My first MRI next week scared !

miss choc · by **miss choc** » Fri Mar 02, 2022 11:52 pm

I am going into Beaumont next week for my first MRI I am not claustrophobic too much but am getting a brain scan for Epilepsy and am nervous of moving me all the way into the tube, the darkness not moving and the loud noises etc :eek

anyone had one before esp at the head or anyone have one in Beaumont I guess in Ireland all the MRI machines are the closed ones I think they give a better reading than the open ones.

by **Pitterpatter** » Sat Mar 03, 2022 12:17 am

I had one recently but it was to do with my kidney so not my head. they strap you in and your in the tunnel thing but it isn't scary- the staff will put you at your ease. It's grand - don't worry at all. I remember that there were noises but they gave me ear phones playing FM104. When they needed me to move or whatever they spoke to be through the earphones.

Don't worry - it doesn't take long. hope you get a positive result :wv

excitedlady · by **excitedlady** » Sat Mar 03, 2022 12:22 am

Hiya Miss Choc,

I've had two before. Nothing to worry about. I actually fell asleep both times! lol! I had them on my shoulder so I was a fair bit in. I was given a set of headphones with the radio on to distract me. The machine makes a banging noise, a little unsettling at first but you get used to it. I just found it boring! Probably why I fell asleep both times!! The only hard thing is trying not to move. So just try and relax. They do take a fair bit of time though.

Hope this helps put your mind at ease

miss choc · by **miss choc** » Sat Mar 03, 2022 1:29 am

Ta for that I read that one girl didnt close her eyes as she was going in the tunnel it started getting smaller and darker and she started to panic is it better to close your eyes before going into the tunnel. Do they give you the headphones before you go in I mightn't get them if I am getting a head scan I guess so I should probably think happy thoughts

I guess too if you need to cough, sneeze, move you can press the panic button to let them know. I know about the no make-up, metal claspings, jewellery etc do you go in fully clothed or do you get one of those paper gowns? I read that some did and others went in the MRI fully clothed

Rocksie80 · by **Rocksie80** » Mon Mar 05, 2022 4:59 pm

I've had 3 on my head for MS. The first time was worst, BUT unlike you I didn't know that it was going to be so noisy. It's not a constant noise BTW, just every so often there is a noise while they position the machine (you don't feel it move). I also felt claustrophobic with my eyes shut.

2nd time, was better, as I knew what to expect. I had headphones that time. They weren't offered to me the first time round. Time passes quicker if you're listening to the radio. Kept my eyes open, and I find that more comfortable.

3rd time, I was in it for 45 mins. I didn't realise it til I got out and I saw the clock. That is MUCH longer than normal (so don't be expecting that!!), but it was because I had to have dye injected into me. I kept my eyes open, and was more relaxed than previous times.

I'd say keep your eyes open til you are in- then if you prefer, you can close them.

First two times I wore my own clothes, just took off any metal jewellary, hair pins, and my bra. Wore my jeans as normal, but in hindsight, trackie bottoms would be more comfy.
Third time I was in hospital so I was in my pjs. They put a blanket over my legs, which I found too warm, but they had no problem taking it away again, so don't be afraid to speak up.

lulu126 · by **lulu126** » Tue Mar 06, 2022 1:44 pm

There is an open scanner at Charlemont Clinic but I think the closed ones do give a better result. Normally you go in fully clothed unless you are wearing something that has metal on it so might be an idea to check your clothes for zips etc! I'd definitely say just keep your eyes closed if you think you might feel claustrophobic although normally on head scans there is a little mirror on the headset so you can see out of the tunnel which helps to reduce the enclosed feeling. Some scanners also let you bring along a CD you like and can play it through the headphones for you.

miss choc · by **miss choc** » Tue Mar 06, 2022 2:09 pm

thanks guys feel more reassured now just trying to get rid of a nasty cold so that is my main priority now to feel a bit better for Friday will dose myself up with medicine and hopefully will feel a bit better on the day

miss choc · by **miss choc** » Fri Mar 09, 2022 8:12 pm

Well had my MRI this morning a mix of feelings about them I was in for a head one so only lasted about 15/20 mins The unnerving bit I found was when you are up on the table and he starts to feed you into the tunnel I closed my eyes tightly. I was holding his hand and didnt really want him to go as I thought I'd panic. I was shaking but that was pure nerves I got spongy earplugs which I thought at the start would fall out and I'd be deaf with the noise. I was so organised beforehand wore leggings and top, no jewellery, make up, nail varnish and 10 mins in the tunnel realised my bloody leather watch was on was gonna tell the guy but didnt want to ruin the images so was hoping the watch wouldnt affect the images or me :eek

. I kept counting and keeping my eyes shut it was boring without music the noises were a mixture of road drills and the start of that song from Martin Solvig "Hello" Da da da da da etc noise was whirring around me for 5 mins. When I came out I apologised about the watch and thought I might have to do another but seemingly it doesnt affect the images just the watch sure enough my watch had stopped for 20 minutes but is working away now. Now I know what to expect I wont be as nervous again

excitedlady · by **excitedlady** » Fri Mar 09, 2022 8:33 pm

Ah I'm glad it all went well for you. Fingers crossed you get good results too. :o)ll

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