On Tuesday me and Dizzy pottered off for our little MRI. 🙂 I do get in abit of a panic about them, and this year Dizzy decided to find ways to help. 🙂
Dizzy’s Tips to help keep calm for an MRI:
- Do calming activities before you go. This can really help to settle your mind down and help you to not feel too worked up before you even get there. Our favourite is to do some gentle yoga.
Here’s Dizzy and Mollie doing some donkey side twists before the scan. 🙂
2. Wear comfy clothing that doesn’t contain metal. This means you don’t have to get changed when you get there, or end up having to wear the flattering hospital clothes. 🙂 I also find it more relaxing being in my own clothes during the scan.
3. Practice simple breathing exercises that you can do while having your scan. These are good to do any time, and help to calm you down by bringing your attention to your breath.
4. Take calming remedies. Me and Dizzy have been taking CBD oil and rescue remedy to help us. (Thank you Ami at Honeysuckle Healing for giving us lots of advice and reminding us about rescue remedy. 🙂 ) You can also pop to the doctors who can prescribe something abit stronger to help.
Dizzy really liked the taste of the rescue remedy…
5. Ask to have the radio on. This one isn’t for everyone but having something to listen to can help to distract you from the scan. Some places even let you take your own CD to play!
6. Ask the person to tell you how the scan in going. This is one I find really helpful. I asked the lady to tell me how far along we were and how many images were left. Otherwise it can just feel never ending when you’re in there! It also helps being able to hear another person.
7. Take a Dizzy! Of course this has to be the most important one. 🙂 I’m not saying I was looking the most cool or grown up for my scan this time, but having Dizzy with me did help.
Even though Dizzy didn’t look that impressed about being stuck in the MRI scanner all that time…
Overall, it was a much better experience. 🙂 It was an hour and a half long, and there was only one panic from me when they couldn’t get the dye in. The rest of the time though, I actually felt quite relaxed. 🙂
What do you do to help keep yourself relaxed during a MRI scan, or any medical tests? We’d love to know so we can add them to our list for future reference. 🙂 xxx
Great advice. I love the donkeys!! So adorable
Thank you. 🙂 xx Glad you like the little donkeys. 🙂 xxx
Goodness you are brave Heather. I did not realise it took an hour and a half! I think I would use everyone of you and Dizzy’s tips. I am so glad you got through it. Huge hugs to you both xx
This was my longest one. But it was only suppose to be about 45 minutes, I couldn’t believe it when I looked at the time when I got out! 🙂 I was thinking it was feeling a while in there… 🙂 xxx
I have to be put out fully, you know complete sedation! My MRI scans last almost 3 hours. Am slightly claustrophobic, but what really gets me is all the electricity in the air. Learned to be sensitive to electricity in the air growing up on a farm. We raised Holstein animals. Cows for milk, steers for meat.
Cows HATE getting shocked with electricity that is in the environment. Of you do not want to be kicked, calm the electricity down in the barn. Our animals were basically pets (doesn’t every one have a herd of a few hundred friends who like having there heads rubbed?) We used the animal’s names to keep track of the breeding program. The “P” family was are most friendly and productive line Paula, Pam, Pamuela, Patty, Patricia, Princess, … you get the idea?
We keep Paula on long after she stopped being productive. She was just so friendly and good for showing kids visiting our farm. Al most literally killed my grandfather, my father, and the rest of the family when she fell ill and had to be taken on one last ride in the big truck to be put to sleep.
I’m not surprised you had to be completed sedated. 3 hours is ages! I don’t even know if I could keep still that long, my back was getting really stiff and mine was half the time.
I do always wonder if some people are sensitive to the electricity and magnetic fields. Luckily I’m not but I can imagine its difficult for people who are.
I love all the ‘P’ family names and Paula sounded lovely. 🙂 xxx
Should I assume you might be a tad claustrophobic? My solution was to take a nap, which can be hard to do with all that noise, but waking up at the crack of dawn helps
I didn’t even use to mind them, it’s doesn’t make any sense with me. 🙂 I do love naps so that would be a perfect solution. 🙂 xxx
The last time I had to have an MRI, I was told in advance it would take 1 hour. I shuddered, then chose a relaxing music cd I had & checked thr duration of each track. I was able to count down the time I had left as each track played. I couldn’t hear them too well, but it did help manage it & keep me distracted, but calm.
That’s what really helped me this time, having the lady tell me how it was progressing. Otherwise it’s just so long and you feel like it’s never going to end! Which relaxing CD did you use? xxx
Yes, it definitely helps when they talk to you. I used a ClassicFm CD, ‘Smooth Classics for Rough Days’. Most of the music is quite calm, apart from 1 or 2 tracks. But I couldn’t hear it that well.
