Turns out, being shoved in a tube isn't all that entertaining

[sienamystic]

Had my MRI today. While it obviously wasn't physically painful, it was a lot more stressful than I'd realized it would be.

They got me all arranged on the slider table-thing, with my knees elevated on a pillow so my back was nice and straight. As I slid into the tube, feeling a bit like a torpedo being loaded, I was thinking I would be fine. I'd never describe myself as claustraphobic, and I could feel air blowing across my face, which I suppose is to coax your brain into not feeling stifled. I was fine until we got to my elbows. The MRI tech said, "You'll feel it hug your elbows a bit," and I felt gentle pressure on them. Unfortunatly, this did make my brain send off little "aiee, we're pinned down!" messages that I had to quell. I was holding a call button, and the knowledge that I could use it if I had to was quite comforting, and probably kept me from really getting upset.

I brought earplugs as advised, although they would have given me some if I hadn't brought my own. The machine is really noisy, from a jackhammer sort of sound to one that was a bit like a car alarm to other ones that were more like random clackings and thumpings. The noise didn't really bother me, though, as much as the lying still and trying not to twitch and/or freak the hell out and bolt from the room. As the minutes ticked by, I realized my hands were getting numb; whether it was the fault of whatever they're looking for in the MRI or the result of having my elbows squeezed, I don't know, but it made it hard for me to keep still. I had to keep distracting myself with weird little mental scenarios so I didn't flail around.

The result of all this forced calmness meant that I left the hospital in an absolutely foul mood - the kind of one where you're equally as likely to rip somebody's head off as erupt in floods of tears. Instead of doing either, I made Bemo take me out for lunch, and we devoured some of Lazlo's excellent giant onion rings. Then, ice cream sundaes at Ivanna Cone to make sure my mood stayed improved!

The holiday means I'll probably have to wait for the results a little longer, so we'll see what they say. And I hope I don't have to do this again anytime soon.

Comments

[apis-mellifera.livejournal.com]

Mmmmm, Lazlo's.

I got to deal with doctor stuff today, too. Bleah.

[sienamystic.livejournal.com]

Their onion rings are just heaven. Slightly greasy, nicely breaded, dunked-in-garlic-sauce heaven.

Blah to all the doctor stuff.

[fairmer.livejournal.com]

I had an MRI a few years back, and it was interesting, since I too thought I had no predisposition towards claustrophobia. And yet! It's amazing.

So, my reaction was to force myself to relax so far that I fell asleep. That worked.

[sienamystic.livejournal.com]

I fall asleep (or in an almost-trance state) in the dentist's chair, and I figured that's what I'd do in the MRI. Unfortunately, the pressure around my elbows kept me juuuuust anxious enough to prevent me from total relaxation.

My thoughts did drift towards "They're looking at my body on a screen right now, sliced up like a salami! That's pretty cool! I wish I could see!"

re: salami

[fairmer.livejournal.com]

*grin* Geekery for the win!

I do the same thing in the dentist's chair, but had better luck in the MRI. Same side, different coin, or something...

[maeve-rigan.livejournal.com]

Count me as another who didn't think I was claustrophobic until I was trapped in an MRI. I got through it, but it was--unsettling. I keep hearing that there are "open" MRI's, because of the claustrophobia issue, but where are they? Why don't any hospitals except on TV seem to have one? Catch up, people!

[sienamystic.livejournal.com]

There was one in the Northern Virginia area that my mom went through - she's extremely claustrophobic (er, among many other things) and would have freaked out entirely in a normal MRI. I would bet money that there's one in this town because the university is big on football, and a lot of times players are simply too large to fit inside. But I've been told it's pricier, alas.

[worldforawhile.livejournal.com]

I've had a few MRIs and I always wonder why there has to be such a random banging of sound. Because I associate random bangs of sound with something going wrong. . .and that's just not what I want when I'm trapped inside a giant magnet, for something to go wrong.

I'm sure it's all explained By Science. But also, why can't Science make my perception fit the reality? (By which I mean, no scary noises in their Science Machine.)

[sienamystic.livejournal.com]

I know! Science should mean that instead of random bangings and whompings, all I hear is a peaceful, steady hum as Science goes about its business. Hmmmmmmmmm means that it's All Working. Whompety thump bang bang bang whirrrrrr pockety-queep means Something Is Busted.

[faithhopetricks.livejournal.com]

MRIs are BLECH. My dad has extreme claustrophobia, and they shot him up with an amazing amt of tranqs/muscle relaxant, but still no go. Soudns like you did well!

[sienamystic.livejournal.com]

Well, I was complimented by the techs afterwards for doing a good job. *preen*

Thankfully, they came over the little MRI radio and told me when the last image was going to be taken, and that it was going to be two and a half minutes. Knowing that it was all about to be done was helpful.

[(Anonymous)]

I find I get weirded out inside those tubes, as well. I've been in probably 6 or more times in the last 3 years, and it never really gets better. That fan does help. I had it once with no fan and it was awful. I hope they have good news for you...
Jess

[sienamystic.livejournal.com]

Oh my lord, I can't imagine it without the blowing air. I think I'd really have had a problem without it.