MRI?

[slw182]

How long does an MRI last for? I have to get one done tomorrow and I want to know how long the test last for.The doctor didn't tell me anything.
I wasn't afraid of having one until I read some of these posts about how it's scary and stuff so now i'm a little scared.
Can someone please tell me how long it lasts for. Hopefully it's only for about 2 minutes like that other test I had done.

[SeniorD]

Just got through with my last visit to the MRI.  Nothing to write home about, the claustrophobic feeling I keep hearing about didn't present itself.  The noise, however, that takes some getting used to.  Ear plugs are OK, but they don't block out all the noise and those machines are LOUD!

I suggest using a pillow or other such appliance beneath your knees.  That way the pressure on your lower back is reduced enabling longer stays in the tube.  Worked for me.

[BondyinOz]

Oh I am so sorry that you missed your appointment! Silly people should have given you directions! Man, I can't believe that they didn't make an appointment for you right then and there!!! I am waiting for my first appointment with the Neurologist on Nov 26th - I did have an appointment for next Monday but they cancelled. I was so annoyed about that and I haven't even got an MRI booked yet, so if what happened to you happened to me... boy would I be seriously FUMING!!

Mel

[slw182]

I'm so upset that I didn't get my MRI done today because no one told me where I was supposed to go so I went to the wrong hospital. Omg, was I ever mad. I called and they said they would call me to give me another appointment. Hopefully, it's soon because I need to know what's going on.

[AussyRose]

I just had my first yesterday, another tomorrow.  The only problem I had (and do now too) is back pain from lying there so long.  I have back soreness usually though, so maybe if you have a good back you'll be ok.  I had no pain from the injection of contrast.  They give and IV and when they flush it or when they inject the die it tastes a little salty in your mouth.  But no pain. It is worse to anticipate than it is to actually go through!   Good luck!!!

[Johnny Utah]

  The more Ts the better results. Researchers are using 6T machines and say they get very good results. A few years off for most but coming.

  Aside from being claustrophobic, there would be very little that would result in this being a bad experience. Laying still for and extended period can be a challenge. The noise can also be a little tough.

Johnny

[frann]

I for one have a HUGE problem in closed spaces...

I have in the past had open and stand up mri's but after alot of reasearch and plenty of help from Quix and others i did find out that some of these machines have very low intensity (the tesla)...
it is best to be in a 3tesla..especially if you are undiagnosed and they are looking for lesions...

i found out the last mri i went to last year was a stand up one..and the tesla was 0.6 T... not too good for looking for lesions...

i just found a facility on long island where i live that has the closed mri with a 3 tesla and i am going to be sedated so i can go into the machine... hopefully i will now get some answers...

so, in other words, it is not painful  but if you are you nervous about going into closed spaces... then you may need  some relaxing musci, keep your eyes closed, or a little help sometimes they prescribe something  like valium or to go to an open mri....

if you are very claustrophobic, as i am,  you may need sedation to go into the closed... discuss this with your neurologist

ask about the tesla... that is something i did not know about until i found this wonderful forum.


I will keep you in my prayers,
Frann

[debbie939]

I have had an MRI and I didn't have any problems with it and was without meds. You can lay there and close your eyes, but you can ask for a washcloth/towel to place over your eyes, that way if you do open your eyes you don't see the machine right there in your face. I have another MRI this afternoon and there is nothing to fear! Just ask for a washcloth/towel. It will be fine and it doesn't take long for the procedure.

[Heather3418]

HOLD THE PHONE....you can have an MRI done in the "open" machines.  Almost all scanning facilities, have the Open MRI's now, for those of us that can't stand tight, small places.

My MRI of both my brain and spinal cord, with and without contrast dye, was two hours.  I hope that you are having an MRI with and without the dye, or this lady feels that it's a waste of your time....

Don't be afraid...the only pain is from the injection of the dye.  It's harder to lay still that long, than anything else.

[uk2]

Hi

I had a MRI back in August this year i was frightened as i get panic in small places (got shut in a cupboard by a group of kids when i was young and left there for hours) anyway i was fine they put head phones on which they speak through and play music of your choice or radio as it is load!! mine took an hour as it was brain and all of spine, i closed my eyes and that helped and they pull you out after each bit (they did with me anyway but remember im from the uk) so i could move a little bit and do other little bits.

I was worried only because of my phobia, but iv a repeat one in dec for the pelvic regin so ill have to go right in as with the spine one you just go half way in if that makes sence, anyway im not at all worried this time its a real breeze compared to other tests i have coming up out of all the test i think the MRI is the best one!!!

Ill be praying for you

[Millerman]

The only scary part would be if you're claustrophobic.  My brain MRI was about 20 minutes--they'll probably do it in spurts.  2 minutes, then another 4, then 3, then 2 1/2, etc.  Each spurt will make a different noise and if you use your imagination, you can almost hear a tune in it...I mean, it can sound like song.  Ear plugs a must, but they'll probably provide those.  The hardest part is lying still.  But nothing painful or even uncomfortable.   I'm a real wuss, and it was no big deal.  :)

[risnerrose]

I hate that we frightened you.  The MRI is not an invasive or painful procedure.  My only problem is that I get a little claustrophobic.  It reminds me of those tanning beds, which I only tried once.  My GP prescribed something to calm me, and it does a wonderful job; however, many are fine without anything and some even fall asleep during the MRI.  Bringing my own CD has provided me great relief, and others recommend a cloth for the eyes.  You can expect to spend 20 minutes to an hour being scanned, and you will need to be very still.  

Best of wishes for tomorrow.  Let us know how it goes.

Sherry