I’m guessing MRIs are a fairly regular thing for you. I have them if another problem crops up & neuro deem it necessary. xxx
You really can’t hear the music that well in them, but it does still help to have it on. 🙂 I shall try out ‘Smooth Classics for Rough Days’. If nothing else it means you have some sense of the time too. If the radios on, I know every song is about 3 minutes. 🙂 xxx
I’m glad you did well with your MRI Heather, and these are some great tips! I think the thing that has helped me the most through the two I’ve had was a piece of advice from a friend. I’m claustrophobic and was really concerned that I would panic in that small space. My friend told me to close my eyes before they moved me into the tube and no matter how much I wanted to, not to open them until I was back out. It really did help me get through both times. Hugs to you and Dizzy!
That’s really good advice. I can imagine a lot of self control is needed to keep your eyes closed throughout the whole thing though! xx I do also keep reminding myself that I can get out if I really need too. I sit there thinking I could definitely just wriggle out. 🙂 It helps knowing I could if I had too. xxx
That’s a great point about remembering that you can wriggle out of there. 😊
I try to remember to wear a sports bra with no metal in it. These days I take a sedative recommended by my GP, because I find it very hard to keep still, but if that isn’t an option try a drowsy hay fever tablet an hour before!
I was very organised and wore my sports bra this time. 🙂 I think I will ask for a sedative from my doctor next time. Even though I was much calmer in the scanner, I still got in quite a panic with the dye. xxx
There is absolutely no reason not to take a sedative- an MRI Is seriously weird and we need all the help we can get not to dread them. You do need to have some one to pick up and get you home safely, though.🦋🦋
I had mine in January. It was short but difficult because of my restless leg.
That would make it really difficult. I’m glad you got through it ok though, and hopefully another one won’t be needed for a while. 🙂 xxx
I’m hoping as well😊. Working on my lower back now and hopefully my spine will feel better soon.
They have newer mri machines now. They’re wider so you don’t feel confined, and they’re open at both ends so there is always light. They’re made for people who are clostrophobic and for those who are larger in size. I love it. I don’t feel like I’m having a test done at all. Oh and of course I wear the headphones. They ask what kind of music and away we go!
Wider machines sound great! I don’t think I would mind that so much. Half of mine have ended up being mobile unit ones though, so there’s not lots of space. This one did have an automated voice to tell you when you were going to move though, which I liked. 🙂 xxx
I’m just happy you made it through the testing! but keep looking for those newer machines. They have to be near you somewhere. 🙂 xo
I think I’ll ask about them at my next appointment. 🙂 xx
I hope your MRI will yield good results or as they say, “all clear” – Given my condition, I have to go often for MRIs as well to ensure that my spine and neck are still screwed on LOL! In December, I had to undergo 2 MRIs – one for the brain (*thankfully they declared that I do have a brain – Phew!) and other for my neck and spine. In the hospital where I did it, I am given a headset and ear plugs. Ear plugs to drown the cling clang of the magnets and headset to calm me as it allowed me to choose my genre of song choices. I was happy to have their soothing rainforest sounds but after awhile, I got bored with it and asked for my favorite radio station. I had to have a dye injected into me and unfortunately I reacted to the dye, despite being given hydrocortisone. All I can say is I am thankfully alive after that. MRI scans are claustrophobic and thankfully it is safe for me with metal rods to be given an MRI scan. But they do warn people with needles in faces or piercings to be removed. I am glad you got through yours and now here’s to awaiting good results for you! Take care and have a lovely weekend ahead.
I’ve already been warned the results will not be good, but I get in such a state about the actual scan, I feel so relieved afterwards I don’t even worry what the results are!
I’m very glad yours declared that you have a brain. 🙂 I hope mine at least comes back with that result. 🙂 When I had my brain, neck and spine, they just did it all in one go. I’m not sure if I would prefer one or two to get them done in.
That must have been so scary with the dye! I’m glad you’re ok after the experience. Do they have an alternative to use in the future if needed?
Hope you have a wonderful weekend. 🙂 xxx
They used the latest dye “gadovit” that is supposedly hypoallergenic. Alternatives could be to increase dosage of hydrocortisone or steroids. This I will never like. Hope yours…I pray for the best..take care my friend. I am with you in spirits and know how you feel.
Thank you, that means a lot. xx I hope you have had a nice weekend. 🙂 xx
Not too bad – it was restful and I wish you a pleasant week ahead 🙂
Great advice as always. I had my MRI scan last year + I was referred to a hospital which had a larger scanner so it did not feel as claustrophobic. The staff really welcoming + helpful. They talked me through the process while I was in the scanner, I closed my eyes + tried to relax. The good bit of it was the results as from the scan they changed my medication to something which is more effective so I’m in less pain, so for me it was worth it. Thanks again for writing your blog, you always have such great, helpful advice + the donkeys are adorable.
