Have you had an M.R.I? Would you mind sharing your experience. What was it like? How long did it take? Thanks!

Answer 1

Hi Alice,

I have had multiple MRIs and it is really no sweat. I take that back, depending on why you are having it can be scary, but the actual process for me was not bad at all.

Generally, all you are doing is laying on a narrow bench that slides into the unit. If you have a problem with closed spaces (I didn't) it could be uncomfortable, as you almost feel like you are in a box. The good thing is that there is a microphone and speaker on the unit so that the technician can communicate with you and you with him or her. The first time I had an MRI the technician was very chatty and I guess it helped, but it was very early in the morning and I would have liked to just tried to nap if possible (not likely, as they usually don't last that long).

The techs or one of their assistants may come in after a series of MRIs are done and help you to change positions if needed or to check on the amount of dye or special fluid that is being injected (again, depending on what the purpose of the MRI is for).

This brings me to the one thing that isn't so great... the prep. As I said, this may not be needed for everyone. However, sometimes they will need to give you an IV with a special dye so that the imaging will show up better. You may also need to drink a couple of glasses of fluid for the same reason (think Kool Aid but without the sweetness and sometimes you may have to stretch out the drinking over a period of time instead of just gulping it down to get it over with). One time I had to drink what they called a 'milk shake'. It was terrible. It was more like a milk of magnesia type drink and it too had to be stretched out instead of gulping it down (my bad luck).

Lastly about the effects, if you get an IV the dye gives your body a really warm feeling, especially around the extremities and ears. It felt kinda cool (no pun intended) and passed kind of quickly. Some of the dyes (again depending on what they need) can make you feel like you are having cramps or you are feeling really heavy (this happened to my legs and arms once). If you have a really good technician, he or she will be able to help with massaging the area's (This is how and where I met my girlfriend and now life partner. Five years and going strong, but that is a different topic!).

Once everything gets started, it will be over in no time and the first one is the hardest just because of not knowing what to expect. If you have to be inserted into the unit (a lot of times something like a hand or foot MRI doesn’t require it), I suggest just closing your eyes and try to think about something pleasant.

In my case, I would be lying if I said that everything was perfect. The worst part for me (again no everybody) was that when they (the doctors and techs at University of Virginia Med. Center) had to inject some of the special dyes and I had to drink the magnesia shake, I felt a little nauseous the first day or two (okay a lot the first day).

The bottom line is in knowing that once it is all over, you will know the answer to what brought you there in the first place. In a lot of cases, it will turn out to be good news. Either way, the MRI is a great tool to help the doctors, so that they will be able to proceed with a course of treatment if one is necessary.

I hope and pray that if you are being scheduled for one, that it turns out to be good news. If you have anymore questions, please ask or e-mail.

Good Luck,

bc76

Answer 2

I have had a couple M.R.I.'s and they usually take about a half hour, give or take a little. I think that your experience all depends on what type of person you are. I also worked in the ER for many years and there are a lot of people that freak out because of the space issues. I have always found that if I close my eyes and pretend that I am somewhere else I do just fine. There is a lot of banging, but the technician should have ear plugs if you ask. If you really have problems with the lack of space talk to your doctor before, he/she should be able to give you anti-anxiety medication. This is fairly normal.

Answer 3

They can be open or closed. The closed kind can be noisy, but you get headphones and you can bring your own CD to listen to.

It takes less than an hour and the most notable thing about it is how boring it is. The end product proved useful, but in fact I recovered without the treatment that ensued anyway. After nearly 3 months bedridden and another 2 with a cane. The best thing was that the insurance company of hotel where I had the injury (a chair collapsed under me at a Holiday Inn in Paris) is supposed to pay for it. They haven't yet but I have people working on it.

Answer 4

I went to a place that has an open MRI machine and I needed my hand scanned. The first round took about 1 hour. Then the doctor had noted that he wanted "contrast" injected into my veins, and had the idiotic MRI tech been able to find a vein and stop trying to turn me into a human pincushion, then I would have been in for another hour.

I have since been told that open MRI machines are great for people who might be claustrophobic, but they take a lot longer than the "normal" MRIs... Does anyone know if that is accurate?

Answer 5

I've had one when i was about 13. I remembered it was the longest 60 minutes of my life. They strap you down and slide you into a machine that is dark and a little light. It wasn't scary or anything but towards the end i was crying because the sound inside the machine is the most annoying thing ever ( sounds like a really loud clock ticking). I thought i would get some sleep but that noise kept going i will never forget it, but thats about the only bad thing.

Answer 6

If you are not claustrophobic it should be no problem. I had one several years ago and all they ask is that you relax and do not move at all. So enjoy the light humming noise of the machine as you listen to your favorite music (yes, most places allow you to pick out your own tunes) and take a little nap.

Oh, and as for the amount of time...it's about 20 minutes. A very pleasant experience overall.

Answer 7

yes had several
The head one took longest, a good 20 minutes in a tight machine that will make it clear if you have latent claustraphobia or not. You have to remain totally still the whole time. The abdomen one did not ake as long, but it really depends on what they are doing.

The machines are all noisy an vibrate alot. So just be ready for that.

Answer 8

I have had several (I am a little accident prone). It was no big deal. They lay you on a bed that slides into the machine, strap you down (you need to be perfectly still of it to work) and then push you in for a few minutes. After a few minutes are up, they pull you out and help you get down. No big deal. Some people who are claustrophobic have a problem with them, but otherwise you should be okay.

May God bless and keep you.

Answer 9

I've had several. You lie still on a table that moves in and out of this chamber where the work is being done. The machine is loud, get ear plugs. They had plugs at the hospital I went to. Also, one of mine lasted about 1/2 hour and the tech put a washcloth over my eyes. That helped, too.

Answer 10

I actually had to have a MRI a couple months ago. It took about 35 minutes. You will do good if you aren't freaked out by small spaces! I sang and it made me forget how closed in I was. Later though the techs told me they heard me singing through the microphone that is in the machine!