Mri scan of spine

[Coffeemum]

After forever waiting to be referred to a rheumatologist, the gp referred me to physiotherapy for musculoskeletal. I had my fist appointment and broke down crying about my life, it's took a long 7 years to get to this point as suspected fibromyalgia but no proper diagnosis. I was sent for more bloods and to have a spinal mri scan, I have no letter explaining anything, i just had phone call to come for an mri today. I'm so scared, I hate confined spaces and I'm a total stress head. I'm sure my cat knows as she has snuggled at my side. Does anyone know how long a spine scan takes or any advise 😳😭 xxx

[CheetieCat]

I've had 3 but only head & neck. I tend to keep my eyes closed from start to finish, not a fan of closed spaces either. Might be worth giving them a call before you go though to see if they can offer you some sedation.

[MS_2019]

I tend to close my eyes before going into the machine, and try not open then whilst in there, concentrate on your breathing and practice a body scan whilst in there, it’ll help relax you, it usually takes about 30 minutes if I remember correctly, the technicians are usually really nice and will talk you through the process, best wishes xx

[LisaSnow FMA UK Volunteer]

The length of time depends on the sensitivity of the machine, how "still" you can be in session, and the things your doctor looks for. It is uncomfortable to lay still but not painful. Try to practic counting breathing slowly and rhythmically before the session and use that technique to calm yourself during the session.

[griffonj]

I sympathise, you can ask to have the MRI done under sedation. It will probably mean being admitted as a day case and may take longer to arrange. My GP has given me Diazepam tablets so I can sedate myself.

[Phanerzoic]

Hi,

Ask for a seeing mirror at the scan. They place a mirror on you so that you can then see out down past your legs into the room. This lowers the sense of confinement. I ask every time but it does depend on where on your body you are being scanned. Ask anyway.

[Gaballetto]

I would ask for some anti anxiety medication and trial it at least once before the day of the scan so you know how it will affect you and what dose you'll need. Talk to your GP

[Purplebluebell]

Hi I've had a couple of spine MRI's, the team get you comfortable and you can press a buzzer. They talk to you at intervals. I made the mistake of having music but you have to keep still so that didn't work so well!

Not my favourite thing but eyes shut, deep breathing and before you know it's over.

Each machine seems different and one made noises like a cattle grid just to warn you.

[Bmw640]

Hello Coffeemum

I’m sorry to hear it’s taken so long to reach this stage for you. Hopefully now you will start to get somewhere with answers and support. I’ve had many spinal scans both as a whole and as different sections. Most of my scans have taken around an hour. I too have problems going in the tunnel. Personally nothing gets me in there without my ‘aids’ though the ladies are always lovely, caring and supportive. The mirror frame is brilliant because I can both see out of the tunnel and see the radiographer and her assistant in their little room with the big window so that previous suggestion is a very good one. My other aids are having classic fm on in my headphones when I go to spire though it’s not available at my ms hospital and the biggest 2 things that let me get through the scan without problems are a diazepam tablet and believe it or not a teddy bear which are generally allowed if their is no metal in their eyes. One thing I will say though which I hope will help you is that once I’m in the tunnel the scans pass quickly and the second scan was nowhere near as scary for me as the first time plus if you really can’t stand it press your button (which they’ll put in your hand before you go in) and they’ll take you out straightaway. I hope everything goes ok for you and if you want I’m happy to answer any questions.

Best of luck

Bm

[KaliAka]

Hi there

I read your post and been there October last year.

It takes a few seconds , ask for music and keep eyes closed. They talk to you all the time and you have a buzzer to call if gets too much .i akso had intervenous at the same time for another autoimmune disease and even though this takes longer , felt very quick.

Take something or read, phone before you go in . You will be mine.

I have just finsished a life coaching course and now believe we can do anything if we just stay positive and put our mind to it.

The positiveis that as soon ad its over you get answers and can move forward.

You can do this x😘

[Coffeemum]

Thank yous all for your advice. I literally didn't have time to get myself psyched up as the appointment for the mri scan was for the day after my phone call to have it done. No letter, no nothing. Thankfully I have had it done and it was horrible,even to the point of putting on the hospital gown in the changing room, I couldn't for the life of me tie the damn thing and no help as they were under staffed. The earplugs came out slightly due to them wedging my head still and the cage over my face.. My god! I couldn't speak due to how frightened I was,I just nodded and in I went for about an hour of sheer hell with my eyes tightly shut. Even when I came back out there was no staff, I got dressed and left. 😭 I hope I never have to have another, ever. Xxx

[CheetieCat in reply to Coffeemum]

But you did it! 💪💐

[Al10]

Think you should admit before appt you could freak out. I thought I'd be fine after the last time I had a wobble. I told myself it wouldn't be long and the person would stay in the room holding my foot and I'd cope, just like before. So I got on the super uncomfy table, lay down (they won't pad it for comfort or appreciate your ouchs) and they left. I said no, you need to stay and they thought I was bonkers. They cant stay, they told me, they have scanning to do. Duh? Maybe they were understaffed that day? Or they had changed the routine? Less staff more productivity...? Unless you can't coax your patient out of the corner? In the end they agreed to scan backwards. which meant my head didn't have to go in so far. Less clear picture sadly, but something.

I tell you this because I'm otherwise pretty sane and sensible, but a freak out? And limited time to calm down? It was pretty intense. I'm sure they have proper trained hand holding, even drug administering staff if necessary, somewhere?. Just, I didn't want to make a fuss asking. 🤭🙄

Each time I've been, I've been told to expect 20 mins in the tube, or more. And obviously longer if you move, panic, ask them to stop etc. Likely, after all you concerns, you will be fine. It's just an open ended tube, you close you eyes, let then put the eye mask on so you can lie there and dream, then they puff in fresh air, indeed, rather than getting hot and stuffy, it can be a little chilly, which is good. It's crazy loud but they can still talk to you so you aren't really alone.