MRI question

Hi Tashton, 

I had a CT scan rather than an MRI , however I have had previous MRIs, there is no pain involved, you just need to lie still while the scan is done. I am sure you could find a you tube demonstration if you are worried. 

Hope the appointment goes ok, maybe try and think about a favourite song to sing in your head during the scan if you are worried you will get anxious.... 

Hi Tashton

My hospital did CT scans rather than MRI.

There was no pain involved other than slight discomfort when they put the canula in for the contrast. But that was seconds. 

The machine does not touch you. I did find it a bit uncomfortable lying still and I think some of that was because I felt anxious. They can give you wedges etc to get you into a comfortable position. I had one cushion/wedge under my knees. 

With me I had to arrive early and drink water. After 30 minutes I was called in to see the radiologist. He asked certain questions about my medical history- just general ones. I did not have to get undressed but was asked to remove any jewellery. I wore a comfy bra top without any wire and trousers that were pull on- so there was no metal zip. There was an option to undress and use a gown. 

They explained the procedure and then left the room. They could see me, hear me and talked to me whilst the scan was happening. With the MRI it can be noisier and take longer but they can still talk to you and I believe they can also give you a button to press. If you are feeling very anxious then it may be an idea to ask about something to relax you. 

I will pop a link to some info below.

MRI scan | Macmillan Cancer Support

Hope this helps, but any questions, do give the Support Line a call and speak with one of the nurses who will be able to answer any questions in more detail and give you some reassurance.

Jane

Hi Tashton

There is no pain associated with having an MRI the only uncomfortable bit is having to lie still for a while. I had one before my hysterectomy and it took about 30 minutes. You literally just lie there while the table you are on moves around. It is very noisy though so you get headphones which they can play music through if you want. I had contrast with mine which means they put a cannula in your arm and inject dye through it, which is fine just like the needle when you have a blood test.

Linda

I have a wedding ring that won't come off?

Call the hospital and tell them as you need to remove anything metal for safety with MRI. I believe there may be an exception for gold as it is not magnetic- but this is something you need to check. 

Jane

Hi I had my MRI with my wedding ring on as it also won't come off and they said it was fine and it was. In I've had a few MRIs wearing my ring. You can also wear your own clothes as long as there's no metal on them, so no bra.

Thanks x

I've had CTs and MRIs in connection with my cancer diagnosis and for other investigations. The MRI tends to take a bit longer and the machine makes more noise. You lie flat and the machine moves slowly to enable different images to be taken.  It's not painful or unpleasant, just a bit boring! Just think of it as a step forward towards your treatment. 

Hi Tashton, here’s a few tips which I found made it easier. Take socks as yoir feet may get chilly on the table. Take an eye mask (as long as it has no metal) or ask for one, as it removes the temptation to open your eyes during the MRI. The machine is quite close to your face and if you open your eyes you may feel a bit claustrophobic. Tell them how you’re feeling - they will care and will want to know. You may be asked to consent to being given Buscopan as a precaution against stomach cramps - this is given via the cannula along with the dye. My nurses made sure I was comfortable and warm enough and explained what would happen. The sounds from the machine happen in bursts with short gaps in between. I had headphones on so that I could hear the nurses speaking to me. When I was on the table I Imagined myself laying on a deserted beech in the sunshine, listening to the waves lapping on the shore, and sang hymns in my head. This helped it all go quickly! 

Hi Tashton

i had a hysterectomy in the middle of November, and had both a CT scan and MRI scan, previous to surgery.  I was really nervous before my MRI scan as I am a bit clostiphobic, and I was quite scared about having it.  The actual tube you go into wasn’t as narrow as I thought and because my pelvic area was being scanned I could go into the tube feet first, this made it a lot easier for me.  You don’t feel anything, but it is quite noisy, however they do give you headphones with music to distract from the noise of the scanner.  I was in the scanner about 20 to 30 minutes and the radiographers speak to you from time to time to check you are alright.

Good luck and best wishes, you’ll be fine.

Ange19