Wellness

[MOMMAVik]

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!

[piperbay]

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

[Shelbelle]

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. 

[Kachina624]

@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. 

[Shelbelle]

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!!!

[Love my grandkids]

@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.

[kaydee50]

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!!!

[KailaS]

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.

[Love my grandkids]

@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.

[Duckncover]

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.