I'm on the waiting list for an MRI scan (no idea how long said list is).

I've had two scans - the first before my accident the second after. The one post crash was hellish - I still swear that I almost fell off the other side of the "bed" when the lass swung my legs up very enthusiastically, trying to get my body positioned so that I was comfortable (and it did involve begging for a pillow under my legs).

Any who... does anyone have any tips for a smooth trip this time?

ear plugs, or an ipod ;)

Had one a few weeks back - the second attempt because I freaked out during the first try. If you're claustrophobic like me, see your GP and get some diazepam or similar to keep you calm. I sailed through this one in a cozy haze But then you're a girl, so you're made of stronger stuff than us fellas.

I didn't bother with music - and I doubt I would have heard too much over the racket the machine makes anyway, but then I'm a little deaf. If you have noise cancelling earphones, they may be OK. Otherwise ear plugs might be good.

I'm not so sure an iPod would be a good idea for an MRI. If you need music some MRI techs can accompany you with rubber tube'd ear pieces attached to a device to play soothing background sounds or music.

I'm taking a "confined entry" course in two weeks time - involving crawling through tunnels... because it sounded fun. The rep came round to our company and while trying to impress us all fell over his words when I asked what the whole disability assess are - apparently they can adapt *any* course for a disabled person. So we went through the brochure and found the least suitable course and booked my sticks on to it.
The rep now calls us every day to try and convince me to cancel my place on the course - it is proving very useful in educating me how to turn men down repeatedly.

As for music - since the nurse had to take my bra off for me (metal under wire) I can't see my ipod surviving the trip! I was given a pair of ear phones so that I could hear the nurse issuing abuse because my legs kept moving (spasms!)

I think what worries me more is the whole getting on and off, the nurse last time was awful (and I'm really bad at saying what I need BEFORE someone grabs hold of my x y z because they are trying to help). Does anyone know if I can take my own pillow in with me? (To place under my lower back - it's the only way I can stay *almost* comfortable)

I've got my MRI on the 13th June, think I'll leave my iPod at home!

Charlotte (my daughter) had an MRI last week, and she was able to take a CD in to listen to, to help distract her.

Regards

Simon

Be careful what you take to listen to, I wanted to lighten the mood but apparently Kevin Bloody Wilson isn't every bodies cup of tea.

have a joint, then have a nice nap while you are on the mri

Since we'll both be (one would assume) going to the same place (i.e. Leicester) do let me know what the facilities are like!!

MRI scanners have a habit of wiping things due to the magnetic field, things like credit cards become unusable so I wouldn't be risking my ipod! They will definitely play music for you though although singing along is generally frowned upon!

Sorry, I'm off to Sheffield for mine.

Regards

Simon

Cripes I know Leicester isn't great but to run all that far away?

I like to wear under Armour or something like it, maybe a sports bra for you...just no metal. If you're taking a pillow make sure it doesn't have any meta (zipper) and they "may" be ok with it or they have something comparable. The MRI's I always have used generally have a bunch of different wedges and pillows but maybe it's different over there. And I usually wrap some tape around my feet to keep em from moving or turning. And Oh yes don't forget the joint for them spasms like andy said.

You must have gotten that radiologist on a bad day. Actually depending on what shift they are on you might get someone completely different and more helpful. I had that at St.Georges in Tooting where I had most of my scans, but in all cases they had a number of wedges and pillows to put my legs over and also to put in the small of my back. They have also all been helpful in getting me into position and listened to me as to the best way to assist me.

Due to various medications I am often quite tired so with a good pair of earplugs I tend to fall asleep anyway.

Just did one yesterday, with contrast! They provided me with a wedge pillow to prop up my knees for comfort. Like I can feel it ANYWAY.-lol They also had earplugs AND headphones with music. Ask for a blanket if your cold. Sometimes they provide those too.

When getting on the table, ask for two people to help. One for the legs, the other to take your back when swung over. I'd recommend bringing a friend who can help. Some techs will allow a friend back there with you, and others won't. It's very true that it all depends on the tech and what their rules are.

