Heart failure

[Grasshopper1976]

I have just celebrated my 57 year's birthday. Back in August 2023 I was Diagnosed with heart failure. Which has come as a big shock, I've had the 24 hour ECG and ultra sound scan, I have a MRI scan happening this month. Not looking forward too MRI . I am currently on three medications, no side affects, which is a relief. My symptoms are minor at present, but get short of breath after physical activity and stairs. I get more tired and a little more fatigued. That's what's happening in a nut shell.

[uzininemm]

Hello Grasshopper, can understand your reservation re the MRI as they are very marmite in that you either don't have a problem with them or you do!

I have had 2 and I actually found them OK, in fact in the first one I was so relaxed and nearly fell asleep I asked for another go!

I expect yours will be similar to mine and will be in 2 parts and will take about 50 mins (if I remember correctly), you will be given headphones and asked to breath and hold your breath (not too long) at times.

One word of advice which the radiologist told me, was to look up when you are in the tunnel (I did and could just see the end) it stopped the fear of claustrophobia which I do suffer from somewhat.

[Grasshopper1976 in reply to uzininemm]

Hello Uzininemm, Thank for your reply, this is my first MRI scan wasn't sure what to expect, but what you explained from your experience on a MRI scan, it doesn't seem that bad. It was the length of time the scan takes. Thank you for relaying my concerns 50 minutes is some time to complete MRI. Feel more at ease.

[Hidden]

I agree with uzininemm the mri was very relaxing I actually did fall asleep and it was halted as the staff thought something was wrong it was over half way through and they had to start from the beginning again..... So don't fall asleep!!

[Grasshopper1976 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you CrofterG for your reply it seems to me a MRI is not a bad experience, some what relaxing. I will do my best not to fall asleep . And relax throughout the MRI. 😀

[Qualipop in reply to Grasshopper1976]

An MRI is simply a narrow tube that you lie in. It's extremely noisy so you will be given headphones and a choice of music. Also a buzzer to press if you feel bad and need to get taken out. Claustrophobia is the biggest problem for some people. You just lie there and do what they tell you to do through the headphones.

[Grasshopper1976 in reply to Qualipop]

Hello Qualipop, thank you for your explanation and reassurance, this is my first MRI, the only tiny issue is the length of time of scan, just hoping the time passes quickly, approximately 40-50 minute's. I hope it only needs one attempt. Other users have said their MRI was OK , some have said it's relaxing and don't fall asleep 😴 Best wishes

[Qualipop in reply to Grasshopper1976]

You really don't notice the time. I don't have MRIs now because I have really bad spinal damage and it's impossible to lie on my back and with nerve damage it sets all my nerves firing as if I'm burning up but that's just me with other physical problems. I had sedation for the last one which you can ask for if you are really worried or claustrophobic and if you really can't take it, just press the buzzer and they will pull you out. The nurses are used to it

[Grasshopper1976 in reply to Qualipop]

Hello, Qualipop I am sorry to hear that you have spine damage and the MRI is problematic for you, Good too hear sedation helps. I know the importance of diagnostic examinations . This is my first and tiny, tiny bit nervous. Generally I am not Claustrophobic, but it's new to me. Deepdown I know it will be fine. Thank you for sharing your experience and insights.

Best wishes.

[HumanZoomieMachine]

always difficult for the news, i was only 39 with the same symptoms but i was very ropey, meds are amazing tough, MRI was weird but they will make sure they ease you in gently.. i had head phone so radio was pumping in, i just decided to close my eyes on focus on the audio which helped..

[Grasshopper1976 in reply to HumanZoomieMachine]

Hello HumanZoomieMachine I am greatful for your insight and support. I am beginning too feel less Apprehension towards my first MRI, Other fourm member's have been saying the same things and telling me about their own experiences. But 40-50 minutes is quite some time. But deepdown I am sure MRI will be OK 👍 and will only take one attempt. Thank you for your support and insight.

Best wishes.

[Arty56]

Hi, honestly,try not to worry, I know it's hard though. You will find out yourself the MRI is nothing to worry about, I worried like you,but, it went quickly and now I know what there like, I wouldn't worry when I have another one, They ask you to hold your breath and similar things, very straightforward, abit unusual when you laid down but nothing worrying, went quickly really, quite loud, but all in all fine, btw mine had two open ends . Good luck

[Grasshopper1976 in reply to Arty56]

Hello, Arty56 thank you for replying and relaying my concerns, yeah was just a little concerned about the time length and hoping it only takes one attempt, I am sure everything will be alright. My scan is Friday morning. Thank you

Best wishes