How to Know What to Expect in an MRI

At some point in your health care, your physician may order an MRI. First hand experience about what to expect given to you from one patient to another will help to make it much less stressful.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Appointment for your MRI
• Someone to drive you

1. Ask your physician to prescribe a light sedative to be taken the day of your MRI. For those who suffer from claustrophobia, and even for those who typically do not, the confined space of an MRI machine coupled with the need to lie very still for a period of time causes anxiety in many people.
2. Ask a friend or loved one to drive you to and from your appointment as the sedative will prevent you from driving yourself.
3. Limit your fluid intake several hours prior to your MRI so that you don't have the feeling of having to go to the bathroom during.
4. Leave all your jewelry at home. No metal is allowed in the MRI machine.
5. The MRI is a long, skinny, tunnel so to speak. It's very confining. You'll lie down on your back and a cage looking apparatus may be placed over your head. The technician may also want to pull a strap loosely over your head to ensure that you keep very still. If it really bothers you, they will likely remove it with the promise that you do not move.
6. I found it really helped to have the MRI technician place a washcloth over my eyes. That prevented me from looking around the machine and focusing on how closed in I was.
7. You'll be given a panic button to hold onto and told to press it if you feel as though you need to stop at any point.
8. The MRI machine makes very loud noises. Even with the foam ear plugs they provide, it's quite loud. At times it sounds like a jack hammer and at other times, a very loud radio buzz.
9. The MRI technician will often speak to you to ask if you're OK. During those times, if you have a scratch or need to readjust your arms or legs just a little to be more comfortable, let him or her know. They'll keep you informed as to how long each scan will be ("this next one will take only 3 minutes") and so although you may be in the machine 45 minutes or more, it's broken down into many small, manageable sessions.
10. Depending upon what your physician is looking for, the MRI technician may need to inject you with a little dye. It's not painful at all and you really shouldn't expect to feel anything other than a little prick.
11. Once your MRI is over, you can go on about your day with the understanding that you may feel a little sleepy from the sedative. Use the afternoon to catch up on your rest or read. Everyone needs a break now and then!

Tips & Warnings

• Of all the medical tests patients sometimes have to endure, an MRI is painless and very simple. Other than feeling claustrophobic (without meds and a cloth over your eyes), it's really not uncomfortable at all.
• Be sure to tell the technician if you have any sort of metal in your body whatsoever.