Pelvic MRI for fibroids

[Mara246]

Anyone been for an MRI because of multiple fibroids/bulky uterus? Just wondering how claustrophobic the whole experience is, how long it generally takes and if your head is inside the scanner. I'm a bit anxious as I hate enclosed spaces. Also, do you have to remove wedding and engagement rings if they aren't magnetic? Mine have been stuck on my finger for the last 16 years and can't get them over my knuckle!

I have. It took about 40 minutes as they used a dye. And I had to wait for 15 mins afterwards. I was gradually moved into the tube - so move scan, move a bit more scan again a until the edge was about level with my forehead. I did a lot of deep breathing and it was ok. It is very noisy. I can't remember about the rings. They did call me beforehand with a load of questions which they repeat on the day so you could ask then.

Thanks @hopeishere. 40 minutes is quite a long time and just worried in case I panic. Did you go in head first or feet first?

Feet first! They said it was long due to the number of images needed plus more when they ran the dye through.

Will just have to be brave then!

Mine was about 30 minutes, I went in head first but my head and shoulders were out of the tube.

I have had a couple of MRI scans and I’m claustrophobic. My GP prescribes a small amount of diazepam and I take it about an hour before. Other tip is to close your eyes once you’re lying down and keep them closed. The staff are very understanding. It’s not unusual to be nervous.

@torquewench, that's what I was hoping. @Kittyshopping, will enquire about diazepam, though it might depend how far I have to travel for the scan. May just have to shut my eyes!

I went in feet first and my head was on the edge of the scanner. I've had head & neck MRIs where they put a cage over your head and you're right in it so compared to that it was much better!! Despite the loud banging I actually find it quite relaxing, I tend to close my eyes. Some play music, but I prefer it without as it competes with the noise of the scanner which I find annoying. They usually talk to you and tell you what's coming next as it's actually a series of short scans so they usually tell you that the next scan is x minutes. They might bring you out to do the dye injection but some of them have an automated pump through a cannula.

It's also windy from what I remember as there is a fan running!

I had a pelvic MRI last week, I found wearing an eye mask as soon as you lie down helped me. They then gradually move you into the scanner and my head was only just in the scanner. Depends on how tall you are I think. Also some of the scanners are wider than others, which also helps in terms of feeling claustrophobic. I have my results this afternoon eek!!

Thanks all for the insights and advice. @emmathedilemma and @hopeishere.
I wondered how you could listen to music in a noisy scanner! Hope you got the answers you were looking for @hoping2016.

I had one last year for endometriosis, adenomyosis and fibroids so lots to capture, and I thought it would go on forever but I was out in 30 mins. My feet went in first and I kept my arms out of the scanner in an X shape across my collarbone (if that makes sense). I felt much less claustrophobic with my arms out instead of by my sides. I took my rings off but I can’t remember if I was asked to. They will give you a buzzer thing to hold which you can press if it gets too much, and they will talk to you throughout asking you to hold your breath etc. I also tilted my head back and looked around which helped a lot. Tell the radiologist too that you’re nervous; mine told me they’d stop at any point. All the best.

…. I should have explained better, they will ask you to hold your breath to get better images I think, it’s only for a matter of seconds. Sorry, didn’t want to worry you further.

Thanks @FunkyFandango, yes I think that would help not having to keep your arms by your sides. I'm just waiting for an appointment. Haven't had any information leaflets or anything, just a letter saying I'll get an appointment 'in due course' so won't rush to have my rings cut off just yet!

Hi all, thanks for this information.

I am told that I need to have an MRI, with guys and st Thomas’. From being told how long was the referral/appointment?

thanks in advance

I'm not in London so can't comment on Guys and Thomas' but just got my appointment through for early June having been referred at the end of March/beginning of April. I know waiting times are different everywhere but hope you get your appointment soon.

Thanks Mara246

all the best.

Had scan today and it wasn't too bad. Went in feet first and kept my eyes shut the whole time. I have a suspicion my head was inside the scanner at one point when the table moved but didn't want to check! Had to have a cannula for contrast medium and Buscopan muscle relaxant which both apparently help to get clearer images. Managed to remove my engagement ring but not wedding ring and they seemed completely unconcerned. Noise not too bad.

Hope you hear about your appointment soon @Trying22

Thanks Mara246
thanks for sharing your experience.
got a letter on Monday , appointment for early July, so not too long of a wait.

hopefully the MRI will be able to have sight of my ovaries as conventional methods cannot see them. Fingers cross.

@Mara246

@Trying22 I had an issue with one of my ovaries not visible on ultrasound too so, yes, hopefully MRI is our answer.