I really like the sound of the larger scanners. A couple of people have mentioned them, I might ask next time. 🙂 I did see something on the news the other day about them being able to do scans with something just put on your head. I think it’s super new technology, but I thought that looked great! 🙂
That’s brilliant yours had such a positive outcome, and I’m so glad you’re now in less pain because of the results. 🙂 xxx
They play whatever you’d like on Pandora at mine. It’s a newer one, shaped like a donut but I still loathe them! My two survival tools -1) I have a yoga cd memorized from doing it for over a decade and I slowly go over it in my head and 2) my son holds my foot. Sounds weird but it just helps. With CFS that noise is pure torture! Hoping yours turn out best as they can for you!🌸
You have made me so happy about saying your son holds your foot! I have been saying to my boyfriend I want him to come with me, and when he said he probably wouldn’t be able to hold my hand while I’m in it, I said if he could just hold my foot I would feel so much calmer. 🙂 He thought no one would ever do that! I’m going to show him your message. 🙂 xxx
Just make sure he has no metal on him and they should let him hang out. They put a chair by my feet for my son. And he’s been a couple times so yes people do do that.😊
I’ve sent him a photo of your comment…no response yet. 🙂 He’s not getting out of holding my foot next time now though. 🙂 xxx
The MRI experience should come with a personal comforter, just someone to tell you it’s almost over, maybe tell you a story and somehow feed you cookies or wine.😁
That sounds amazing, and I completely agree that they should too. 🙂 xx My boyfriend has now agree to come next time and hold my foot! 🙂 🙂 xxx
It is good that you were comforted by your friend and companion, Dizzy. The newer MRI machines are less claustophobic but listening to music during the scan helps to calm the nerves. I pray that your results will be favorable. Much blessings to you.
Music really does help. 🙂 I think my MRI machine was newer (it seemed very high tech) but it was a mobile unit one, so not really any bigger. Thank you for your lovely comment. 🙂 xx Sending hugs. xx
Fantastic advice from Dizzy and Mollie! I always get so tense before an MRI and goodness I have had more than I can count. I think next time I just need a calm and sweet donkey with me-♡♡
Having a donkey with you would definitely help! 🙂 Hope you’ve had a lovely weekend Alyssa. 🙂 xxx
I think I just need a therapy donkey at all times!! I hope you had a fantastic weekend as well!!!
hey, I’m glad it went well! give dizzy a big hug from us. xoxo <3
Thank you and I have. 🙂 Dizzy sends lots of donkey hugs back. 🙂 xx
As someone who has numerous MRIs over the years, I wholeheartedly agree with all of these tips! I often will watch a favorite (humorous) tv episode or movie the night before, and try to replay it in my head during the scan to keep me distracted.
I also absolutely MUST keep my eyes closed throughout. I prefer to have a towel or blindfold to cover my eyes so I don’t accidentally open them. I made the mistake of opening them once and seeing the top of the MRI chamber inches from my face and had unbearable anxiety for the rest of the scan.
That’s a really good idea of watching a funny TV programme or film the night before, and then replaying it during the scan. 🙂 I’ll try that one next time. That might help make the time abit more interesting too! 🙂 xxx
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Thank you so much! 🙂 I really appreciate the nomination. 🙂 New blog award sounds very exciting too. I shall potter over and have a look now. 🙂 xx Happy Easter. xxx
You’re most welcome! Wishing you a Happy Easter, also! 🙂
I salute you for having the courage to face that situation. Still praying for you 🙂🌹.
Thank you Winnie. 🙂 Just glad it’s all done for another year. xx Happy Easter! 🙂 xxx
You’re welcome! I’m glad it’s only once a year. Happy easter! 🙂🌹
Strong anxiety meds.
I will definitely consider them in the future if I feel as anxious beforehand. 🙂 xx
What a great post and awesome tips…Chronic blogs shared your post on Twitter thats how I found you. x
Thank you so much for the lovely comment and visiting our blog. 🙂 xxx
Your welcome and thank you for visiting our blog as well xx
Oh my goodness, I could not have found a better post for me right now! I’m newly diagnosed (November) and am going in for my second MRI tomorrow afternoon. I’ve been having some major anxiety. I am definitely going to try doing some yoga and meditation in the morning before I go in!
How did you MRI go today? Did the yoga and meditation help? xx I get in such a state for them, but they aren’t usually too bad. 🙂 xxx
It went ok! I actually did really well for about the first hour and fifteen minutes. I used some medication from my doctor and LOTS of meditation. But got pretty panicky for the last hour or so 🙁 It was a long one this time so I think next time I will try to schedule multiple shorter MRI’s rather than one 2.5hour one!
I can’t believe how long your MRI was! The longest one I’ve had is about an hour and a half and that was because it ran over. Well done for getting through it. Hopefully there won’t be many more that long. xxx