Someone please tell me what the MRI will be like?

Agent99

I've never had an MRI, I have one in the morning bilateral breast.  Will they put die in an I and will it be extremely claustrophobic?   Do I need the Valium they say I can have?

Agent99

I mean "dye" for goodness sakes!

lekker

My pre-op breast MRI was my first ever so I took the Valium (and of course had someone else drive!). I was face down.  Since then, I've had two more - lumbar spine and right shoulder. Both of those were face up.  I didn't take any meds for those - instead I just never opened my eyes while I was in the machine.  I didn't have any problems and in fact fell asleep both times!  Because this will be your first and you're (understandably) very anxious, as long as you tolerate Valium well and have a designated driver, I say take it.  I hope it goes well!

Edited to add:  yes, they generally give IV contrast (dye).

MelissaDallas

I just didn't think it was a big deal. Since you're on your stomach I have no sensation of being closed in. The facility I go to doesn't give us sedatives. It does feel like it lasts forever since you have to stay so still and even with earplugs it is loud.  I hate having IVs started, so that is the only part I really dislike.

AmyQ

I had my first ever MRI this past week.  I was face up, kept my eyes closed and listened to music on head phones the imaging center provided. I took Ativan but feel as though I may not have needed it.  Good luck

Agent99

thank you, I just do better knowing what to expect.  I am only worried about feeling claustrophobic.

Having allot of firsts lately

Ridley

I didn't take anything either re: a sedative, but if you are claustrophobic, I would consider it.

I was given a panic button, which I would press if needed -- however, they told me if I pressed it after they started injecting the dye, I would have to come back and do it all over again (no pressure!!).  I've had 3 breast MRIs and have never had to press it.

They inject the dye towards the end of the test -- I could feel it going through my arm -- felt a bit weird, but nothing too bad.

Good luck!

 

Delufox

this was the easiest test I have had. You lay on your stomach and you put your girls through two holes - a little weird when the tech pulls them down! The worst part was when my nose started to itch. Drove me nuts! No claustrophobia at all. I think I might have fallen asleep (until the nose itched).

Delufox

as for the dye, somewhere toward the end, I felt a warm sensation. That was the extent of the dye! Piece of cake.

LAstar

I've never felt claustrophobic before, but I had a little panicky feeling when I started going head-first into the machine.  For my second one, I made sure to look around really well first so I knew where I was going!  Our hospital has headphones and I could bring a CD of music to relax to while I was on my back, and it really helped take my mind off of it.  It's very loud, can take a while, and I'm no fan of needles, but it's otherwise pretty easy.  At my hospital, the gizmo that you have to lie on so the breasts hang through is a little uncomfortable, so make sure you get a little extra padding where you can (sternum for me).  I focused on the good information I was getting from the MRI and on the fact that there are no known health risks with this wonderful imaging technology.  I also visualized being on a beautiful Hawaiian beach with my family and snoozed a bit.  Best wishes!

farmerlucy

I've had three MRI's. I thought I could tough out the first one with no meds, but I was very claustrophobic (i am not generally that way) and I also had a shoulder injury at the time and I was scolded when I tried to adjust it. The second and third time I took the Valium and went to my happy place. I also have them brace my shoulder with a towel.  I highly recommend the meds!

Moderators

Agent99, as well as the great information you've received about other members' experiences, the main Breastcancer.org includes this description of MRI and what to expect.

Best wishes with your test tomorrow!

bcincolorado

My tech did not prepare me for the dye and I had not found this website yet to read up first.  The dye was not expected and I HATE needles but the wiggling on the table was the worst part for me.  Since you have to get into those cups and are face down and it is bright in there, it did not feel claustrophobic to me at all.  More like you were gong to sleep on your stomach once you get into position. They gave me music so I didn't hear the thumping of the machine and even asked what kind I liked first.

Agent99

thank you so much! Honest to goodness I have never found anything as helpful this website.  Being able to be prepared and having the support and advice from all these women is getting me through this nightmare!

Nancyinct

Agent99 - You'll be on your stomach for the MRI. They should offer you headphones too. The machine itself also makes these loud banging noises. I had one of my (many) MRI's on a Saturday morning. I remember how sweet, kind and compassionate the doctors and nurses were to me. So when I was having the MRI I was thinking how blessed I was to have these "strangers" take such good care of me...talking me through it all the way.

Agent99

OKay Girls, MRI done and in the history books.  It was an open ended (both ends) machine so I was good with the claustrophobic part, no sweat.  The valium it took was very mild and took the edge off, the only thing kinda stressful was the iv and injecting the dye but it was very manageable.   So now just another week of waiting to see what the surgeon thinks of these results!  Hopeful only one tumor!!!    Thank-you again so much for all the responses you all helped me get through this small task!!!

 

Grateful for all of you

LAstar

Yay, Agent99!  Nice to have it behind you.  Fingers crossed for the best outcome.  If you are like me, then you are basically done for the day after the MRI!  Have a good rest.

Nancyinct

Great job Agent99!!!!!! I admit that I was petrified over every procedure and test I had to have. But I must say that every single one was not nearly as bad as I feared. Thank God!!!!  Enjoy your mother's day and that little grand-baby!!!!!