MRI

[sadie21]

hi going for an mri on Friday really scared any hints or tips to get me through this would really help thanks Sadie x

[Hidden]

MRI machine is very noisy so use the earplugs offered. I found it helped if I closed my eyes. In the hospital where I went if you mentioned you were very nervous a sedative was offered. Explain to the staff exactly how you feel. Good luck.

[Karaliz]

Hi Sadie.

As well as PBC I have the breast cancer gene mutation so have a yearly MRI as part of surveillance. In fact, I had it yesterday! The MRI machine is extremely noisy and can feel confining. To relax, I breathe deeply and close my eyes. The staff will reassure you and they place a buzzer in your hand so you can alert them if need be. My top tip to survive the scan is to take in my favourite CD: usually Bach's violin concertos!! Ask the staff to turn your music up and go with the flow. They will talk to you through the procedure via the headphones to let you know how it's going and it'll be over before you know it. This is my experience in Australia Sadie, so hope it's similar for you.

Good luck.

[Hidden in reply to Karaliz]

PS Karaliz. I'm a Mozart and Beethoven fan myself, find the 'night music' one of Mozarts one of the best relaxation classicals but I also like Enya's 'Shepherd Moons'. No matter how I feel, irritated, calm or upset, for me the one album that never 'gets on my nerves' has to be REM's "Automatic for the People", find I can play that any situation!

[Karaliz in reply to Hidden]

Too true Peridot! Where would we be without music!

[meandmypbc]

Sometimes they give you headphones with music playing.

Its over really quickly , is painless and about the easiest thing I have done !!

Good luck x

[Boysanboys59]

Hello sadie21,I've had 4mri.s for a gastro problem i have,please dont stress you'll be ok .i m paranoid of confined spaces and got on the table well stressed . I asked the lady if she would tell me when I was out of there ,as the table started to move i close my eyes and don't open them until she says I'm out.bit Clancy and Bangy inside but as long as you keep your eyes shut no problems,and I'm the biggest chickin out. You'll b fine.good luck.; )

[Hidden]

Apparently sadie21 an MRI scan according to my daughter who had one about 5yrs ago now, it was a doddle. Hers was nothing to do with PBC might I add.

I've never had an MRI but thinking about it, at least you will be able to just get up and get out of there once it is over. Plus it is not invasive.

Apparently it is noisy but you are monitored whilst inside the scanner so you are well supervised. Good Luck with the results.

[Val02]

When I had an MRI, I just closed my eyes when I went in and opened them when I came out as it is a very confined space. The staff will talk to you throughout and reassure you. It is fine.

[Hidden]

Hi, I just closed my eyes and relaxed, the noises are like road works and fog horns in the distance..............oh and don't move but apart from that just a bit boring. stop worrying and stressing it's nothing, I even got given two little cartons of pineapple juice to drink first.

[Singsing]

I am slighty claustrophobic, but I just close my eyes tightly before I go in and don't open them until I am out I always try to think relaxing thoughts and keep my breathing even and relaxed. Good luck

[highwood]

Hi Sadie 21, I've had a few mri scans, I take a Boyzone CD with me and ask the nurse to crank up the sound, then I close my eyes. Try not to worry just think nice thoughts. Take care.

[berg944]

No pain involved but it is very loud so take loud music. I played AC/DC and told them to turn it up to eleven.

Had mine after work so fell asleep. Do not move or they have to start again.

[CindiA]

Hi, I've had pbc since 1996 and have had many scans. Yes, it is confining and loud (they'll offer ear plugs). Mayo AZ's music hasn't worked in a couple of years which is unfortunate, but I just relax and meditate - have even dozed off a few times towards the end when they tell you to just breath. They will strap you in and the space is small. I spent a couple of sessions figuring out how I'd get out if the electricity went out (I believe I've figured it out!). They laughed and said the backup generator would take over. An IV is involved but no big deal. Breathe exactly the way you're told or it will take longer. I usually takes me about 30 minutes. Relax, it's much better than a colonoscopy! Good luck, Cindi

[Hidden]

Hello again sadie21.

I have just posted a link on here with the latest newsletter of Liver North. (I'll retransmit it here.)

Noticed on a scan through (not enough time now to read it all properly but pick up on articles to read when I have), there is one on the MRI scan that I thought may be of interest to you. I've not read it myself as yet so cannot comment.

livernorth.org.uk/pdfs/ln46...