Question on MRI
#323631 - 01/31/08 10:32 AM
|
|
|
|
|
lalala
Reged: 02/14/05
Posts: 2634
|
|
|
I did a search on this, but I have a few more questions and need some reassurances and I know that some of you (Nelly, most recently) have gone through the procedure. 
On Tuesday I'll be having an MRI of my brain (I saw the neurologist two weeks ago for those migraines I was having in October-December). I'm definitely taking lorazepam ahead of time. I'm not claustrophobic, but I do have panic attacks so better safe than sorry, no?
I was told that I wouldn't have to put on a gown if I wore clothes that contained no metal. So, I'm thinking sweatpants, no bra, sweatshirt? I get cold easily, so I don't want to be naked under a flimsy gown. I was also told it would take about 45 minutes for a scan of my head/brain. That doesn't seem like such a long time...
Edited by Maria!Maria! (01/31/08 10:41 AM)
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
My baby had two MRIs by the time he was six weeks old for brain damage he suffered at birth. I was in the room for the second one. It was cold, but they gave us both heated blankets. It was loud as well, even with ear plugs. He was sedated so he slept through most of it, even though it was loud. Basically he just lay on a stretcher in the middle of a white ring. Nothing came near his body. The machine made ticking noises and then would go BRAH BRAH BRAH for a while. TICK TICK TICK BRAH BRAH BRAH. That was all.
Honestly, it was no big deal. The worst part for me was watching them try to find a vein on a six week old for the contrast dye and not being able to feed him beforehand (he was starving!).
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Maria, I don't know about MRI but I was supposed to have a CAT scan today (didn't happen because I had too much of the wrong barium in me) and I could also wear my own clothes as long as it had no metal. So I wore my undies (obviously  ), socks, a sports bra that has no metal, sweatpants with a drawstring, long-sleeve tee, and a sweatshirt. All these were fine and I didn't have to wear the stupid gown.
--------------------
IBS-C, bloating, cramps
pregnant
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I had a closed MRI about 15 years ago. They played music for me of my choice - I brought a cd I think. Its loud and it did feel small, but of course there's no physical discomfort. I remember I felt like I could easily wiggle out of there if I had too. That helped me to not feel claustrophobic. I think newer MRI machines are much less confining. Try to stay focused on the goal of getting healthier!
--------------------
Ladies & gentlemen take my advice, pull down your pants and slide on the ice.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I actually had a couple of MRI's in the past 6 months for the same reason as you: migraines. The second time they did give me a shot to calm me down but that's because I was having a series of migraines that had me hospitalized, and I was in too much pain to just stay motionless for the test. I was scared it was going to make my headache even worse but it wasn't that bad. They gave me hospital headphones to listen to music while it was going on so the noise was loud but not horrible. They found nothing on my MRI. So good luck with yours!
--------------------
Melinda
IBS-A but leans toward C mostly
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I don't have any answers...just wanted to let you know I'll be thinking of you..... just pretend you are in a tanning bed? Maybe bring a coconut scented air freshner with you to hang in the room?
--------------------
www.facebook.com/shell.marr
www.myspace.com/shellmarr
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I have had two MRI's for migraines. It really isn't too bad. I was very nervous and had to go to the bathroom a million times before hand but once I got in there I was fine. I wore clothes that I didn't have to take off and don't remember feeling cold.
It is very loud but the people are extremely nice. I'm not claustrophbic either. I did keep my eyes closed the whole time. The tube is open at the end so you don't feel like you can't get out, plus they tell you if you are experiencing any distress to let them know.
The time went by really fast for me. I can't remember how long the test is but it did not seem that long once they got started.
You will be fine!
Hugs,
--------------------
Janey
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I just had one of these back in Sept, becuase I'd kept getting migraines also. I had an open MRI. They asked me if I was claustrophobic, and I told them I wasn't sure, so they said they'd give me open just to be safe. I wore jeans and a top. All I had to remove was my top (and I think bra, can't remmeber...), and wear a gown with my jeans. The tech was really nice, and she covered me with a blanket to keep warm. It lasted about 1/2 hr or so, and she would let me know when she would start a scan and how long it would last, usually about 3-5 min each, and she said if I needed to move (like if I had an itch or something) I could between scans. All in all, it turned out to be a lot less dramatic than I was expecting! 
Here is a pic of the type I had:
They just slid me in there till my head was in. (Hope that makes sense!)
Good luck! BTW, migraines are much worse that MRIs. 
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Hiya, M!M!
#323864 - 02/03/08 02:26 PM
|
|
|
|
Nelly
Reged: 08/06/04
Posts: 4381
Loc: Within stray mortar fire of DC
|
|
|
I just got done with my 2nd round of MRIs this week! One for my upper back and one for my lower back. I looked at them, but it was like looking of inside-porn of myself, so I got shy and stopped peering for an answer.
For the brain MRI, they put your head in a little cage made of flimsey plastic bars. It's just to lift up your head right. The trick to this test is keeping your eyes closed, and doing your meditation excersizes (mine are counting to 500, then doing it again).
The object is NOT TO MOVE. If you don't move your head at ALL, it can take 20 minutes (they don't tell you that!)
The 40-45 minute time range is what they tell everybody, but it certainly is the upper limit.
If you want to take a valium before you go in, that's pretty common. I did all of mine stone cold, and really appreciated the advise I got about keeping my eyes closed. I didn't get any claustrophobia that way, either.
{{{{{HUGS}}}}} and best of luck to you! We'll all be holding your hand...
