MRI

[wackywombat35]

Hi everyone I've never had a MRI before and I'm having one next week
It's a pelvic and abdominal MRI I'm super nervous if I can go in the machine feet first will my head be out the machine?
Any advice greatfully received 🙂

I've only ever gone in head first but doesn't mean it can't be done the other way round!
They are fine if a little noisy - they give you ear plugs. You'll also be given a button so you can press if you need to communicate with the person doing the test.
They're honestly OK so try not to worry!

I've had three different MRIs on my abdomen. I've always gone in feet first. But because your pelvis is in the middle of your body, chances are your head will still be inside the tunnel.

I would suggest keeping your eyes shut if your head will be inside, and imagine being somewhere else. Ive had 3 and in my head I'm on a nice big open beach instead of in a small tunnel.

How close is the machine to your face if my head does have to be inside the machine? I'm absolutely dreading it

OK, I went through this a year ago and I'll just be straight about it. if you have a newer machine, they do have more room. An older machine does have very little room. Your head absolutely will go in (I had an abdominal MRI). I did go in feet first.

I did freak out a bit but the guy doing it was really good. He gave me a mask to wear, which did help. He also kept his hand on my shoulder while he put me in and kept it there until I told him I was okay. I did start to relax towards the end.

When I relaxed towards the end I was able to peek under the bottom of the mask and see a slither of the top of the machine. I had an older and smaller machine. It is close to your face. At that point I felt okay about it and just didn't think about it too hard.

They do give you a button you can push if you need to come out and they will remove you immediately. It's not once you're in there you're stuck at all. They also talk to you through it.

If you can, you may want to take something to help you relax if you're anxious. In the end, they are very good at helping you. I do recommend the mask if you don't want things close to your face. You can be in denial then. Remind yourself that you really need to do this scan and breathe.

I think if I had to do it again, it would be easier and I'd know what helps me.

When I had a knee MRI I went in feet first and my head and shoulders were out. I also went in feet first for an emergency chest MRI again my head was out.

Hi how long was your abdominal MRI? I also have to have constrast will this make the MRI longer?

Mine was half an hour. Contrast won't put you in the machine longer as they inject that right at the start, when you're ready to go but not yet in the machine.

My abdominal scan was a MRE.

I think it's helpful to remind yourself that the MRI can be stopped if you need it to. You are able to communicate with the staff at all times. Your head is likely to be very near the entrance of the machine. If it's feeling trapped that makes you feel panicky just know that in real terms you are not trapped as you do have control over whether the MRI continues or stops. Of course you need to just get the job done but psychologically it's really helpful to end any worries about being 'stuck inside the machine'. Tell the staff you are feeling nervous and they will help you through it.

Thank you to everyone for commenting your experiences it's really appreciated
My MRI says 45 minutes on the letter also says pelvic MRI
And abdominal MRI
Does this mean all of it will be 45 minutes everything or 45 for each MRI

I've had symptoms for a while my CA125 blood test came back raised then I had a urgent ultrasound and this is my urgent MRI so I know how important it is but the thought of being in the tunnel is causing me anxiety if my head was out I think I could focus on my breathing to get through it but if my head is in the tunnel I honestly don't know if il be able to cope and have it done

I have fréquent MRIs of my thorax, abdomen and pelvis. You go in feet first. They give you headphones with music, and talk to you through them, but you do still hear the mechanical sound of the machine, it sounds a bit like on a rollercoaster where they are winching you up and the locks click. There is also a noise a bit like a steam train tooting when they take the images (it makes maybe 5 beeps then stops). Your head doesn’t go in, the room is really bright so you can always see the light. They give you a squishy attached to a câble so you can squeeze it if you need help.

It should be ok, I have never met anyone during an MRI who was not calm and patient and kind.

I’ve only had brain MRIs so in head first but it’s ok. I have ear plugs but not headphones. They get me out halfway through to put the dye in. That’s more like a blood test pain than an injection, just a bit sharp as I have difficult to find veins.
There was only one that was uncomfortable and that was because the brace thing around my head was digging into me and also I’d had to change into a gown so I was cold. The patient in front of me had a blanket and I wish I’d asked for one. That was at a different hospital to the one I usually go to though. I don’t usually have to get changed and I make sure I wear nothing with metal so jeggings and jumper and a sports bra.
I don’t have a mask either, just stare at the ceiling or close my eyes. They put a pillow under your knees to make you more comfortable and there’s a locker for phone, bag etc.
It’s not exactly my idea of a day out but it’s fine.

Update
I had a huge panic and couldn't do the MRI I'm so disappointed in myself my CA125 is raised
I had a ultrasound and that's coming back abnormal I really need the MRI but I had a panic 😩 😕

Get a valium or similar from your GP. I empathise with you as I refused point blank to go into that tunnel without xanax or similar. There was no point as I would have wasted everyone's time. I was adamant with the GP and not one bit afraid to say it to him.

I got one 5mg valium or xanax can't remember which, put on an eyemask and floated through the MRI. I don't see why they don't offer them to people who are really nervous and claustrophobic. Surely for the sake of a tiny tablet everyone is happy and the job gets done.

My reply has been hidden OP, probably due to me mentioning a certain drug that helps with such situations. My post might be cleared for viewing in a little while, but if not, I'm sure you might guess what I'm talking about. All legal and prescribed.

That’s disappointing for you.

Have you got someone who could go with you for support? It really won't be as bad as you think, although I know that's easy to say. I have had a couple of MRIs but of the head. I did have one when I was a very big 34 weeks pregnant though too! (My 10lb 10oz daughter was born a couple of weeks later). Hope you have some support and they can fit you in for another one soon. You can do this x

I tried to remember I was in a room with the staff nearby watching me. I kept my eyes closed and focused on my breathing and following the instructions as there were times when I had to breath in a certain way.
I found it noisy like being on an airplane.
I don't think they will be scanning you for the whole 45mins, they will give you the contrast, chat with you while they position you, answer your questions, and potentially allow a bit of time at the end for you to steady yourself as it can be a little disorientating afterwards.
It wasn't as bad as I feared, didn't hurt and was over soon. I'm sorry you struggled today but hope you feel able to have the test soon so you can be treated and get well.

I totally understand, I’m not usually claustrophobic but I found it incredibly hard, because the roof of the MRI machine really is only centimetres from your face. I found I could only manage by shutting my eyes tight before I went in and imagining I was on a beach, like a previous poster said. I couldn’t open my eyes even a tiny bit. Hopefully the doctors can prescribe you something to relax and you could have an eye mask, and that would get you through…..please do persue rebooking as soon as you possibly can, it’s so important.

Sorry it didn't work out for you. My doctor suggested taking diazepam beforehand, so maybe that's an option for you?

I didn't take it, which I probably should have, but managed with a mask and closed eyes, and a very supportive radiographer. I admit I went in with tears on my face because I had a bit of a panic. I was fine by the end. Just letting you know you're not alone and I get it. You are far from the first to have had a panic.

I think the first one is hardest. After that you know what to expect.

I've had quite a few MRIs and I think I must be weird as I find them quite relaxing. Mine vary from head and neck to full body. My worst one was when they asked if I wanted to listen to the radio and I did - don't do it!!
I think about other things, work mainly and holidays, things I need to do. If you feel the cold make sure you take a fluffy pair of socks and get them to give you blankets x

I had one on my liver this week and went in feet first. If they try to get me to go headfirst, I ask and they are usually amenable. Being somewhat chunky, I also put my hands above my head so I don’t feel the sides. Eyes shut before going in and not open until back out. It makes it bearable. They are really helpful