topic Re: Any tips on MRI test in Wellness

Any tips on MRI test

MOMMAVik — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 21:42:58 GMT

I have been dealing with right hip & right knee pain along with pain to lower right back pain. It has been getting worse so I went to an Orthopedist. knee, hip & lumbar spine x-rays show arthritis ( never suspected I had this). Doctor said it appears I have a pinched nerve in my back. So an MRI is scheduled. I am taking a strong prescription pain pill, prescription Naxopren & using heating pad & ice.

I am feeling anxious about the MRI. I will get a mild sedative before the test.

If you can offer any tips about this, I'd really appreciate it. Please keep your fingers crossed for me! Thank you!

Re: Any tips on MRI test

piperbay — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 21:46:36 GMT

@MOMMAVik Can you take an open MRI test? That is the only way I can deal with them.

Re: Any tips on MRI test

Shelbelle — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 21:49:44 GMT

I have had 3 over the years, no need for anxiety, just lie back and let the machine do its thing, nothing to be afraid of. My friend just had pinched nerve in his back, went for PT and is doing very good now. If you feel the need for a sedative take it, but honestly it is not anything to stress over. Just a lot of loud noises, if that bothers you.

Re: Any tips on MRI test

Kachina624 — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 21:55:37 GMT

@MOMMAVik Don't stress over it as there's nothing to it. You climb on a table, get inserted into the tube and listen to nice music on earphones. There's a distant banging of the machine. The worst part is having to remain absolutely still so make sure you're comfortable before you start. I've always asked for pillows under my knees.

Re: Any tips on MRI test

Shelbelle — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 21:59:25 GMT

I have never asked for Open, they say that can be not as effective. Last time I had one which was recently, I was never given any music to listen to. This time they gave me scrubs to wear, years ago I went in fully clothed. I had a blanket and socks, it is cold in there!!!

Re: Any tips on MRI test

Love my grandkids — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 21:59:44 GMT

@MOMMAVik I've had a number of them. I am always given headphones and my choice of music. I keep my eyes closed so the chamber doesn't bother me.

As Kachina said, you will hear a muffled banging sound but with headphones it's no biggy.

Re: Any tips on MRI test

kaydee50 — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 22:12:54 GMT

How long does one have to stay in that MRI machine?? I'm extremely claustrophobic and hope I never have to have one. Just thinking about it makes my heart race! I would need something a lot stronger than a "mild" sedative!!!

Re: Any tips on MRI test

KailaS — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 22:15:08 GMT

I am claustrophobic, so I struggle with an MRI. ( CT scans do not bother me, but they take much less time. ) Anyway,I have had a " short bed" MRI, which had part of my head out. I was fine. (My hospital offers no music.) I have had an open MRI and hated it. I still was enclosed. In my area, they also have a large bed MRI. That I could do. So, if you can lie still, listen to music, and are not claustrophobic, you will be fine. The sedative should be a plus. If you are claustrophic, talk to your medical team. They should be able to offer some options. Besides, getting help for increasing pain is worth a little discomfort. Good luck.

Re: Any tips on MRI test

Love my grandkids — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 22:16:03 GMT

@kaydee50 Every case is different. Most MRI's I've had only took a few minutes but I had one serious one that took almost 20.

It really isn't all that terrible. And I don't think patients are given anything strong for an MRI.

Don't worry ahead of time if you aren't schedule for one.

Re: Any tips on MRI test

Duckncover — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 22:23:39 GMT

Take some socks, your feet will freeze! You may wear a hospital gown or scrubs; I have worn my own clothes before depending on where the MRI is going to be. You will hear weird banging noises occasionally but there is no pain and nothing will be touching you, just a tube around you for the imaging. The headphones will help. I must have MRIs every six months but I don't get to wear earphones....make sure if you wear an underwire bra to leave it and any metal jewelry at home. I have a sports bra without any underwires that I wear just for MRIs. I am a pro! You will be just fine.

