MRI scan, what happens when you have one?

[Memoo]

I have to have an MRI scan soon and I'm really nervous about what happens. It doesn't help that I'm really not happen in enclosed spaces and then I saw a lady on tv having one and they used a mask like contraption to pin her head down to the bed.

Can anyone elaborate on what exactly happens?

Eek!

Depends on what part is being scanned. I had a pelvis one so my head didnt need to go in. I think your head is strapped down when you are having one after an accident.

Wear clothes and underwear with no metal bits then you wont need a gown. Its very noisy but you usually get headphones to listen to music. You will have a panic button beside you.

I had a full body one. You have to take off all of your clothes and wear a hospital gown. They made me drink pineapple juice, I think.

I was enclosed completely, its like on tv where you lie on it and slowly go into the machine. The medical staff gave me headphones so they could talk to me and if I spoke they could hear me.

I won't lie it certainly isn't an enjoyable experience, I also have some mild claustrophobic tendencies, but if you're strong and patient the time eventually passes without too much panic. It did make me a bit moody for the rest of the day, but it was very worth it as they found out what was wrong with me that doctors hadn't been able to diagnose through any other means for 6 months and I was quickly sorted with a small operation that made me feel a million times better.

And yeah, its very noisy, lots of clicking and whirring.

Try not to worry too much. You're going to do fine :)

I've had 2 and I didn't have to strip off for either, you normally just take your bra off as it has metal clips. The first was full body and I cheated and had an open scanner which you can ask for if you cannot cope at all, but there is a very long waiting list for that on the NHS and it may mean travelling outside your own area.

The next one I had was at UCH in London and they have a more up to date "larger aperture" scanner. I refused the head cage and went in up to my waist (head first) I could still look down and out of the scanner and see DH at the end, he had to hold my feet. It only took 15 minutes. I have extremely severe claustrophobia - e.g. I cannot look "into" a cupboard or under the bed - but managed this, with a few tears. My DD had one last week and I was pleased to see that my local hospital also had invested in one of the large aperture scanners like in London. She was scared to be honest, but she could see me just above and to her side and I stroked her head etc.

Speak to the MRI reception on the phone today, you can find out how long your scan will take and what equipment they use, will you need cage etc., then you can decide on a plan - usually if you tell them you are worried they do a "test" first - they put you in the machine and see if you can cope, if not ring the panic button they put in your hand. As Baby said, if you can grit your teeth and cope its much better than waiting another x months for the open type of scanner. Try some relaxation and visualisation in prep. Oh and can you take someone with you to hold your hand (or feet!)?

Good luck.

I don't mind enclosed spaces but I do remember the noise, very loud banging and clunking, whirring, etc. There was supposed to be soothing music but they forgot to switch it on. You can't wear anything metallic either.

There is a panic button, but seriously, it's not that bad.

It's not too bad. I had one when dcs were very small and was so exhausted I actually dropped off to sleep despite the noise! It was actually quite nice to have some time when I wasn't supposed to be doing anything else. Just try to relax and remember it's all very much under observation and control so very safe.

I'm very relieved to hear there is a panic button.

Dh will be coming with me but we will have dd with us so I imagine he will have to sit out of the room.

I wonder if I can Mumsnet while I'm having it done? You could all virtually hold my hand

I had one a couple of years ago to check what was going on with one of my ears. I am not claustrophobic so the enclosed space didn't matter to me. As has already been said, you can't wear anything with metal so you would need to remove your bra and trousers if they have a metal zip. As it was for such a small area my scan took no more than half an hour. You can take along a CD of your choice or DVD if you prefer. The overwhelming memory is just how noisy these machines are though.

DD had one a couple of weeks ago but because they were scanning a larger area it took much longer, and she managed to watch most of a Harry Potter film. NB you can't wear glasses in the scanner.
You don't say how old your daughter is but if the scan takes over an hour will she be OK waiting on her own in the waiting room?

You could ask your GP for some Valium to take before the scan. One of my friends did and it helped a lot.