Update on my MRI

[Pool Hall Ace]

For the most part, it went very well. The tech asked me what kind of music I wanted. When I had the MRI done in the hospital, I wasn't offered a choice, so I didn't really think about it. I just told the tech "classic rock."

I don't know what went wrong, but once the machine got cranked up, it was very loud, and I could just *barely* hear the music. I recall a little Phil Collins, some band that sounded like Journey (or perhaps it was Journey), and AC/DC's "You Shook me All Night Long" (most definitely *not* a good MRI tune). So irisblue, even though I didn't see your post until after-the-fact, I just had my own playlist going on in my head! And they did provide me with a knee sponge for extra comfort.

The heated blankie would have been a good idea. I was only offered a sheet and I was still a little bit chilly. I also asked for a cloth for my eyes (I don't know why, but I had one in the hospital, and for some reason it made me feel better).

When it was time to administer the Gadolinium, they had a little bit of trouble finding a vein. Neither arm was cooperating so the needle had to be inserted in the back of my hand (which I hate), but I just took myself to my "happy place" and I was okay.

When I was finished, the tech gave me a CD. She didn't say anything (I'm not sure if they are allowed to), but I will follow up with my neurologist.

Thank you again one and all for all of your positive vibes. It means a great deal to me!

[siligut]

1. You are right, the tech can't say anything

Glad you got through it, now the waiting :fingerscrossed:

[Kaleva]

2. Hopefully it'll be good news!

[REP]

3. They let you have music?

Wait - you had an MRI? I hope the results are what you want

When I last had MRIs (both shoulders), I had to be put in the most painful position for I think a day and a half while they ran different scans. I had to have the left and right done on different days because I couldn't take it. And I had to "play" the longest song I love in my head! But at least they didn't inflict Journey on me!

[Pool Hall Ace]

4. When I was in the hospital

I didn't even hear any of the loud "MRRRRRRRRRR .. MRRRRRRRRRRR .. EH EH EH EH EH EH" etc., just the music (relaxing, meditative stuff). But at the clinic today, I preferred the machine noise to "Don't Lose My Number" and the rest.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

5. I'm so glad it's done, my dear Pool Hall Ace!

Now you can rest...

Positive vibes for a great outcome!

[Pool Hall Ace]

6. Thanks Peggy!

You have inspired me to write a poem about my experience. May I present to you --

My MRI Experience -- by Pool Hall Ace

I feel I'm in a space capsule hurtling through the air
Reality says I'm on the ground with techs right there

Lots of scary noises that can make one want to shout
No big deal for me - I know how to tune them out

After a while the "w/o contrast" portion is done.
Now it's time time find a vein - oh what fun!

Neither arm is cooperating!
Frustrating???
Yes!!

The tech checks the back of my hand -- success!

Just a small dose of Gadolinium
Five more minutes and then I'm all done!

Go home and drink a lot of H2O
And wait for the news from my Neuro

******************************

I'm new at this; don't be too harsh, Peggy!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

8. You have captured your experience beautifully!

Rhyming is a good way to start writing poetry, but remember: it doesn't have to rhyme. Just let the words flow out any way they want to. And then let the poem sit for a while, till you can look at it with fresh eyes. Editing follows...

I'm really honored that I inspired you, sweetie!

[Pool Hall Ace]

9. Oh, I know it doesn't have to rhyme.

And I know it's good to let work percolate for a while. I was just being silly!

[HappyMe]

7. More good vibes for you!

[Pool Hall Ace]

10. Thank you, HappyMe !!

Then I can be a "happy me too!"

[MiddleFingerMom]

11. I'm not sure how I'd do getting an MRI like you had.

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I had several for my heart, but they were the quick "ring" slide in and slide out MRI's --
for several reasons, I seem to have developed claustrophobia (I think it's because at
times, my breathing has been REALLY restricted), so I think it would entail a fair amount
of anxiety for a full "tunnel" MRI.
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I've had several echocardiagrams (a sonogram of the heart MUCH like a sonogram of a
fetus in a mother's womb). I was in absolute AWE -- the tech turned the machine so that
I could actually WATCH my heart beating in real time. AWESOME in the true sense of the
word.
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The actual sound of the heart is not the lub-dub that you hear through a stethoscope -- it's
more a whoosh-whoosh, whoosh-whoosh liquid sound.
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The first time I had one done, I had my radio show. He wasn't supposed to, but I talked the
tech into giving me a VHS tape recording of my heart to use as background noise during the
talk sets of my Valentine's Day show. VERY much fun.
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Strength and health vibes going out your way!!!
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