Lying still for MRI scan

[HoneyBee03]

I have an MRI scan in one week's time to scan my hips and lower back for an undiagnosed problem. I've had an MRI scan before when I was a teenager and I remember having to lie still for a long time.

My concern is that I find that impossible to do now. I'm in so much pain that I find it difficult to lie still and being flat on my back is the worst position I could be in. Does anyone have any tips on lying still for the scan when you're in pain? Or is there anything the technicians can do to help? I had no worries at all until this occurred to me.

Ask if you can lay on your side if thats a better position and explain that you find it too painful on your back.

It's my lasting memory of my MRI scan. It was SO difficult to lie still for just 20 mins. I think with children they sedate them. Could you ask about sedation? Good luck!

Side or taking pillow/cushion to put under legs? Or lie on front?

They gave me a wedge cushion to put under my legs which helped my back pain enormously, and I actually dozed off (was in there for 40 minutes).

Ask to lie on your front? Can you try fall asleep. I always have a nap I’m mine

I needed a pillow under my knees. They had big headphones with music, which I chilled to. I had to ask or they'd have given me rubbish squishy ones.

High strength pain killers just for the scan?

They offered to sedate DS1 (aged 6), but said they would prefer not to. Don't know if that's down to preference across all scans, or the fact he was in for head injury.

I've got terrible problems with my back, hips and pelvis. I take the maximum amount of painkillers that I can about 20mins before, they put a wedge under my knees and I ask if they can do the most important scans first.

Agree with FairyCaravan. Worst case scenario try and get through the first 20-30 minutes and they can rebook you for the other scan if you can't do the whole lot in one go. (It's 2 different areas so will probably take about 45mins/1hour). Usually for lumbar spine they can raise your knees, helps with back position. Ask them for more padding/something under your back if you think it will help.

They are very unlikely to let you lie any other way than on your back.
Take painkillers beforehand, or see if they or your GP can help with mild sedation to help you get through it.

Thanks for the replies! I hadn't thought it would be possible to lie in a different position. And I'll take along a cushion - popping it under my knees should definitely help. And maybe I'll get some co-codamol from the chemist as paracetamol alone doesn't always touch it.

I can't remember it very well from before, but I'm hoping I'll be able to speak to someone if I desperately need to wiggle my leg or stretch out while I'm in there.

My dh is an MRI radiographer. I showed him your post. Unfortunately it’s not possible to lie in a different position if they need you on your back. They can give you a wedge behind your knees though. My DH always offers a choice of music through headphones which might take your mind off it if possible.

Also, I’d suggest giving the department a ring before you go so they are aware of your issue and can offer advice. DH always moans about people who turn up without letting them know about potential problems in advance . Just remember it’s a short amount of time that might ultimately result in some relief of your pain.

Also they probably won't let you take a cushion in - not worth the risk that it might contain a hidden ferromagnetic zip or something, they will have plenty of pads/cushions

Of course @libellule1 I hadn't thought of that!

And thanks @ShannonRockallMalin that's really helpful. I'll give them a call in the week about my concerns.

I had a large piece of plastic that was then strapped to the bed over my hips/ pelvis. My feet were also tied together with a Velcro strap. So not so easy to move about.

I had one last year, for facial nerve issues. The radiographers were so kind and helpful, and you can talk to them while you’re in the machine. You are given a button to hold which you can press to get out at any time. The man on the intercom told me how long each scan would last, and I counted seconds in my head. I was nervous about needing the dye injection (needle phobia) and rang in a few days before. I think that flagged that I was anxious because everyone was super-patient, and they walked me round the scanner and explained how everything worked before I went into it.

I've had 2 MRIs, neither had the CD player working (mobile units), so don't bank on music as a distraction.

I asked the GP for a mild sedative for my second one, as the first one was how I discovered I am claustrophobia, yay! 5mg of diazepam was nowhere near enough for me to calm down, but I hyperventilated my way through it again like I did the first one. It does affect the quality of the scans though so definitely dose up to make yourself as comfortable as possible.

@ImNotKitten that sounds horrendous.

I'm really hoping that I can just get in and get it done. It's a two hour round trip and I have a young baby at home so I would like to avoid having to make extra trips to get everything they need.

@Judystilldreamsofhorses that sounds really great of them. I think I'll definitely call this week to ask about anything I can do to help myself and at least something might go on the notes.

Thanks everyone for the advice! It's definitely helped me feel a bit more relaxed.

There must be some way to do MRI on your side?

There is a standing mri in Beverly Hills, hoping this will be my wife’s saving angel. Can’t do anymore drugs