MRI with contrast...FREAKING OUT! **UPDATE p.4 - Thanks to all of you! :)

[krcit]

I had an MRI with contrast and a CAT scan with it also. I had no problems with the MRI, just the warm feeling that pp have spoken about. The CATscan had me drink the stuff and I was fine until about 1 hour after the test and then I had to run to the bathroom..TMI...lol. I would definitely take the valium. I just had an MRI on my foot last week and it was fine but if I ever had to have another one where my head was in the tube, I think I would need a pill and I am not even claustraphobic! Good luck. I hope you get the results that you are hoping for

 

[jt'smom]

you will be fine i've had more brain mri's than i can count on my fingers and toes put together with my brain tumor, and i always have mine with and without contrast. the contrast stuff for the mri in my opinion, is about a million times more comfortable than that iodine stuff they give you with a ct. i don't get an iv, they just do my first set of scans, and then pull me out and administer the constrast and pop me back in. as far as nervousness, i always ask for a blanket (i like the cozy feeling!) and then i tend to lay there and look into the mirror over my face and watch the timer for each scan so i know how much longer i have. sometimes i fall asleep... i must be weird, because it doesn't bother me at all, i just feel all cozy and secure.

 

[mommasita]

I have had many, but I have no nervous issues for it.

I always enjoy the music, or the darn NOISES drive me batty
They tend to go very quickly.

I hope it all goes well, and nothing is found.

 

[thumper*]

Ok sorry I haven't read all post so hope I don't repeat. I've worked in Imaging for 25 yr's. Your anxiety is understandable. MRI does use Gadolinium and not the CT contrast that has iodine in it. Gad. has very few allergic reactions or side effect like the iodinated contrast used in CT's. You most likely will have more of a problem just being expected to hold still for the duration of the test. Actually the worst part of the whole test will be the needle stick from the IV they will have to put in. I would recommend getting a prescription from your DR. for valium and have someone drive you, it will really make it a much easier test for you. Please don't think your baby because you are worried most ppl are. Good luck and I hope you get good news.

 

[locolala]

OP, I feel your pain. I HATE MRIs and have to get them twice a year now. They had to do one while I was in labor to make sure they could place the epidural right (I have a condition that can cause tumors to grow on the spinal cord). That was hellacious. You'll be fine though, I'm glad they broke it up into two days. Definately take the Valium though, if you're lucky you'll fall asleep and now have to worry about a thing. I try to make little songs out of the sounds I hear, I'm a techno junkie so I can pretty easily make songs up, if that makes sense. It's just something to pass the time. Definately make sure you go to the bathroom before they start though, nothing's worse than trying to hold it and be in a closed in tube. Good luck, I hope everything works out!

 

[RNMOM]

I had a MRI of my head with contrast and it was a piece of cake. The dye didn't bother me at all.

If you are this frightened, call them and ask if you can come in ahead of time to see the facility and speak with the staff. Can your doctor give you something for your nerves for that day? *valium* cough. Let them know what is happening to you and see if they can help your anxiety.

 

[bumbershoot]

I had a pituitary tumor, and have had an MRI with contrast many times over the years. I had the tumor removed in 1993, but I have to have a follow up MRI with contrast every 1-2 years to check for regrowth. The dye is in an IV, but it has never caused any problems for me.

Hubby was able to tell me now, he did NOT have an IV. They just found a vein and used the needle. Both times (open and closed MRI places). Odd, the difference.

The complaint in my post was simply about the closed vs open scans...he has an enormous noggin, and his doc should have NEVER thought that they could actually "get" the pituitary with an open MRI... Our insurance covered almost all of it, but that was still about $200 for each one, one week apart, when we were only expecting one copay.

So I'm glad the OP is going with the closed the first time!


But with a brain MRI, can you have earplugs and things over your eyes? DH wasn't offered either of them, either time...odd! (we've just passed the full year of the treatment with cabergoline, so he's only had the two scans so far...but he has gotten MRIs of the brain in the past as well and never got things like that then, either)

 

[disfan07]

I had 4 MRIs within 2 weeks in June. 3 brain w/ and without contrast and 1 cervical. Xanax became my best friend. I tried the first one without taking anything and we ended up having to reschedule it because I couldn't make it through.
They also gave me earplugs and headphones to listen to music. I was able to bring my own CDs which helped immensely.


The dye is simple. They just started an IV before the MRI and would pull me out halfway thorugh to inject the dye. Very simple.

I have to go for a pelvic CT scan next week and I have to drink the disgusting contrast plus IV contrast. Id rather have another MRI and take a xanax to get through it...lol

 

[*Meagan*]

You will do just fine. I work in radiology and see patients like this every day.

I had to have MRI's done before and Im claustrophobic and prone to anxiety attacks.. and I just put myself somewhere else. Let my mind wander and didnt really let myself think about where I was. And just let the techs know you are nervous and if they talk you through it, it will help.

