STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

kenzie · Chanel

Anyone here ever had an MRI?

cc · Marc Jacobs

I wish I had some advice but I am such a big baby that I have been putting off seeing a neurologist even though I've been referred to one twice within the past 3 years. I have a friend who also had an MRI due to headaches and he said it really wasn't so bad he just had to try to relax and not let the situation and surroundings freak him out. My friend didn't have an open MRI but he said it really wasn't that bad and didn't last that long but it was noisy. I think they sometimes pump music in and sometimes you can even bring your own cd so maybe he could ask about that option.

halleybird · Hermes

go with him if you can. My SIL had one a few years ago, and she asked me to go -- she just about murdered my hand, but she said it's really terrifying to be in such a small space. They had music on for her, but she was still really scared. Being a guy, he probably won't admit it, but he'd probably appreciate having you there.

kenzie · Chanel

halleybird wrote:

go with him if you can. My SIL had one a few years ago, and she asked me to go -- she just about murdered my hand, but she said it's really terrifying to be in such a small space. They had music on for her, but she was still really scared. Being a guy, he probably won't admit it, but he'd probably appreciate having you there.

Yeah, I'm planning to go with him. I had the day off anyway (for my bday and we're heading to the beach later on in the day). He's a big baby, but he won't admit it.

cc · Marc Jacobs

OK between this thread and the most recent episode of Six Feet Under I finally felt enough of a push and I just made an appointment to see the neurologist on Tuesday. NylaBelle if you don't mind could you report back about your boyfriend's experience??

Elle · Hermes

Where do they allow people into the MRI room with you? I've had my fair share (3 or so), and they've never let anyone stay because of the radiation.

Anyway, they can usually pipe in music for you (let you pick the radio station or CD). Also, they can talk to you over the speakers so sometimes they ask you to hold your breath for a couple seconds. Usually they have a nice picture taped to the inside of the MRI machine. If he is very claustrophobic, you might try to find out if they have any 'open' MRI machines in your area (it's got two big plates and it's open on the sides instead of being an enclosed tube). The number of tests they need to do determines how long it will last - his doctor or the MRI tech should be able to tell him about how long it will take. There will be a lot of different knocking and tapping noises when they do each of the tests. Also, have him make sure he's not wearing any kind of metal. Otherwise they'll make him change into a hospital gown which doesn't really do much to make one more comfortable!

Hope he feels better soon!

Alegria · Kate Spade

I had one a few years ago. I was going through the same thing with the headaches. It was a bit intimidating because I am super claustophobic. Then it was not so bad once I realized how it was done. They don't stick you completely in the machine only your head goes in. If it's only a head MRI, which I'm assuming it is since it has to do with his headaches. You are laying down. I was able to look down(moving my eyeballs) and see out so it wasn't too bad. It is noisy (if I remember correctly) but it was quick. I was glad I got it done because they ruled out anything serious (brain tumor, etc). Good luck. Let me know how it goes. PM me if you want to talk about it more.

carmenb513 · Coach

I have had one before.It actually too me didn't seem that serious (I mean I wasn't in there for hours or anything)I just stared at the ceiling.There was an irritating clicking noise in my ear though.But then again I don't freak out on elevators or anything so I probably shouldn't be responding.It was over before I knew it.They also have open MRI now, where you aren't closed in.

kenzie · Chanel

cc wrote:

OK between this thread and the most recent episode of Six Feet Under I finally felt enough of a push and I just made an appointment to see the neurologist on Tuesday. NylaBelle if you don't mind could you report back about your boyfriend's experience??

Yes, I'll report back to you, cc. I hope everything goes well for you!

atlgirl · Gucci

I've had a couple. I'm not overly claustrophobic, and they didn't last that long - I just closed my eyes the whole time and it really wasn't a big deal for me. I second what LMonet said about other people not being allowed to stay with. My husband didn't even go with me though, as I wasn't freaked out about it at all. I'd take an MRI over a lot of other tests I've had.

gruiz · Kenneth Cole

It's really not that bad, unless he's not a fan of enclosed spaces. I had one on my spine a few years ago, and expected it to be worse than it actually was. I had to put on a gown and lay on the table, which takes you into the tube part of the machine. It's kind of cramped in there, but you can see out the end of the tube if you look toward your feet. The worst part was the incredibly loud jackhammering noise every minute or so. I was also instructed not to swallow ( I don't know if they'd do this for a brain scan though). Of course when someone tells you NOT to do something...all I wanted to do was swallow! They gave me headphones to wear, a) to drown out the noise, b) to play music, and c) so the tech could communicate with me while I was in there.

He'll be completely fine and wonder what he was so worried about. Good luck to you both...hope it's nothing serious.

erin · Chanel

i had two this past year. my ear doctor thought there was a possibilty of a tumor ("it's not a tumor!") and then they found an unrelated growth on my brain. i was really scared to go at first. i didn't have the option of an open mri, and unfortunately my bff who was supposed to go with me, got lost getting to the hospital, and i had to get to my appt on time.

it wasn't bad at all! the first mri, i asked for a towel for my eyes. you can't really sleep but it makes you forget where you are. (i mean kind of, the hammering noise is intense) my first one was about an hour and my second about 45 mins.

the only thing that can be uncomfortable is that they are REALLY small spaces. i'm not twiggy, but i'm definitely not overweight and i just kept thinking "i wonder how someone bigger than me fits in this?" oh and i wasn't so into the contrast dye. (but i hate needles!)