From the article: Tips to Optimize Your MRI Experience for Multiple Sclerosis
There are worse things in life than getting an MRI scan (unless you happen to be claustrophobic). However, there are also many, many things that are far more pleasant than going into "the tube." Share your tips on how to make the experience non-traumatic and maybe even relaxing... Share Your Tip
In the tube
- I've been in the tube several times. Best thing for me shut my eyes and try and go to sleep. After the first one I realized no pain just noise.
- —Jan621947
merryanne
- MRIs are something that I have never gotten comfortable with. The first one I had, 20+ yrs. ago they had to pull me out, screaming. I didn't know how claustrophobic I was. I didn't get through it a second time despite valium. Had to have my husband hold onto my ankle for the whole procedure. At the time, they said it wasn't MS. So, fast forward 21 yrs, and I was told that I do have MS, hence, my share of MRIs. The freaky thing about the mirror is absolutely true for me, too. It made me feel more trapped than if I couldn't see. The best thing an MRI tech did for me was to teach me to ask for a washcloth to cover my eyes. That, and creative visualization, and two xanax usually gets me through it all. The last MRI I had to take was a couple of months ago. On the way to the hosp., the xanax must have started to kick in just as the old Simon & Garfunkel song, "Feeling Groovy" came on the air. Throughout the entire MRI that happy little song going through my head kept me calm
- —Guest Nancy Ann Sturdevant
My first time...three hours in the tube
- I spent three hours in the tube getting four scans at once. The brain-neck-upper back and lower back. I immediately realized that keeping one's eyes shut the entire time is the only way to go. I had opened my eyes on my first trip in and had to be pulled out right away. I told the technicians they should warn people to close their eyes, right away. I made a mistake of crossing my arms over my chest during the neck scan and I was very uncomfortable in the tube, as it was too tight and confining. Leave arms at your side. I concentrated on details of every facet of my life. I imagined all of the jobs I had in my life. I put names with the people I worked with...do anything that is brain consuming. Get your brain wrapped around something else other than the noise and the confined space. The technicians are very understanding and check on you often. One said to me, Remember you are in total control. I have wanted to know what was wrong with me for so long-I concentrated on that too.
- —Guest Bee
MRI Tips
- Three yrs ago I retired as administrator of an MRI facility. For myself and many other patients, I try to find an OPEN MRI. In an open unit you can actually see your feet and you are not in a confined tube...there is no tube! Most facilities offer CDs for the patient or you can bring one from home. I personally like to listen to Gloria Estefan - lively, & loud! My last MRI i listened to Enya and fell asleep (as I usually do). If you are claustrophic even in an 'open mri' your physician can order you meds to simply take the edge off so you can have a good MRI experience. Our facility also allowed a family member or friend to sit with the patient while the MRI was being performed. Having someone in the area with the patient can be comforting especially knowing you (the patient) are not alone. Hope this helps.
- —Guest donna
Cover your eyes
- I have had several MRI's. The only way I can get through is to have the tech or nurse put a washcloth over my eyes. Then I think of past vacations on the beach.
- —Guest Leo
surviving the "tube"
- I found a standing MRI. I do not have to go in the "tube"
- —Guest Nicky
mri surviror
- The first two seconds are scary but I just closed my eyes and started counting everytime I was told how long the noise would be. My time went faster than I expected. My daughter thought I ran out of the test because it was so fast.
- —Guest gail
Take your own CD - with a strong beat!
- Some MRIs let you take in a CD. If you make it one with a strong beat it is less likely to be drowned out by the machine noise -concentrate on the beat and 'zone out'.
- —Guest Julie
scared
- I started to have a M R I last week, but it could not be done , my shoulders was twiching, so I go again this week with pills. I am till scared. Do you think I will do better this time? Thanks
- —Guest Darlene
Found it fine
- I had an MRI scan this morning, and found it so fine, I nearly fell asleep. The noise is loud and varies (which I didn't realise beforehand) - from a hammering sound to a kind of waahhwaah fire alarm sound, but I had the radio on through headphones (through which the radiographer could also talk). I was so tucked in (to prevent me moving), that it was reasonably cosy. A good 5-6 inches room above my head. Feet got a little cold. I was in there for 20 minutes for a hip scan. I think closing your eyes and trying to drift off is the best bet - nothing in there's going to hurt you after all, and the procedure will help find the best treatment for you.
- —Guest Sarah
Trainer
- I found that I needed valium! I've never had claustrophobia, but a couple of minutes in the tube had me so stressed that I had to actually leave the hospital and take deep breaths in the parking lot. It went better with valium, and with visualization. I'm a gardener, so I closed my eyes and imagined planting little seedlings, and where they would go. For my next MRI, which was in the winter, I visualized decorating the Christmas tree, and tried to remember all the tiny details of the ornaments. My friend does puzzles in her mind, and some people bring their own CDs, or books on tape to listen to while in the tube. Another friend visualizes his favorite place to hike in the mountains.
- —Guest Didi
1st time in the tube
- I had mine late evening, so I was already tired, before you get in look through the tube, its good to inspect what you are getting into. If there is an a/c blower at the head end it's cooler inside, close your eyes, be as still as possible. I simply recited my times tables 1 through to 12 (1x1=1... upto 12x12=144), as you concentrate on the numbers the time passes by. I had a full spine scan.
- —Guest Minesh
MRI
- Try to mentally recite poetry that you have have known, but not recited in a long time
- —Guest walt
MRI Tips
- Like a couple of other folks, I take my MRI time as a time to get rest. But I do it a bit backward. As a nightowl, I love to stay up late. As an MSr, that is, of course unwise, considering our need for rest and sleep. But on the night before my MRIs I treat myself to a late night, with snacks and a good movie, or just channel surfing through all the middle of night trash TV. I schedule the scan as early as possible, then I am so tired I can't help but relax and tune out. Afterward, I spend the day sleeping the stress away. Spoiling myself this way helps take the edge off and makes me feel a little more in control of my life.
- —KarenLaVon
Surviving the tube
- I have had so many MRIs over the years, I no longer consider them the threat they once were in the beginning. But I must admit I am terribly uncomfortable in close spaces, so when I was getting my first MRIs, some clinics will let you take a small dose of a sedative. I do take advantage of this. Always have someone to drive you home if possible. I put a washcloth on my eyes so I could not see the inside of the tube at all, then I provide my own music ie.. mp3 player or take advantage of the music provided by the diagnostic clinic. I would also practice deep breathing when I could. I would put my mind on something else, like making my shopping list, etc... and never feel like you have to be a hero. Take advantage of the panic button if you are at all uncomfortable, I have found that the technicians are a very caring group of people and are there to make us feel as comfortable as possible. I also make sure that I always go to the bathroom just before going in. Hope this helps.
- —Guest Sonja
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