MRI scan

[Charisse]

Can anyone talk me through the process of an MRI scan?

TIA

[Mailmutt]

It's quite painless but at the same time daunting. The hardest part is the boredom/keeping still, and depending on what you have done, the possible feeling of claustraphobia. I only had me knee done, so I wasn't "inserted" into the tube head first.

You will be asked to gown up. When they are ready, you will go in, and the nurse will sort you out position wise. There will be a lot of noise.

As said, the hardest part will be the boredom and keeping absolutely still, which you have to to get a good scan.

Once over, get dressed, go home, and wait for your doctor to get the results.

[Charisse]

Thank you mailmutt, what happens if the person cannot remain still?

My son has to have a scan and I am worried that it may be daunting and upsetting for him.

Is someone allowed in the room when the scan takes place?

[WhiteBears]

the most horrible experience ever! i spent two hours in one of those, i had a panick attack after it. there is no pain at all, its a great big machine that they put you in, and you have to keep still until its finished. The machine will go up and down your body doing varies of scans from different positions making a really loud noise. although not all people will have a full body scan, some can be just the brain, or parts of the body that only last no more than 30mins. but in my case i was in there for 2hrs. They gave me music to listen to though which was quite good.

But because i have a fear of enclosed space thats probably i felt it was a horrible experience and the length of time i was in there too.

if people have no problems with enclosed space etc then they should b ok.

[Mailmutt]

That I can't answer - even the staff vacated when I had mine. My knee was "locked" in a kind of brace, so maybe they have different things for different parts.

Whatever, they will be able to answer all your questions at the time - it costs a fortune to run, so it is in their interests to get it as right as they can.

[WhiteBears]

and you dont need to wear a gown. as long your clothing do not contain any metal then they allow you do the scan in your own clothes. avoid jeans, or clothes that have zips, metal buttons etc

[WhiteBears]

the staff are really great though, they give you cushions etc to make you feel comfortable. but i dont think they allow anyone in the room whilst doing the scan, its like having an xray done.

[Charisse]

Whitebears that sounds quite awful for you. 2 hours is a long time.

Thank you again mailmutt, we met with my sons consultant however I did not really take in what he was saying as I am worried sick.

My mind has been working overtime however the "practical" side of me knows that the scan will at least give them more information.

[Charisse]

That is such a relief wizard66 that I can be there with him. Unfortunately my husband will not be here, but I feel a bit better knowing that I will be with my son.

[marval]

When I had mine done, there was a young boy who had one done. They gave him an injection, it kept him calm and still, he was fine afterwards.

The only thing I didn't like was the loud noise, but I just thought of other things. The lady doing the scan talked to me in a very calm manner, it really put me it my ease.

I am sure your son will be fine.

[coccinelle]

Check out if a hospital near you doesn't have an open scan, this is great if you're frightened of being closed in. There wasn't one near me and as I'm claustophobic had to take medication for 3 days before and everyone is so nice and helpful. Wear socks cos your feet get cold!