.

The contrast will possibly make you feel like you've wet yourself - its a very strange warm feeling - but you won't have done, so don't worry!

nothingcanhurtmewithmyeyesshut · 10/05/2021 16:45

Wear a sports bra that you pull on without fasteners or underwear, then you'll be allowed to keep it on under the gown. Nothing metal basically. I was told not to wear nail polish but not sure why tbh.

MissConductUS · 10/05/2021 16:47

@JeanneFrench

Also, are you naked or what do you wear? Apart from ID, injection, and medical paperwork, do you take anything?

I just had one. You can wear any lightweight clothes that are free of metal. I had on trousers with a zipper and they gave me disposable shorts to wear instead.

The changing room had a locker I could put my purse, phone, watch, etc. in and then carried the key into the MRI exam room, where it was put on a shelf by the machine. This was in the US.

We had an incident at a hospital near me about 20 years ago where a patient was killed when a porter mistakenly brought a steel oxygen cylinder into the room while an exam was underway. After that, all of the MRI rooms were redesigned to have an inner and an outer area, both with locking doors.

Timper · 10/05/2021 16:48

Trousers with elastic waist as metal from buckles or from jeans in not allowed either.

WhoIsH · 10/05/2021 16:48

I've had an MRI for pelvic area. They'll give you a gown if you need to take clothing off due to metal, if you're canny and wear clothing with no metal (e.g. Leggings and a bra with no wiring) you can wear your own clothing. As others have said it took longer than I expected, and keep you eyes closed! If you're anxious tell them beforehand and they'll be very nice about it, the fella that did mine would chat to me so I knew what was happening. I'm pretty claustrophobic so I didn't enjoy it.

saraclara · 10/05/2021 16:50

I've had two MRIs. A cervical spine one which was incredibly claustrophobic, and head one, which was in a more modern machine and was much less intense.

I second keeping your eyes closed throughout.

FixTheBone · 10/05/2021 16:50

As everyone above has said.

For me, i get slightly anxious about confined spaces - think not being able to stretch your arms out or lift them to reach your head, but managed my 40minute scan for my neck fine.

I'd go with eyes closed from the outset.

One thing I wasn't expected was nerve induction - faint electric tingling in my arms and legs as the EM pulses caused my nerves to fire... Odd rather than painful or unpleasant.

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