Just remember someone is watching you.. even though you can not see them.. they can see you. Re-assure yourself and you will do just fine!

 

[aprilgail2]

I've had a few, and I was fine (I wasn't nervous going in). If it's what I'm thinking it is, the dye will make you feel like you wet your pants.

LOL----when I had one done they didn't warn me of this and in the middle of the test I just said "ut oh" and they came on the speaker thing saying "it may feel like you have wet your pants but you did not" LOL....

OP - I understand! I too have a hard time with MRIs. When I have them, the MRI tech has me listen to music. Also, I wear an eyecover (almost like a sleeping mask, I guess) before I'm put into the MRI. This is very helpful to me at least. I've been told that I can take something beforehand, but I've not done this.
I hope this helps!

I have had about 6 done so far- from back to brain and I have always had open MRI's- tried one time with a closed one for the brain but they put this helment on, then a face plate and then another thing and I would feel my own breath on my face- I lasted 5 seconds and knew it was never going to work so fromthen on I have had open ones where you are sitting up- the placehas a nice big flat screen and you can pick the DVD's you want to watch. I watched 2 episodes of Seinfeld last time- test took about 45 minutes.

 

[CharliNye]

I get an MRI once a year due MS which I've had for nearly two decades. I hate the contrast and don't always have to get it, but the last few years it's more tolerable. It doesn't do any harm, they reassure me that each time.

I'm as claustrophobic as they come and can't stand the closed MRI's, so I mainly get the open ones. They're not always perfect results but my dr doesn't seem to have an issue with me getting them.

I'm so used to getting them that I have my system when I'm inside the machine listening to the noise. I do countdowns. Always ask the technician to make sure to tell you how many minutes each little test is. I then count them down. It keeps my mind busy and I don't concentrate as much on the obnoxious noise.

You'll be fine, and the contrast isn't an IV it's just a little shot. Like getting your blood taken.

 

[Ppufi]

Also remember to remove all metals, like earrings and jewelry, and not bring in your bag or wear clothing with zippers and buttons.

 

[MickeyMinnie1971]

In my situation part of the MRI is done without contrast, and the second part is done with contrast. They start the IV before I am put in the MRI. They pull me out after the first half to inject the contrast, and put me back in. The tumor that I had was so small it did not show up without the contrast. I have always been given earplugs to help with the noise.

 

[pilesoflaundry]

It feels weird going in and sometimes it makes you feel like you have to pee. I got mine in an IV. I have had a lot of head cts and MRIs, not all of them with contrast. The noise is very annoying, not as bad as I expected. I found it easier to close my eyes and try and block out the noise.

Everyone is different but if it makes you feel better, I found the worry about it beforehand much worse than the actual test. It really wasn't as bad as I freaked out about.

 

[mookie]

I have had about 6 done so far- from back to brain and I have always had open MRI's- tried one time with a closed one for the brain but they put this helment on, then a face plate and then another thing and I would feel my own breath on my face- I lasted 5 seconds and knew it was never going to work so fromthen on I have had open ones where you are sitting up- the placehas a nice big flat screen and you can pick the DVD's you want to watch. I watched 2 episodes of Seinfeld last time- test took about 45 minutes.

Yep - this is my worry. The faceplate thing....the whole "feeling your breath" thing. (not to mention the IV and junk!) I've been in a funk since I made the appt...and it's not til Thurs! I just told my DH he's just going to have to tolerate me being neurotic for the week. I had dreams of it last night! UGH!

Thank you so much to all of you for your help...it's all very reassuring, even the scary ones, to know what to expect. Please keep your fingers crossed and be thinking of me on Thurs...I'll let you know if I survive!

 

[MickeyMinnie1971]

I have had them done at several places all over the country (we have relocated several times). One place had a mirror placed in it, so it gave the illusion that you weren't confined. Another place had different types of music to choose from that they would play upon request.

Each place has always gone out of their way to make me feel comfortable. They will come over the microphone asking if I am okay, and giving me updates on how much longer it will take. Good luck on Thursday!

 

[smartkim]

MRI Tech that can hopefully give you some helpful advice:

1. Wear comfortable clothing the day of your test, nothing with zippers or
metal. This includes your bra, wear a sports bra. You will probably be
most comfortable in pants with an elastic band and a t-shirt. Do wear
socks in case your feet get cold.
2. Leave all jewelry at home.
3. If you take a xanax, valium, or ativan pill, take it 1 hour before your test
time. Someone will need to drive you to and from the testing facility.
4. No prep the day of the test, you should be able to eat or drink as you
wish, especially if you are taking meds, you need to eat something.
5. You will be asked to fill out some forms once you get there so be sure to
know your surgical history.

