DS going in for MRI on Tuesday, what can we expect?

[mm22bys]

Hi, DS2 (0.6) is being admitted on Tuesday (as a daycase) for an MRI. We have been told he'll be anaesthetized for the procedure, but have no further information or idea on what to expect.

Anybody have a little DC who's also had an MRI, and can share their experiences?

Thx,

Didn't want to leave this unanswered -no experience of my children having an MRI but I've had one on my knee years ago.

The scanner is a huge machine (almost the size of a large van from what I remember) -theres a hollow tunnel through the middle with a bed bit that moves in and out with the patient on.

There is absolutely NO PAIN or DISCOMFORT involved so don't worry about that.

The machine was very loud, they may be quieter nowadays I suppose, and you had to lie very still whilst they scanned.

I guess the reason they sedate children is so they are still enough and also because it might be a bit scarey being in the "tunnel" part alone with the noise of the machine.

I'm sure your DS will be fine. Hope all goes well

I've had an MRI scan too - on my knee too!
I found it quite scary as they lay me on a trolley and then it was electronically moved so my feet, then leg, then body went into the machine.
The tunnel was only a bit bigger than me so i felt quite panicky (never been claustrophobic before or ever had a panic attack) and probably would have had a panic attack if my head had gone in. They stopped at my shoulders.
I was wrapped in a heavy blanket and my knee strapped to a brace (to keep it still) with headphones on and a panic button in my hand. Celine Dion was blaring out! i couldn't stand it but it was better than the noise of the magnets which is a very loud banging noise.
I am glad they are anaesthetising your DS - nothing hurts at all as nothing touches you, but it is a strange experience. I had had no experience or warning so am probably coming over a bit strong, i was half expecting an x-ray like a normal one at the doctors!

i doubt they will let you in with him - probably a glass screen?

My dd had a MRI aged 13 mth, she was anaesthetized but before hand they put a numbing magic cream on the place the canula will go, basically they sat her on my knee while they placed a canula (like a drip) in her arm, just be prepared as it is quite frightening how quick they "go" and be prepared for you ds to be upset, my dd actually went asleep while crying.

Then they took her off me and did the MRI, i had to wait outside, they then allowed me in the room while she came around, she was only put out for about half an hour and obviously was very groggy for a while, we had to go on a ward for a little while and iirc dd had to have a little something to eat and drink before they allowed us to leave, they also removed the canula while on the ward.

They will ask you to sign a consent form before hand, and you will have to go thruogh quite alot of paperwork.

Don't worry, it will be fine.

HTH

through doh lol

Thanks for your experiences.

We are very nervous about the anaesthertic as two weeks ago FIL was put under for a bowel cancer op, had a massive anaphylactic shock just after they opened him up, and now he is "lucky" to be alive....

My dd had an MRI when very little, you might find with him being so little that they don't actually use a GA but just sedation. My dd has had a fair few scans over the years, but before she was one we always had sedation by her having some medicine and gently falling asleep over about 10 mins. Is much much better than dealing with a GA, it is very upsetting
Our scans have always taken about half an hour, we normally go and get a coffee while and then go and meet her coming out so we're there when she wakes.

HTH

Thx for the further info, I am getting some idea now of what might happen on the day.

I have the name of the ward he'll be admitted to - do yu think a ward sister or head nurse (matron?) would know enough to tell me more of what to expect?

I don't really fancy just turning up on Tuesday with little idea of what to expect!

Thx (hopefully they will just sedate him...)

Right, just phoned the ward and it will be a GA with gas.

It will take 10 mins for it to work, and actual procedure will take 45 mins to an hour.

We have to get there for 7.30, but first one will be done at 8.30. Because DS is so small he'll hopefully be first.

Recovery will take an hour.

I won't be there, but they'll get me from the ward when he comes round.

Hopefully, all being well we might be out of there by lunchtime.

Told the nurse about FIL's reaction, and she told me to tell the anaesthetist what drug they used for him as there are several options.

Feeling much more confident now (sure I won't sleep on Monday night though!)

Thx

Right, just phoned the ward and it will be a GA with gas.

It will take 10 mins for it to work, and actual procedure will take 45 mins to an hour.

We have to get there for 7.30, but first one will be done at 8.30. Because DS is so small he'll hopefully be first.

Recovery will take an hour.

I won't be there, but they'll get me from the ward when he comes round.

Hopefully, all being well we might be out of there by lunchtime.

Told the nurse about FIL's reaction, and she told me to tell the anaesthetist what drug they used for him as there are several options.

Feeling much more confident now (sure I won't sleep on Monday night though!)

Thx

Good luck mm22.
DS1 had to have a MRI but he was 6/7 at the time.
It is very loud, but on the whole not a really bad experiance

My youngest had one at 10 months under heavy sedation. I was allowed to go in with him - so you could ask if you wish, just have to take off metal. It was of head and spine, took about 20-30 mins. Machine was very noisy but he was undisturbed

Am rushing...DS has had 4 GAs, and one MRI under sedation rather than GA, and honestly, it will be fine, much easier than you imagine - don't worry.

What is the story with illness prior to him being admitted?

It says on the admission letter not to take him in if he's got a cough or cold, or if he's had an infectious disease in the last two weeks, but last night, and for some of this morning, he was coughing.

I tried to make an appt with the GP on Monday but of course the earliest I can get is Tuesday.

Closer to the time I'll ring the ward again to check it's ok for him to be admitted, but anybody have any experience of any illnesses before an MRI?

Should I not take him in?

Its because of the anaesthetic. If he seems unwell/feverish etc over the weekend or on Monday he wouldnt be able to have one. Getting antibiotics from your doctor wouldnt change that as if he was unwell enough to need them then by definition he would not be fit for a planned anaesthetic (ie not an emergency situation) Of course if youre worried or just want reassurance that he`s fit phone and take him anyway on Monday.."urgent" appointment if necessary

I don't think he's sick, or feverish, but he was coughing again this morning.

I want an aapt with a gp just to get his ok to go ahead (not neccessarily for a/b - don't really believe in them unless it's absolutely necessary), but I would expect the gp to err on the side of caution in any case.

thx.

How did you get on?