MRI Was So Painful...

Oh, yes. The pain. I hate that plastic form. Cut into my ribs so badly the first time. I had my back seize up on me last year (#3) and I couldn’t get off the table. Panic attack the last half of the MRI and lots of tears. Begged my Dr. to skip this year. Then I had changes in my scar tissue and HAD to have a diagnostic MRI. Dr. gave me Xanax which did its job. This is a genuine issue that needs to be addressed, in my opinion. Not sure there is a cost effective fix though. And I am already out $2,000 for each MRI. I hate cancer.

I think it depends on the facility. Pre surgery I had two MRIs at the hospital and they had everything well padded. Then I did a follow-up MRI at a satellite imaging center and it was painful like you said. They also didn't have the hole for me to be face down, so I had neck pain too.

The support used during mine was also padded. I'm sorry for your experience, that sounds awful!

The breast MRI support/table/positions are the worst! I had a good number of MRIs as I was on a study that monitored my tumor size during neo adjuvant chemo, and I have some tips.

1) If your tech doesn't offer it - ask for pillow under your lower legs, arms and a warm blanket. Anything that can make you more comfortable.

2) Headphones with music instead of earplugs. I'm not claustrophobic either, and did OK with music (music also helps me estimate the time - I ask them to turn on rock radio, and I know each song is about 4-5 minutes, give or take), but on my latest MRI the tech wasn't as fuzzy and just shoved earplugs into my ears. Boy, I immediately felt the world closing on me. I then asked for headphones and music, and she said "sure". Why not offer it right away?!

There is nothing to do about that hard thing pushing into your ribs, although, as other said, I think the ones I had experience with were padded. But still, your entire weight pushes on it, and it can make your breathing a little harder. This is a sensor and is needed there to guide the machine. For me, it helps to concentrate on something else. You did good by concentrating on your breathing. I would usually imagine I'm not there at all - every MRI I did I was mentally skiing my favorite trail, imagining every little detail, every turn, trying to feel the wind on my face, envisioning the sparkly snow. Escapism at its best.

My MRI was painful too. The hard support was right between my breasts. It was really hard to stay still but I somehow managed it. I was super happy when it was over.

I had a pelvic mri it's just dog gone painful not moviing for such a long time. plus being in a tube on a silver tray. MRIs sucks!

Hugs to you!

great news!!! And I second music and xanax! It can get a girl though a lot!

You would think they would know and be diligent about making a patient comfortable. I had one done years ago and at first they talked to me but then stopped. I hyperventilated and gav them what for when I got out.

Diane

I’ve had 3 MRIs plus the biopsy ones and bring my own cushioning, memory foam strips that the techs allow along that plastic grid you lay against. If it wasn’t for this I don’t think I could handle these MRIs since I have neck and back issues. Plus I have pillows under my hips, ankles, and elbows. Yes, they should get a better padded grid. I make sure and not eat or drink for several hours prior due to the position laying right on the stomach. The need for shallow breathing is really a pain. The first MRI I wasn’t told and did deep breaths and they said I moved just from breathing and had to redo it on another day

Oh boy! I have my first breast MRI coming up this Friday. I did not have one at the time of diagnosis. I had my first post-surgical mammogram a little over a month ago, and the MRI is additional screening due to the dense breast tissue I have. Thank goodness I have an idea what to expect thanks to all of your posts! I dread the thought that it could be more uncomfortable than my biopsy (which was a stereotactic biopsy with mammogram) because I thought that was awful. Ugh. I do still get some pain in my breast too, and I have some swelling (possible breast lymphedema) still from a seroma that isn't going away, and I also have developed another Mondor's cord (my second one) down my rib cage which hurts. I hadn't even considered that the MRI would be uncomfortable. I've had several MRI's for other conditions due to ski injuries, but I lay on my back for all of those. At least I won't be caught off guard. So glad I saw this thread so that I can prepare as much as possible. I do so appreciate the good information and advice posted here!

Cat, glad to read that your MRI didn't show that your tumors were any larger. Every bit of good news is worth celebrating! When I was first diagnosed, I kept hoping for each result to be the best possible scenario given the situation. Hoping all goes well with the next biopsy for you!

Spoonie, I have read some of your posts on other threads, and I am so sorry for everything you have endured. In light of everything, you always are so helpful to others on here, and you have such a positive attitude and a sense of humor that are both evident in your posts. You are a very talented writer by the way! It sounds like you and I are having our MRI's around the same time. Here's to "the best possible results given the situation" that we can hope for for both of us!

Hugs to all!!!

Absolute horror! I had the MRI 2 days before surgery. My BS asked how I was feeling. I told him the surgergical site was ok but the pain from my ribs under both breasts was awful.

The radiology tech told me new equipment is expected “soon.”

Sorry we have to go through this annoyance

Aww Spoonie, I'm glad I was able to give you a few extra "spoons" for your day! And yes, I agree we can never get enough "warm fuzzies!" My MRI is Friday. I'm a little nervous about it. I remember my surgeon saying not to panic right away if I get a call back because they often show false positives, but somehow I think that will be more difficult to do than I imagine if I should happen to get that call back.

Good luck to you on Thursday!