Yesterday, I had what I called a super-duper fancy pants MRI. This was different from any I’ve had before (and I’ve had several) because it was face down with my breasts sort of hanging down in two openings.
I was extremely anxious about this MRI, in a way I haven’t been for previous ones. I realized it was because of the face-down position—that provoked a huge fear response in me. So when the Care Bear team mentioned a sedative was an option if I were claustrophobic, I said yes. Now, I’m not claustrophobic but honestly that fear response was pretty intense.
As directed, I took a dose an hour before my scheduled time. Once we got there—since I’d taken the sedative, Kent had to take me there—I learned they were running an hour behind. I was thankful they’d prescribed two doses and asked that they give me a heads up on when to take it so I’d be covered.
I was a little surprised that they got me back to the changing area immediately, had me change and then started the IV so soon (this was a contrast MRI). I sat there with Kent for a good 90 minutes just hanging out in my fashionable gowns (I wore two for warmth). I spent the time reading and texting Ben--sent him this picture to show him his fashionable mom.
The poor woman ahead of me had terrible veins and it took something like four or five tries to get her IV going. I was so grateful that while I’m terrified of needles, usually the IV goes in on the first try. As promised, they did let me know about 30 minutes before when they thought they’d get me into the MRI to go ahead and take the second dose.
The set up reminded me a little bit of a massage table because it had one of those head rests with the open spot for your face. Of course, no massage room would ever be that cold or loud!
They took a series of scans, then injected the dye for the next series. I wondered, though, how the dye gets to the other side? My IV was in my right arm and I could feel the dye moving up my arm (not painful, just a little chilly). But how does it get to the left side?
Anyway, about 45 minutes later, we were done, I got changed and we headed home. Between the sedative and the anxiety, I was beat and in bed with the lights off by 7:30.
I should get the results in 24 to 48 hours and then we’ll see if my dense tissue is hiding anything else in there.
I was extremely anxious about this MRI, in a way I haven’t been for previous ones. I realized it was because of the face-down position—that provoked a huge fear response in me. So when the Care Bear team mentioned a sedative was an option if I were claustrophobic, I said yes. Now, I’m not claustrophobic but honestly that fear response was pretty intense.
As directed, I took a dose an hour before my scheduled time. Once we got there—since I’d taken the sedative, Kent had to take me there—I learned they were running an hour behind. I was thankful they’d prescribed two doses and asked that they give me a heads up on when to take it so I’d be covered.
The poor woman ahead of me had terrible veins and it took something like four or five tries to get her IV going. I was so grateful that while I’m terrified of needles, usually the IV goes in on the first try. As promised, they did let me know about 30 minutes before when they thought they’d get me into the MRI to go ahead and take the second dose.
The set up reminded me a little bit of a massage table because it had one of those head rests with the open spot for your face. Of course, no massage room would ever be that cold or loud!
They took a series of scans, then injected the dye for the next series. I wondered, though, how the dye gets to the other side? My IV was in my right arm and I could feel the dye moving up my arm (not painful, just a little chilly). But how does it get to the left side?
Anyway, about 45 minutes later, we were done, I got changed and we headed home. Between the sedative and the anxiety, I was beat and in bed with the lights off by 7:30.
I should get the results in 24 to 48 hours and then we’ll see if my dense tissue is hiding anything else in there.
2 comments:
Seems a logical next step to make this a true massage experience. Warm, good lighting, comforting touch. I can imagine the whole setup would make one nervous. Glad it went well for you.
Years ago, I had a breast MRI. It was a little weird, putting my breasts in those cones that reminded me of something out of an Austin Powers movie. Plus being face down. Still, it's the best way to see what's happening in those dense tissues.
Post a Comment