I am having an MRI done this am and kinda nervous

[dvcfamily41801]

I have been having headaches for quite sometime and they have been getting far more frequent and severe so I went to a neurologist on Thursday. It feels like my head is in a vice, my mouth drops and kinda goes numb and its just awful.

The exam part seemed to go well but said to have this done. I have never had it done so I have no idea what to expect.

 

[Lars624]

 

[cheeringmom]

Just wanted to wish you luck today. My baby had an MRI and they had to put her under. I doubt they would do that to an adult. And if the MRI is only of the head, I can't imagine it would take too long. Prayers are with you! Let us know!

 

[Virgo10]

I've had numerous MRI's. I'm sure you know the basics of what will go on (in a tube shaped device, lots of noise) so I'll skip that. Ask for ear plugs. The machine makes various sounds, all of them fairly loud. My last MRI was in a closed machine (first time). I'm not claustrophobic by nature but I had heard so much about the problems people have being inside a closed MRI that I was a bit apprehensive. I kept my eyes closed as soon as they put me in. After a few minutes a took a peek. It wasn't that bad. Before it was over I had my eyes open as much as closed. Also ask the tech how long it will take. I had one of my back that took 35 minutes or so. The last one was over in about 15.

Mostly it's just plain boring! Try and think of pleasant things. I think about WDW a lot when I have one. You'll do fine! Sending P&PD your way for a good experience.

Roberta

 

[CamColt]

Good luck!!! Prayers & pixie dust on the way!

 

[4greatboys]

I had a brain MRI a few years back due to headaches as well and I was not inserted all the way in. I think I went in the tube to about my shoulders--which wasnt to bad. If you think it might be a problem take someone with you and they will give you a valium or something like that to help you relax during the procedure. Some facilities also have open MRI's.

 

[loisg1]

If you're afraid, Lisa, you could request some sedation. Someone would have to drive you home afterward, but you would get through it. Most important, you must be perfectly still during the procedure. Good luck!!


Lois

 

[ahutton]

If you have time, call and see if you can bring your own music maybe, something that soothes you. If I had to do one I would do the sedation, but I know I am claustrophobic and that is the only reason why. On the other hand, people said lots of scary things about a CT Scan, and I thought that was a piece of cake.

 

[LisaSt]

An MRI is nothing at all to worry about you lay in the machine and fall asleep well I do anyhow. You may ant to bring some earplugs just in case they do not offer them as the MRI machine can be a little noisy.

Darren

 

[EsmeraldaX]

MRI's are not that bad. I've had several and they are usually quick and painless.

Let us know how it goes!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Good wishes, Lisa. And good tips above. Ear plugs, music, mental trip planning. A sedative can really help if apprehensive or claustrophobic. Marie took sedative for all her recent MRI's and helped immensely. My best.

 

[monkeyboy]

Good wishes, Lisa

 

[MickeysMommy]

Good Luck, Lisa. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[snarfer1]

Lisa:

1) You can do this!!!

2) It's gonna be okay-

I've had two MRI for my lower back pain, and I'm a B-I-G boy (lol)
I'm not claustraphobic, but so many people asked me, that I freaked out the first time in a closed scanner. They were going to abort the test, when I had an idea. I laid back on the scanner table, and CLOSED MY EYES before I went in. Next I imagined myself on a warm beach (perhaps infront of the Grand Floridian?), and had no problems.

These machines make all kinds of funny and sometimes loud, clicks, bangs, gongs and snaps. Most places will offer you earplugs. If you let the technician know you are a little concerned (scared), most will spend extra time talking to you while you are in the tube.

Head scans, only place your head and neck into the machine proper and are usually much quicker than any other body part.

You need this test to rule out other, major causes of your headaches which hopefully are just nasty migraines.

Best of luck!

Tony

 

[dvcfamily41801]

Thank you all for the good wishes. It went just fine, and it was over in about 30 minutes. They said it would have been longer if I was in the "other" machine Not sure what the other machine was.

I had this birdcage looking thing over my head and they did give headphones but I really could not hear any of it because it was so loud. My legs were not inside the tube..does that make it an open machine? I was a little confused about that. I felt like I was in a video game with all the noises LOL.

Now, just wait for the results. I am assuming since they let me go, that they did see a brain in there I can be quite an airhead at times.

Thank you again everyone

 

[dvcfamily41801]

Thank you all for the good wishes. It went just fine, and it was over in about 30 minutes. They said it would have been longer if I was in the "other" machine Not sure what the other machine was.

I had this birdcage looking thing over my head and they did give headphones but I really could not hear any of it because it was so loud. My legs were not inside the tube..does that make it an open machine? I was a little confused about that. I felt like I was in a video game with all the noises LOL.

Now, just wait for the results. I am assuming since they let me go, that they did see a brain in there I can be quite an airhead at times.

Thank you again everyone

 

[LisaSt]

Glad it went well and the Dr should have the results and film within a few days they do here anyhow.

 

[4greatboys]

The regular MRI machines are tube like and you go inside. The Open MRI's are open so its like you are sandwiched in but its not enclosed. When I had my MRI of the head I was not in all the way either, however when I had a cervical MRI I was.
Glad it went by quickly for you.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Good to hear it went well, Lisa, hoping good results soon.

 

[Ted and Holly]

dvcfamily, this is like deja vu! Our friend recently. Well, no two or more months ago started getting really bad headaches. So bad that he had to lie down and NOTHING helped.

He had numerous tests and has seen a nuerologist a few times. Turns out he had a leak "somewhere" in his spinal column. He is leaking spinal fluid. The headache is from low fluid pressure. It is very much like a caffiene (or lack of) headache.

They gave him a 2 hour caffiene IV drip that helped increase the fluid production. He was OK for a few days. But they are coming back. His leak, apparently is still there.

He says he can lie down and over 10 to 15 minutes, the headaches almost go away. I guess it has something to do with how the fluid moves in his body.

Not saying this is what you have. But one thing you DO have in common... The MRI confirmed that you both have a brain.

That is a step in the right direction, in my book.

Good luck!

Ted