MRI question

Are you having an open or closed mri? You will be on your stomach and completely inside. I've since mine learned you can request sedation.

mtwoman that wasn't my experience I have never been offered sedation. I've been through 3 mri experiences so apparently different centers work differently

Hi Gloss Girl!

It entirely depends on the equipment at the facility you're going to. Call and inquire...there are so-called "open MRI" machines, which are supposed to be easier if you're claustrophobic.

My experience was that I was face down on a sliding bed, with my arms over my head (IV in one arm) and my breasts hanging down into a "breast coil." I was given headphones (for both music and instructions) and warm blankets. I closed my eyes, and they slid me into the machine and I think my arms came out on the other side. Believe my knees never went into the machine...

But I had closed my eyes and let myself think of the the loud "clunks" of the machine moving back and forth as the heartbeat of God. Holding me to him/herself. I felt very cared for, and cuddled. And I focused on my breathing during the exam. I was so focused, that I was startled every time the techs spoke to me (and of course when the exam finished). During the exam, I just brought my thoughts back to my breathing and coordinating it with the banging of the machine and/or the music.

You can control where your mind goes during the exam.

But do call the facility you'll be using, tell them you're worried about claustrophobia and ask about what you can expect. (For instance, some facilities will allow you to pick the music, or even supply your own.)

Hope your exam is completely uneventful.

Hang in there!

LisaAlissa

I've had many MRIs, always on my back, until this one for my breasts. Never offered a sedative. For this one I was supposed to be on my stomach. My funky spine wouldn't allow it.

So I was sent for an open MRI. I was seated for this. It was close quarters but I could see out. Apparently the tech had never done a breast MRI. It was uncomfortable but not as loud.

The results were horrible. My bs went off like a rocket when he saw the films. Totally useless, waste of time and money for all.

If you possibly can, do the regular way. I have never seen a doc so pi$$ed.

"first of all they will give you something to 'relax' even if you tell them you don't need it.". i have NEVER been asked if I wanted to be drugged and there is no way that I would taken drugs (or allowed them to be given) just to have an MRI/CT/Bone Scans after stating - NO - to 'relaxing' drugs! But that's me and I stand by it.

I've had quite a few Scan (not all for BC). I've always been asked if I was closterphobic which I'm not so I don't know what would have been done if I said I was but apparently there were some options for those who say they are.

None of my MRIs have I been on my stomach with my breast(s) "through a sort of cut out in the bed part".

I have never been 'offered' drugs before any Scans. If I had and refused (which I would have) - I would not have taken (allowed) drugs for no reason.

There is no way that anyone can tell someone else what the other individual will experience or how any procedure will be for them individually

There can, on some cases', be similar experiences BUT we are each UNIQUE. Unfortunately 'some' will try to say what another WILL experience based on their own personal experience.

My advice is to make sure you are comfortable before the techs go to the "control booth" to start the scan, since you will need to hold your position for a while. Both times I had a breast MRI, at two different facilities, they gave me a gadget to hold with a button to push if I really felt I needed to summon them. I agree that visualization and other relaxation techniques are helpful. It's an interesting experience. Lots of sounds. Hydrate well today to help with the IV placement for the contrast material if your doc ordered it. Best wishes for an easy scan, GlossGirl!

Ths OP stated going for an MRI. She did not state a breast MRI just an MRI. Did not mention if the MRI would be with Contrast.

I lay on my stomach with my breasts through openings for my MRI. I wasn't offered anything to relax me. The one thing I will ask if and when I have another MRI is for the technician to tell me how far along in the process I am (halfway done - just 10 more minutes - something like that). The noise was so loud they couldn't hear me calling out to them. There was finally a break and I asked "how much longer?" When I heard three minutes, I was so relieved! Since I've had surgery on both shoulders, it was painful holding my arms out straight for such a long time.

Good luck to you, GlossGirl. It will be over before you know it!

MJ

Got to go and check NOAA. - I didn't realize there was a TS yet till you mentioned it. (I'm a bit of a 'weather nut' thanks to Daddy who was a USAF meteorologist. Also being a SW FL native, I try to keep up with what's going on. Here we get WS (winter storms) which I think are worse.

geez guys, a little harsh today? I will be very careful of my pronouns from now on.

Glossgirl, here is a link that provides a video for claustrophobic folks. https://subrad.com/services/open-mri I do not know if there are additional options at your center, or if those options compromise the quality of your results (per spookiesmom's experience), but letting your referring doc know that you need something to help relax you and talking to the center up front about what's available there would be good steps so that you know about your particular situation and what to expect.

Good luck!

So it looks like you had (or are having) your MRI today, right? Let us know how it went. I had 2 MRIs a week apart...one was regular and one was with a biopsy. I found the MRI itself to be pretty easy, but I did take ativan that was offered by my breast surgeon. Not sure I'd have needed it though...to be honest. I get claustrophobic enough (the bone scan was super fun with the machine right in your face), but I think the fact that the breast MRI had me facing down made it easier. I think the worst part was getting the IV, and even that wasn't too bad because I had a good person putting it in both times. I wouldn't hesitate though to get another MRI if I needed it, insurance coverage aside (that's a different story right there).

We go through so much, don't you think?!

Fantastic on Monday you'll know more. Hugs!

Well done GlossGirl!

So happy to hear your good news! Here's hoping for good results from the MRI too!

LisaAlissa