mri

[vicalncraig]

I am going in for a full MRI scan [back problems]...a little scared...can anyone tell me what to expect. Thanks in advance.

[girlygirl]

My friend broke her back (I'm sure it wasn't her full back but...) she fell out of a window.

She had this scan and said it was really scary and that you have to lie really still but she gets claushophobic (spelling???) and got really upset.

She said it noisy and dark but if you have to have it done then.....

[monroe]

I had a MRI scan afew years ago. It is nothing to be scared of. Although they gave me ear plugs I found it very noisy. They also gave me an injection to make it show up better and that stung a bit. Apart from that it was ok. I'm sure you'll be fine. Dont worry.

[wonderwoman1]

yeh its nothing to be scared of, i have had 4!! it is a bit claustraphobic tho but other than that it is painless.

good luck with it xxx

[beejaybee]

If you have any fears or are claustrophobic. TELL them beforehand.

[dot.hawkes]

My bloke had one and he took a tablet before hand, well he thought he did, it was a paracetamol I gave him but he went very calm! The claustrophobia was what he was worried about and they took longer than he thought but he managed OK, I was more worried than him. I would ask them anything you want to know and distract yourself by trying to recall every Coronation Street Character you can remember.:)

[vicalncraig]

Many thanks for your kind answers

[dot.hawkes]

Ok Vic i shall start you off, i want you to try and remember the names of

1) Ken barlow's twins

2) Vera Duckworths Grandson

3) Concepta hewitts daughter

4) Ena Sharples grandson, (character and real life)

you can only start thinking as you enter the machine!

[Sphinx_Svens]

It's noisy ... and like being a Smartie in it's tube.

Remember, you're not closed in because the tube is open just beyond you're head

[,aisie]

Just as everyonre else has already said, it is quite noisy despite the cotton wool for your ears, but honestly, the staff are very friendly and reassuring - they know most people fear the big MRI scan, but honestly, I had mine 2 wks ago and Id rather have it done again than go to the dentist!! The nurses are in the room beside you, you can see them and vice versa, there's also an intercom system where they talk to you and explain every part of the procedure as they go along. Honesly, you'll b fine.....Good luck xxx

[ermadea]

It,s nothing to worry about, afterwards you will wonder what all the fuss was about.

This site explains fully. Good luck

[doglady]

It's fine. A bit claustrophobic, but to be honest, the noise is quite soothing, especially if you wear ear plugs to dull it a bit. I dozed off having mine. They give you a button to push if you need to stop for any reason, and there is a mirror inside so you can see out the end, so you aren't totally inside.

Let us all know how you got on, but I'm sure you'll be fine.

[blue eyes ;)]

as far as im concened theres nothing to worry about,i had one as i have back probs.i was put on a conveyor belt and it went in to the tube.the ends open so i didnt feel claustrphobic at all.i had music played to me by earphones.i was in for half hour then brought out and back for another half hour.i fell asleep it was so nice! the second half hour i didnt have ear phones so it was a bit noisy but i was fine.i didnt need any injections or anything.considering im a little scared of small places i was totally fine.hope this puts your mind at rest! xxx

[gessoo]

I had an MRI scan in an open state of the art new scanner, and it was just brilliant. Unfortunately, not many of them around yet.

I am probably going to have one for back problems shortly, but I doubt whether it will be at the same place :o(

[Lizziedrip]

I've had one, and whilst it's not the most pleasant thing it beats going to the dentist. My sis-in-law had one done 2wks ago and took along her own choice of music to listen to. Don't worry you'll be fine and you do have a buzzer if you need (I had to press mine cos my back went into spasm but they could already see that on scan and were immediately there to help). I wouldn't worry if I had to have another. Good luck.

[WendyS]

You will lie flat on your back on a table ina gown and they will slide you into a machine which seems like a low tunnel. The roof will only be two or three inches from your head so I suggest you close your eyes and think of something pleasant if you think you will find this a little claustraphobic. Honestly it is 100% painless but it will seem very noisy, as if a pneumatic drill is running immediately over your head. Nursing staff will be nearby and some machines have a microphone or buzzer which will enable you to signal to them them if you are feeling uneasy. All you need to do is keep perfectly still for the duration. These are wonderful machines and will almost certainly diagnose what is causing your back problem, There really is nothing to fear. Like the other poster, I would rather have a MRI scan than have a filling at the dentist !