~nelly~
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Read through everyone's helpful posts, took a sedative, and I'm ready! I'll comment more later. Thanks everyone for your support and tips.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Update
#324106 - 02/05/08 09:14 PM
|
|
|
|
|
lalala
Reged: 02/14/05
Posts: 2634
|
|
|
Well, it was over in about 15 minutes! Easiest diagnostic tool/procedure ever. They said the results would be ready in two days, but I won't get them for another two weeks, when I meet again with the neurologist. Again, thanks to everyone who gave me ideas on what to wear, what to expect, and how long it might take. You guys are the best and I'm glad to know that I can always come here and get some good advice.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Speaking of "inside-porn" (LOL), some friends want copies of my brain scan. I'm like, "No! That's my private-private part!"
I didn't move at all, like you said, and it only took 15 minutes! I enjoyed the electronic sounds -- they had a certain rhythm to them...
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Thank you, Hawkeye. I wasn't sure what to expect, but machine itself was bright and big and it did make me feel like it would be easy to get in and out of. I did take a lorazepam beforehand, so that helped my pre-procedure jitters. During the test, I felt pretty relaxed. I hope they find out what's causing the headaches, but if nothing shows up that will be a relief too!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
The MRI I used today looked a little different and my whole body was slid in. I did get those comfy trianle pillows under my knees. That felt good!
How are your migraines doing now? I was given a prescription for Zomig, but I haven't needed to take it yet.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I had to go to the bathroom a lot today, too. Fortunately, the exam wasn't until 4:15 and I didn't have to work today. Like Melissa said, it was a lot less dramatic than I expected.
Thanks! Hugs!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Thank you, Shell! There was no place to hang an air freshener, but I tried to wear a lot of my favorite perfume. I pretended I was in some futuristic space capsule, on my way to help start a new colony...  Blame it on the lorazepam!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I'm glad your results didn't show anything. Do you just have to stick to the list of what to avoid in order to avoid migraines? The room the MRI was in sort of worried me because it had that lighting that really bothers my eyes and causes headaches sometime. I thought between that and that noise I'd get a headache for sure, but I kept my eyes close, wore the earplugs, and actually had a very restful 15 minutes.
Thanks for your support! Hugs!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Thanks for replying, Zara. I didn't have to wear a gown either. I wore a comfy pair of sweatpants and my bf's sweater. I also wore knee high socks. On top of that, the technician covered me with a blanket. Pretty comfortable!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
You were right! It was totally not a big deal at all! Thanks!
I'm sorry about your baby suffering brain damage at birth. I hope he's doing well now? That must have been so scary for you and your partner.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
JENNY! (Right? I'm slow today!) It's so good to see you posting again. Hope all is well with your son and life in general.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Yep, it's Jenny, and thanks. I'm glad your MRI went well! It was scary when Ollie was a baby. The stuff he suffered at birth and all the tests and so on were the most terrifying days of my life. Thankfully babies are very resiliant and he healed from all of his birth trauma. His brain is totally fine these days and he is a happy healthy perfect kiddo!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I just had a pretty bad one last week, but it was the first I've had a in a couple of months. I believe it was triggered by me taking my antispasmotic the day before, but not positive. I have a rx for Maxalt, but wasn't sure if I could take it the day after the antispasmotic, since antispasmotic instructions say to take 12-24 hrs, and it had only been like 15 or so. Other than that, not bad. I've taken the Maxalt 2-3 times. I was terrified to take the stuff, because of the icky side effects, but finally broke down and tried it back in Oct. No side effects, and relief at last!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Did you get your MRI results?
--------------------
[Research tells us fourteen out of any ten individuals likes chocolate. - Sandra Boynton]
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Re: Update
#326857 - 03/19/08 06:13 PM
|
|
|
|
|
Nelly
Reged: 08/06/04
Posts: 4381
Loc: Within stray mortar fire of DC
|
|
|
{{{HUGS}}}} to you! I'm so sory I'm only just seeing this post! I'm glad you survived the banging throb coffin and will live to see another day! How soon do you get your results? My migraine was attributed to a reoccurring sinus infection which looked just like a brain slug. Gotta make an appointment to get another yuk scan to make sure the slug's been scared away. Fingers crossed!!
And yes, I plan on drugging myself into oblivion...
~nelly~
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
So good to see you two back on the boards! Yep, I got my results a couple of weeks after the MRI. Turns out my brain is "unremarkable." Everything was normal and the neurologist believes that the headaches coincide with lupus activity. She gave me a prescription for Zomig, which I haven't tried yet (although I have had a couple of migraines -- but not too bad).
Nelly, when's your next MRI? Fingers crossed that all is clear.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Unremarkable
#327042 - 03/22/08 12:04 PM
|
|
|
|
Sand
Reged: 12/13/04
Posts: 4490
Loc: West Orange, NJ (IBS-D)
|
|
|
Quote:
Yep, I got my results a couple of weeks after the MRI. Turns out my brain is "unremarkable."
I suppose in the context that's good news but it sounds sort of, I don't know, insulting. And based on what I've seen of your brain on the Boards, not particularly accurate.
I hope the new meds help. Take care.
--------------------
[Research tells us fourteen out of any ten individuals likes chocolate. - Sandra Boynton]
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I had my 2 MRIs a couple of weeks ago. The big news is that I have quite an abnormality on one test that seems to be congenital and was explained to me in terms of spina bifida. OK, YIKES. My mom was with me when she heard that term, and shrieked quite audibly, much to my embarrassment.
I'm going to have another series done in a few months to see how everything that's been hurt from the car accident is healing. Will keep everyone posted!!
My back in general has been feeling awful, and it doesn't help that the pain pills they give me make me feel like I can accomplish superwoman's grocery list on a daily basis. So I force myself to rest Every Day. Like Right Now. So I'll see all you guys tomorrow.
~nelly~
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Posts
