Fru-Gal Friends

Subject: MRI Fri 22 Feb 2008, 10:37 am

Has anyone ever had to have an MRI? All the people I know have had nothing good to say about them. I have to have one on my neck to see why my hand is going numb and I have pain in my neck and shoulder. I told the doctor I am claustrophobic, but he insists that I have a closed MRI and not an open one.

Are they as bad as I've heard they are?

Subject: Re: MRI Fri 22 Feb 2008, 1:03 pm

I have had several Sissy and they arent really that bad ..
would you Dr give you something to relax ???
I have had think I had 8 or 9 .. piece of cake .
_________________
Gayla

"They take great pride in making their dinner cost much; I take my pride in making my dinner cost so little."

---Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)

Subject: Re: MRI Fri 22 Feb 2008, 1:45 pm

I have had one and Bailey has had a few. She did great with hers and so did I. They will give you something to relax if you ask them. It isn't as bad as everyone says. At least not in my opinion/
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Vicki

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Subject: Re: MRI Fri 22 Feb 2008, 2:18 pm

The doctor said if it was necessary he could give me a sedative, but preferred not to.

Well, at least I know it's not that bad. Thanks, ladies. I feel better now.

Subject: Re: MRI Fri 22 Feb 2008, 2:20 pm

My Mom had one last year and was very nervous because of the way everyone talks about them being horrible. She stayed calm though and did very well and she said it was not bad at all. I am praying for you Sissy!
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MARY

Subject: Re: MRI Fri 22 Feb 2008, 4:06 pm

Hi Sissy,
I've had a bunch of them. It's easy for me but I'm not claustrophobic.

However, I have a friend who is and I recommended to her that she close her eyes and picture herself in a beautiful "happy place" (for her a large field of wildflowers sitting under a tree) and not to open her eyes until she was through. She tried it and it worked for her. Maybe it will work for you.

Good luck!

Subject: Re: MRI Fri 22 Feb 2008, 5:49 pm

Very good advice DF.
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Subject: Re: MRI Fri 22 Feb 2008, 6:29 pm

How long is a MRI,,how long did you have to stay laying there.I heard they arent bad as people make them out to be also.

Subject: Re: MRI Fri 22 Feb 2008, 6:46 pm

I have had an MRI, Sissy, and I am very claustrophobic....I found it helpful to keep my eyes closed the whole time ...they had music playing in my headphones and a technician kept communicating with me through every step of it.....in all honesty I will probably ask for some kind of relaxant if I have to do it again and of course providing I don't have to drive myself home....
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Love is a fruit, in season at all times and within the reach of every hand. Anyone may gather it and no limit is set. ~ Mother Teresa

Subject: Re: MRI Sat 23 Feb 2008, 8:08 am

I've had my fair share with the stroke & having pneumonia several times ( doctors thinking they were blood clots).

Only one time I freaked out, and I dont know why that was. Yes I do... my cat had just died, and that was all I was thinking about. Tears were rolling down my face and I found it hard to breathe. I dont consider myself claustraphobic.

But all the rest of them were fine.
No sedative needed. I actually took a nap in one of them.
Are they putting anything in your IV? For instance, they had to do several where they put dye in the IV. It makes you feel like you are wetting yourself. Just make sure you go potty before you lay down on the table. :-) Or am I thinking of a catscan?!? I'm so confused.

Either way, they are both about the same if I remember correctly.

~M
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Subject: Re: MRI Mon 25 Feb 2008, 8:45 am

Thanks for all the advice. M - I don't think I'm having an IV. They still haven't called with a confirmation number so I can schedule it. I'm not even sure how far I have to go into the tube. I don't know if just my neck is going to be scanned or my entire spine. I guess the best thing to do is close my eyes and do my breathing that I've learned from yoga. I just want this over with.

Subject: Re: MRI Mon 25 Feb 2008, 2:53 pm

we will pray for you Sissy
_________________
Gayla

"They take great pride in making their dinner cost much; I take my pride in making my dinner cost so little."

---Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)

Subject: Re: MRI Mon 25 Feb 2008, 6:04 pm

Yes Sissy, I forgot to mention deep, regular breathing is also very helpful..sounds like you are ready.... Good Luck

_________________
Love is a fruit, in season at all times and within the reach of every hand. Anyone may gather it and no limit is set. ~ Mother Teresa

Subject: Re: MRI Tue 26 Feb 2008, 12:47 pm

Well, my MRI is scheduled for 7:30 AM Friday morning. I've decided not to be sedated. I'm only going in a little past my shoulders. The woman who scheduled it for me told me to just keep my eyes closed. I'm going to pretend that the noise is just my next door neighbors playing their music really loud, like they normally do. I guess this is when all the yoga and meditation will come in handy.

Wish me luck and thanks for all your encouragement and prayers.

Subject: Re: MRI Tue 26 Feb 2008, 1:14 pm

Praying for you Sissy
_________________
Gayla

"They take great pride in making their dinner cost much; I take my pride in making my dinner cost so little."

---Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)