Re: Any tips on MRI test

Carmie — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 22:27:16 GMT

I have had several in my lifetime. They don't hurt or cause any pain. They can be loud, so you will be given headsets with music.

You can't be wearing any metal, so make sure you have no nail polish or make up on...which may contain a small amount of metal. No jewelry or antiperspirants.

Some people are nervous because the space is small. It never bothered me. You can talk to the technician while in there and some units are open sided.

Just relax. They don't take long, don't hurt and are safe. I get a breast MRI every few years....easier than a mammogram.

Re: Any tips on MRI test

Shelbelle — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 22:36:27 GMT

My facility gave me very warm socks and I took them home, will be great on cold nights

Re: Any tips on MRI test

Shelbelle — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 22:37:38 GMT

With all 3 of mine, I would say the average time in there is 20 to 25 minutes.

Re: Any tips on MRI test

89135 — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 22:46:16 GMT

@MOMMAVik I am terribly claustophobic....I can only go to an open MRI...there are only about 3 cities that have an OpensidedMri..(google it)...It's open on both sides where you can look out (and naturally front and back) Thank goodness, LasVegas where I live is one of the cities that have...My insurance didnt pay and I had to but no problem....they charge a much lower fee if you pay yourself then insurance anyway but I had no choice and would pay again..

Re: Any tips on MRI test

PAlady — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 23:10:36 GMT

Ask your doctor for a sedative, be sure you have someone to drive you home. I always take a pill to relax (usually fall asleep in the tube), it is worth it.

Good luck.

Re: Any tips on MRI test

mspemberley — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 23:20:36 GMT

I've had two MRI's and I'm claustrophobic. I had a folded face cloth placed over my eyes because I couldn't keep them closed. This simple trick was the answer for me!

Re: Any tips on MRI test

hopi — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 23:25:20 GMT

MRI is a simple test. Below you waist will even be easier. Do you know if it is an open MRI. Either way just close your eyes and relax. Wishing you well.

Re: Any tips on MRI test

BlueFinch — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 23:37:01 GMT

@MOMMAVik Unless you're very claustrophobic, it's nothing to stress over. It's about one's mindset when entering the MRI contraption. You'll be just fine, if you just try to concentrate on peaceful, meditative thoughts. Mind over matter works.

Also remind yourself that the temporary unpleasantness is well worth enduring for the results that will define your problem, for optimal treatment going forward. It's all good.

It's just dealing with the loud clanging noises and if you're having back pain, it's hard to lie still. Been there, I know. But, they'll give you music to listen to, or ear plugs, which I used the last time. They'll also prop up your legs and make sure you're as comfy as can be before the test starts.

I just wore my own clothes. Pull up joggers, a t-shirt and sport bra and some comfy socks. No jewelry, no metal. I was more comfy in my own clothes than having to disrobe into a gown.

They talk to you occasionally, asking how you're doing and they'll cheer you on, with a countdown to when you'll be finished. So, I never felt abandoned, or unattended.

I've had a couple so far and I have no fear of ever having another. You'll do just fine.

Edited to add: They usually ask if you need to, but if they don't be sure you empty your bladder before the test starts.

Re: Any tips on MRI test

DrakesMomma — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 23:28:14 GMT

@MOMMAVik - I have had two MRIs in the last seven months for the same reasons you mention. My only advice is to take your time and get comfortable before the procedure starts. You'll most likely be on your back. Take your time and find the position that causes the least amount of pain. The more still you are the better the images will be.

Sending good thoughts for you.

Re: Any tips on MRI test

Kachina624 — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 23:50:20 GMT

@89135 Every city I've lived in has had open MRIs available, however, I've been told several times the results are not as accurate.

I've noticed the ceiling in the new machine in which I've had the most MRIs is painted a pale bluish color in such a way, you can't tell if it's 2 inches or 6 feet from your face. Sure cuts down on feelings of claustrophobia.