Time for another round of tests

Good luck to you both...you are both in my prayers. 

I haven't had to have an MRI as of yet...I go for my first one in April.

How do they do them?  I am very clostophobic and they can never get IV's in. 

I have not had a needle biopsy either...I had a surgical biopsy done.

Anne, for one of my MRI's they had the table fitted with one of those round doughnut pillows like a massage table has, for your face to go in. I didn't like it and so they took it off and gave me pillows instead, but you might want to ask for that if you think it might help. Also, I always have to ask for more than one pillow. Using 2 or 3 is much more comfortable for me. Usually they will try to do everything they can to make you as comfy as possible.

Liveit, I absolutely refuse to have an IV inserted unless I have used EMLA cream first. It's a topical lidocaine/prilocaine cream that you apply an hour before the procedure. If I feel the IV at all, it is just barely. Some places will use some kind of numbing medicine before IV insertion, but mine doesn't, so I always make sure that I do it myself.

You'll need a prescription for EMLA. If it's something you're interested in, ask your doctor about it. If you do use it, it would probably be wise to call your MRI center the day before your appointment. Tell them that you are going to use EMLA and ask them how many sites you should prepare and where they should be. They'll probably want you to do at least 2 sites, so that they'll have a backup place in case they can't get the IV started in the first one. You may have to be a bit persistent about this, but hang in there. I think it is inexcusable that, even though it is possible to make IV insertion virtually painless, some doctors and MRI centers look at you like you've got 3 heads if you bring up the subject. But I guess this is just one of my pet peeves.

As far as the claustrophobia, I am mildly that way myself, so I understand completely. I always take Ativan before an MRI. This is something else you might want to ask your doctor about. I've never had an MRI where I had to lie on my back--all mine have been face down all the way. You might call your center and ask about this, just so you will know what to expect when you get there. They will probably give you earplugs to help with the noise. Some places provide headphones so you can listen to music, but mine doesn't. I find that the noise isn't too bad with the earplugs, though.

Good luck to everyone who is going in for tests--hoping for benign all the way.

GOOD LUCK ladies! Anne (Peaches70) you crack me up about lying on your face! I had an indentation in my forehead for another whole day!! Guess that shows how bloated I already am!



I guess I will be on the alternating MRI/mammo train/boat now. Glad I have you ladies to check in with.

KImber

Peaches---that's great news about the mammo!!!!  Glad to hear the MRI went well--I'll be praying that's benign as well.  When it comes back OK (notice I said "when" versus "if"--thinking very positively here too), will you be putting the plans for BPMs on hold?

Anne 

I have a bad shoulder, so I asked about keeping my arm(s) down by my side, but they said no, it would interfere. There isn't enough room to put your elbows out to the side--the machine is very narrow, so I had to put my arms overhead, despite my shoulder pain/discomfort.  I would call ahead and ask if there is any other possible positioning for the MRI.

Anne