plainpat

It's nap time for me! Sounds crazy, but after my bro said it bothered him, I was determined to get thru it in good shape.Worked for me.I simply kept eyes shut & relaxed. Hope you can do the same.

dgmoby

Because I have a brain tumor, I have them all the time - way too much, if you ask me :(

Anyway, I too can get very uncomfortable in there, as I'm not a small person to begin with and it's a very tight, small space. So what I do is close my eyes, and daydream. I don't let myself think of anything else other than a daydream. I even sometimes MAKE myself walk through a thought, just to keep me occupied (like actually sewing a quilt block in my mind, seam by seam). I just make sure they're happy thoughts/dreams, and it can range from playing with my dog, to quilting, to reviewing a movie scene by scene, an upcoming vacation plan, whatever - just so it's happy. It took some practice, but I'm pretty good at it now, and can almost fall asleep in there.

I also ask for the most open MRI machine I can have (I'm limited, as it must be a stong machine). The newer machines are so much better than the older ones that wrap you from head to toe, now they're only about 1/2 the body, and are faster so request these. But, since I have to have my head in a 4 way lock-down helmet complete with bars over the face, it means nothing except that when using the mirror, when I can see my feet - I don't feel quite so closed in. And I take a lot of deep breaths :)

Good luck with the MRI. Hope it turns out well.
Debbie in Austin

Jill

Thanks for all your comments and suggestions. My appt. is 1:30 this afternoon and I'm trying to stay calm and not worry about it. I'll let you know how it turns out.

piepatch

Having an open MRI helps. When I had mine, I was in such pain, they had to pull me out and give me a pain pill. It was only like 5mg's of hydrocodone, but it helped the pain, and the anxiety. It was also an open MRI.

ufoqueen

Ask for an open one, if not available, close your eyes and dream of fabric. Good luck, we're praying for you

akrogirl

I had an MRI yesterday. I just kept my eyes closed and ran through my snare music in my head. A friend told me that she designed her dream house during her MRI, lol.

It doesn't matter what you think about, but it definitely helps to be concentrating on something other than the MRI itself.

Good luck :-)

nativetexan

oh they have open MRI's too. can you find one?? I would if possible.

CarrieAnne

Hugs...I hope it goes well for you!

Jill

Well, I'm back to report that I survived the MRI and without too much anxiety, I must admit. And I thank all of you for that because I felt like I had your support and good wishes with me. I did ask for the open MRI and they had one. It is much much better than the other one, although the person told me that the readings are not as clear with the open. Anyway, I occupied my mind with thoughts of quilts and trying to name cities alphabetically in Ohio...Akron for A, etc. Thanks again for all your help.

mamaw

They give me a mild valium and put a cool wash cloth over my eyes. By not being able to see, it is easier for me to let my mind go and relax. I focus on something pleasant to think about, even plan a quilt LOL.