MRI scan

I am writing these notes so anyone about to undergo this procedure knows what they may expect.

I have had two of these for different issues. As each MRI will be looking for different things, I cannot be definitive in what you may experience but have combined the experiences from my scans. Yours may have different aspects to them.

The scanner resembles a large polo mint rather than a doughnut. You have probably seen images of them before. Like me, you may be concerned about claustrophobia. Hopefully my account will help allay those fears.

Arriving at the department, I was asked to change into a hospital gown to ensure there was no metal that would cause problems.

If you have any metal within your body, pacemakers, steel pins. etc. you should have had the conversation with the doctors already as to whether you eligibe for MRI examination.

If you have the Linx anti-reflux magnetic bracelet, the manufacturers say MRI may be used but at a low power. However, be aware it is not only the attraction of the strong external magnet but also the possibilty of heating currents induced in the bracelet. You will need to be alert for any untoward unpleasant tugging or burning sensations that could be induced and know how to call for immediate termination of the test.

I was asked to lie down on the bed of the unit with my head towards the entrance. I was given a button to press to alert the radiologist if necessary and to respond to any questions.

The machine is extremely noisy. so I was given ear plugs in addition to a pair of headphones they would be playing music over. I was ased if I had any musical preference and I requested clasical music as I thought it would help keep me calm.

Not all MRI scans are so noisy. It depends on the part of the body and the scan requested. Whilst the one I describe was noisy, the other wasn't, it was shorter in duration and I didn't get the canned music.

Once lying down and kitted up, the operator raised the bed so it was at the right height to then slide into the tube. I had thought it would be like putting my head inside the drum of the washing machine (don't try it) but it really wasn't alarming at all. Yes, the tube of the machine was only inches from my face but there was light coming in from both sides and I just closed my eyes, listened to what was going on and waited for the musc to start.

It was as noisy as a washing machine but they hadn't started the music - yet!

Once the music came on, the machine really took off. It ad just been idling before. Now it sounded like the washing machine had a dozen bricks being flung about inside it (don't try it) and the banging sounded like it would surely break itself to pieces.

In one of my scans, I knew I would be having some contrast die injected and had had a cannula inserted ready. I felt nothing as it was introduced. In that scan, they were going to be stressing my heart so I was told I may start experiencing heart pains and to press the button when I did. I hardly felt anything but the radiologist considered I must have had sufficient reaction to stop the stressing before I really felt anything.

The scan over, the platform of the bed was slid back out and the bed lowered to a suitable height for me to climb off it.

The cannula was removed and I changed back into my clothes and left.