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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:

Animum2 · 10/05/2021 16:53

When I had my mri last year they just told me to take my bra off but then they were just scanning my head

clipclop5 · 10/05/2021 16:57

If you wear clothes with no metal in them then you’ll be fine to stay in those for the scan, otherwise they will make you change into a gown. Teen DD has had a few recently and has just worn leggings and a sweatshirt each time so that she didn’t have to change.

It can be a bit claustrophobic and noisy but they will give you music to listen to which is very helpful. My trick is to close my eyes before I go back inside the scanner so it doesn’t feel as if I am in there. Just focus on the music and it will be done in no time. I was so relaxed at my last one I was actually annoyed that it was done so quickly!

Boxtroll · 10/05/2021 17:16

I had a MRI head scan with the contrast agent administered intravenously.
I had to wear the head coil over my face. You won't need that if it's looking at your pelvis area.

You will get to wear headphones with music usually and will be holding a panic button which will let the staff know you want them to stop the scan. They will be able to see/hear and talk to you.

You have to do your best to stay still. It will be a series of scans and you will hear weird noises! I found it quite relaxing tbh! Quite a rhythmic noise. You might even feel the table shake a bit too. The scans can take around 30 mins give or take.

You won't be allowed to wear anything with metal on. The staff will go through questions with you beforehand and check if you need to be changed in to a gown.

I'm a radiographer so did placement as a student in MRI.

Allfednonedead · 10/05/2021 17:20

I was offered a gown but just opted for slipping my bra off. The thing is to have no metal on you that is susceptible to magnets. So my gold wedding ring was fine.
It is EXTREMELY loud, and very warm, but if you can just relax and go somewhere in your head, quite soothing.
The stiller you can stay, the quicker it will get done.

elliejjtiny · 10/05/2021 17:33

Ds has had loads. Not sure about nail varnish as he doesn't wear that. You aren't allowed to have any metal on you which was a pain when he was a baby as all baby clothes seem to have poppers. I normally bring his pyjamas to change into and he has a teddy that has sewn on eyes (so no metal washers) who comes into the scanner with him.

hopeishere · 10/05/2021 17:46

I've had pelvic. It's very noisy and took longer than I expected. I wasn't panicking but I was glad when it was over. The dye was fine. I had to wait for 15 mins when it was over because of the dye.

mogsrus · 10/05/2021 17:48

no jewellery & tell them if you have fillings, when you come back out,never sit straight up,take a few moments,as some people can be sick

MrsAvocet · 10/05/2021 18:07

I've had multiple MRI scans of different bits of me. How claustrophobic it is depends both on the the particular scanner and on which way in you go. If its head/neck and you go in head first you do feel quite enclosed but for your lower body you might go in feet first and have your head outside the scanner. When I've had scans on my legs my top half has been completely free and though it is still noisy its not as intense.
You'll be given headphones and they may play music via them. That's good if they ask you what music you like before they jam the headphones on you and disappear of course, but I once had to endure 30 minutes of Steve Wright on radio 2 whilst remaining completely still which was pretty horrific!
One tip which a friend gave me before I had my first scan and I've used with effect is to count your breaths. This naturally tends to make you take deeper, slower breaths which relaxes you, gives you something to occupy your mind, and gives you some idea of the passage of time. The noise tends to stop and start which can make you think its finished, but if they've said its going to be 25 mins and everything goes quiet after 120 breaths or so you know its not the end so don't a) get your hopes up or b) move and spoil the images.
Hope it all goes well for you and you get the answers you need.

Saz12 · 10/05/2021 18:40

I’ve had a few. Head one I actively enjoyed - the “spiralling” sound effects if the noise, I found it incredibly relaxing.

When you go into the room, look at the scanner and you’ll see just how little of you will actually be in it, and that really helped me as I’m slightly claustrophobic but had no problem with MRI at all.

The contrast feels a bit odd going in.

You’ve a little squishy bulb thing to squeeze if you’re feeling panicked, they’ll move you out of the scanner immediately if you use it.

Catswithflamingos · 10/05/2021 18:45

Tie your hair up. It gets HOT in there with a mask on. Keep your eyes closed all the time and ask for music that will comfort you.

hopeishere · 10/05/2021 18:47

I don't have to wear a mask (this was I. January). I was in up to about my eyes.

Pleatherandlace · 10/05/2021 18:52

I had one last year and told my consultant before hand that I was worried about feeling claustrophobic. She put me down for the “big” MRI machine and offered a sedative if I needed one. The machine was actually quite roomy (I’m not a big person) so I felt fine. Not all hospitals have this option but yours might?

PastMyBestBeforeDate · 10/05/2021 18:53

I have lots. Yes, soft comfy clothes with no metal bits like zips or rivets. You might not need to remove earrings if it's just your pelvis but I'm not sure. I did have to keep my mask on for my last one in the summer.
Keep your eyes closed. I usually take a CD to play but not everywhere does that.

needingrespite · 10/05/2021 19:01

I had a pelvic one a few years ago to rule out cervical/ovarian cancer - was given a big dose of buscopan first so couldn’t see well (as a side effect, it was to slow my bowel down) iyswim . I did panic but they played radio throughout . Think it was ‘Release Me’ by someone that played halfway through . Definitely no bras/metal - I took pts for MRI all the time via work and had my bra yanked by the machine once, very strange sensation!

Also to the PP that said about nerve conduction - friend of mine years ago had a spine MRI and insisted her eyes were uncontrollably moving - I think she said she started panicking she had metal in them ... she’ll feel relieved when I say she’s not alone in having funny experiences 😂

Doodle2021 · 10/05/2021 19:14

I had a head MRI last week.

I didnt need to remove underwired bra. They weren't interested.
I'm a big girl and bigger than i was when i last had a MRI so i thought i would struggle but actually it was fine. Just close your eyes and listen to the radio/music in your ears.

The head one was about 20 mins but the one i had previously was a spine one and it was roughly 80 minutes with some breaks.

It is very noisy so dont feel worried when you hear loud whirring and knocking just concentrate on the music. I played a game in my head to try to link one song to the next.

Roselilly36 · 10/05/2021 19:25

I have fairly regularly MRI scans, often you are offered music, that can help pass the time & distract you. I keep my eyes closed, my scans take up to an hour. Be prepared for the noise, lots of banging sounds, the radiographer will be in the room just outside and you can see them I the mirror, they will speak to you and check you are ok, tell you how long the scan will take and when they are coming in to take you out of the scanner. I always wear a crop top and comfy clothes, so I don’t have to undress. I find them fine but I have got used to them over the years. Good luck OP

NeverDropYourMoonCup · 10/05/2021 19:46

I've been fine in some and out of others like a rat out a drainpipe.

Leggings and sports bra, definitely. Replace piercings with bioplast (you can get a packet of different sizes from Amazon for about £3 - if you have captive bead rings, you'll also need to spend about £7 on a set of opening pliers to make it easier to get them out. Tying hair in a low side plait - no metal in the band - is the easiest position to have your hair.

If you're sure you'll struggle/aren't particularly small, call them and tell them, as they may have a more open one.

I quite enjoyed my head and neck one - the funny feeling I had was as though the blood was being pulled around inside. Didn't feel a thing other than uncomfortable for my most recent, feet first one.

Animum2 · 11/05/2021 16:55

I had mine and was in for 20 mins, halfway thru they administered the dye which made my heart race for about 30 seconds then I was fine

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