The MRI machine can be intimidating but just remember that nothing is going to close up on you. The only part that can move is the table you will be lying on and it will go in or out based on where the images are being taken. You will be given earplugs or music to help with the noise (yes, the machines are very loud!) and if you tell the tech that you are claustrophobic, they will give you a handheld device that will trigger an alarm if you decide you can't stay in the machine and they will pull you right out. You can also request to have your eyes covered up so you don't see the machine and yes, this helps a great deal!

The contrast is easy breezy. Somewhere in the middle to the end of the test, the tech will bring you out and give you an injection but you will not get warm all over your body (that's CT!). You may taste a metallic taste in your mouth and some people report that they feel nauseous but it passes quickly.

Each scan lasts approximately 20-30 minutes on a closed MRI and you will be asked to hold perfectly still. ANY movement from any part of your body can show up on the scan and "blur" the images. Try not to cough during the test.

That's all I can think of right now. If you have any questions, I will try to answer them for you the best I can.

 

[mookie]

MRI Tech that can hopefully give you some helpful advice:

1. Wear comfortable clothing the day of your test, nothing with zippers or
metal. This includes your bra, wear a sports bra. You will probably be
most comfortable in pants with an elastic band and a t-shirt. Do wear
socks in case your feet get cold.
2. Leave all jewelry at home.
3. If you take a xanax, valium, or ativan pill, take it 1 hour before your test
time. Someone will need to drive you to and from the testing facility.
4. No prep the day of the test, you should be able to eat or drink as you
wish, especially if you are taking meds, you need to eat something.
5. You will be asked to fill out some forms once you get there so be sure to
know your surgical history.

The MRI machine can be intimidating but just remember that nothing is going to close up on you. The only part that can move is the table you will be lying on and it will go in or out based on where the images are being taken. You will be given earplugs or music to help with the noise (yes, the machines are very loud!) and if you tell the tech that you are claustrophobic, they will give you a handheld device that will trigger an alarm if you decide you can't stay in the machine and they will pull you right out. You can also request to have your eyes covered up so you don't see the machine and yes, this helps a great deal!

The contrast is easy breezy. Somewhere in the middle to the end of the test, the tech will bring you out and give you an injection but you will not get warm all over your body (that's CT!). You may taste a metallic taste in your mouth and some people report that they feel nauseous but it passes quickly.

Each scan lasts approximately 20-30 minutes on a closed MRI and you will be asked to hold perfectly still. ANY movement from any part of your body can show up on the scan and "blur" the images. Try not to cough during the test.

That's all I can think of right now. If you have any questions, I will try to answer them for you the best I can.

This is awesome advice. Thanks! I just picked up my Valium, and it didn't have any instructions as to WHEN to take it, so this is great info. (It just said take before MRI. DUH.)

Also....my dr gave me 5mg for each MRI (I'm having 2 on seperate days)...does that sound about right? I thought it was 10? I don't think I've ever had Valium before, so that might be why. Either way...I just want to be knocked out!

 

[smartkim]

Yes, 5 mg per test is correct. Especially if you rarely take these types of medications because they will affect you more than someone who takes them frequently. And valium WILL make you sleepy. The objective is really to take away the anxiety so you are more mellow during the test. I know you are scared and want to be "knocked out" but the doctor will only give you enough meds to "relax" you. You really have to be alert during the tests so that you can hold still enough to get a good exam. I don't know your size but someone who is heavier in weight would need a higher dose to feel the same effect. (Just something to keep in mind since I don't know your size. A person who weighs 300 lbs would probably need twice as much meds as someone who weighs 150 lbs in order to get the same result. Of course, your doctor should have checked your chart before prescribing the meds so he would get this part right ).

I'm sure you'll do fine. The MRI machines aren't as scary as they used to be. Technology is getting better all the time!

 

[mookie]

Yes, 5 mg per test is correct. Especially if you rarely take these types of medications because they will affect you more than someone who takes them frequently. And valium WILL make you sleepy. The objective is really to take away the anxiety so you are more mellow during the test. I know you are scared and want to be "knocked out" but the doctor will only give you enough meds to "relax" you. You really have to be alert during the tests so that you can hold still enough to get a good exam. I don't know your size but someone who is heavier in weight would need a higher dose to feel the same effect. (Just something to keep in mind since I don't know your size. A person who weighs 300 lbs would probably need twice as much meds as someone who weighs 150 lbs in order to get the same result. Of course, your doctor should have checked your chart before prescribing the meds so he would get this part right ).

I'm sure you'll do fine. The MRI machines aren't as scary as they used to be. Technology is getting better all the time!

Thank you. I'm about 145lbs so I are absolutely correct. Please keep good thoughts for me tomorrow...once I get through the test, the waiting and worrying of the results will of course be next!

You all have been a great help and comfort. Crossing my fingers for an easy time tomorrow. You'd think after having 3 kids (one without an epidural!) that this would be a piece of cake....