Good luck

Hah even with a warm blanket & pillows I can't fall asleep in there......not with the construction zone in there. You'd have to be deaf or very drugged to sleep through all that.

I'll 2nd what was said about different shifts & days bringing different techs & other staff. They've always had pillows & wedges to prop me into a somewhat comfortable position. And I tend to get cold very easily & they usually have not just a blanket for me but one fresh out of the microwave.

I guess whether you'll be able to take music of your own in would depend on their machine. Just call the facility & ask them. And yeah if you're claustrophobic (thankfully I'm not but I have a friend who is) get some Valium or something.

I had one at end of May (Nottingham though), I freak out a bit, so I had someone with me to reassure me- whilst i was there. I asked for a blanket this time so i didn't get too cold. Nothing helps the uncomfortable bit for me - having to lay on myback for 1 1/2 hours is a nightmare and not move.

My friend helped me on and off table - they know exactly what to do and made sure i was ok before i got off. Think it depends on technician.

Leicester is not that bad, but i have not been there for a few years. I go to nottingham now.

mind you - didn't like my results this time.

I had my MRI yesterday (Saturday) at Northern General Hospital, Sheffield.

Appointment wasn't until 3.25, but we were there at 3.00, by 3.45, we were in the car on our way home.

It went really smooth, they hoisted me onto the MRI table, didn't even need to ask for a pillow, and put ear defenders on with Radio One playing. I just closed my eyes and listened to the music.

I quite enjoyed the flow of cold air over my face whilst in the MRI scanner, as it was quite refreshing.

I go up to the spinal unit on the 22nd June for my results.

Simon

The others are right, it would probably wipe your i-pod and the metal in an i-pod and head phones would be an issue. I had the air hose headphones too and almost fell asleep. I fall asleep anywhere if I am lying down and I was having time off work which helped. Make sure you tell them of any metalwork. They can disrupt the image a bit by deflecting the signal.

Thats not fair - my scan took 1 1/2 hours. it was agony.

xx

I guess it depends which bit is being scanned as to how long it takes?

I'm booked in for the 29th! WOop!

I had a cervical and thoracic MRI.

Simon

I've had two MRIs since my accident. Both were full thoracic and lumbar scans and the actual procedure only took about 20 minutes. Now the stay in the waiting area is an entirely different story.

Mine was a whole spine MRI with contrast - so i suppose thats why - don't know why i had to have a whole spine - my injury is C5!

Waiting area was fine - think i was in there for about 5 mins.

Jane

I have to have an MRI in the morning at 9:45. I was supposed to have one last Friday evening but I kept about passing out every time they laid me on my back. I am 33 weeks pregnant and the baby is laying on my aorta and shutting off my blood flow. I am supposed to have one of the full spine (cervical, thoracic and lumbar) so it will take awhile.
They said that I can do one on my side and that is what we are going to try in the morning. Anyone every heard of that?

I had an MRI scan 4 years ago at Sheffield, but as I was an in-patient they took me round in an ambulance.

It was a full scan so they said it would be a long time. They tried to give me the panic button to press but I said, no thanks.

When they placed the grid thing over my face I just kept my eyes shut and used my imagination, pretending I was going into space in the shuttle.

They would just speak to me from time to time and say "18 minutes of noise", then I heard 500 pneumatic drills banging away. Then they'd say, "7 minutes of noise"... etc

To be honest, I almost fell asleep as I just switched off my 1 remaining brain cell..

The annoying bit for me was the fact the nurse that came with me went to look at the scanning and told me she could see the break in my neck!!! Even I've not seen that!!

Mike

Oh yeah, you can see why you can't take magnetic/ferrous objects with you by watching the following!

thats pretty crazy, no wonder when i had mine they asked if ive ever had any operations with metal inside me or that i wasnt wearing anything with metal on!!

I slept

Reading the messages it seems I am not the only one who falls asleep in the scanner

I had scan at St Thomases yesterday of the brain and whole spine. The staff were great and I layed there for 45 min listening to HeartFM and slowly dropping off

Just don't ask what my back feels like today