There are a number of great, professional MRI Imaging centers you can try. I get an MRI once a year, usually in December. My neurologist would like me to go twice a year, every 6 months in order to track any progression between my medicine, which I also receive twice a year, every 6 months. As for now, I declined the semi-annual request and am sticking to annual MRIs.
Thankfully, for the last 2 years, my MRI results have been ‘unchanged’, which has given me the ability to continue going annually rather than semi-annually.
I explain the breakdown of my results and an epiphany I had in “The Pain Body”, another blog in this series.
What is an MRI?
An MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is a large radiology scan that can produce images of the inside of an entire body through the use of large magnetic fields and radio waves. An MRI can be used to diagnose a variety of conditions within the body.
For my Autoimmune Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, I receive 3 MRI scans of my Cervical Sine, Thoracic Spine, and Brain…all with and without Contrast. Contrast dye is ordered by my doctor to get a read on any inflammation or lesions on my brain and spine, which show up by the contrast.
The entire MRI scan of mine is about 2.5 – 3 hours long, depending on the length of breaks I take. During the time in the MRI scanner, you are to remain as still as possible so the scan shows up clear and readable. I’ve had a lot of time (in the MRI) to think about what I like and dislike when it comes to the day before, during, and after an MRI.
Here are my 8 Tips when preparing for an MRI (other than what your doctor has instructed):
Before an MRI
1. Journal
Before your MRI you may experience nerves or different emotions. I have found that writing out my goals or wishes for the MRI can help settle any negative thoughts or feelings I may have before the big day.
2. Eat something (if you are able to)
Depending on if you are able to, I recommend eating something small and light. My favorite morning breakfast before an MRI is a fruit smoothie with protein powder to keep me full.
3. Exercise some
Yoga and meditation are a great way I get into the right headspace before an MRI. Stretching before laying flat for 2.5 hours is crucial for my body. Living with an autoimmune disease, I am always looking for opportunities to reduce my pain and numbness, even for required medical practices like an MRI.
4. Plan your outfit
At the Imaging Center, the technician will direct you to the private rooms to change into the medical smock. It is best to dress comfortably for your MRI.
Metal clasps, buttons, zippers, and underwire can distort the MRI machine so arriving to your appointment in clothing without these, can make the process easier.
For this reason, I usually wear leggings, long fuzzy socks, and a long sleeve tshirt without a bra. Because I arrive early and without metal, I don’t have to change into the medical smock. Instead, I can be in my own clothing, which makes the experience more comfortable.
5. Hydrate the night before
Drinking lots of water the night before an MRI can have many benefits. As someone who is afraid of needles, I desperately need my veins to be hydrated and ready for the dye contrast injection. Being hydrated helps prevent my body from becoming too stiff or achy while the MRI takes place. It also helps to add electrolyte powders into your water, if possible.
But, it’s important not to overdue it the day of your MRI. You want to reduce the chances of needing to use the restroom during the scan.
6. Use the restroom
With the above being said, I highly encourage you to use the restroom before going into the scan. Certain scans can take 15 – 90 minutes to complete, which require total stillness and should not be interrupted.
During the MRI Visit
7. Be nice to your medical staff and let them know of any conditions you have
Wherever I am in my day, I have no problem talking to people. Asking service workers or medical professionals who are tending to me how their are, really goes a long way. It serves me and them to have a little better experience by asking how their day is. I recommend trying it the next time you are being cared for.
Being put into the MRI scanner can be stressful as someone who is slightly claustrophobic. For my brain scan, a plastic cage is placed over my face and can be really nerve racking. Having already been nice to the technician, I feel comfortable making them aware I am a little claustrophobic at this part. They usually reassure me with an emergency button to hold throughout the scan.
Most importantly, you can not get an MRI if you are pregnant. Make sure you make your technicians aware if there is a chance you may be pregnant.
8. Ask for your preferred music & a blanket
The technician can give you headphones connected to the radio station. Ask for your favorite station! My go-to is Classic Rock, which if I’m lucky, I can hear the Red Hot Chili Peppers play at least once in the 2.5 hour scan.
Music, especially the RHCP band, saved me from my Autoimmune Disease when I was first diagnosed. And during tough times, I like to tune into them, like a meditation. Which I will also do during the scan…practice meditation.
I find it very cold in the medical room (hence why I wear long fuzzy socks) so I always ask for a blanket, which should be readily available and clean!
For a time that is not entirely comfortable, ask your medical technicians for anything that can make your appointment more comfortable.
9. Remember to take breaks!
At the end of every scan, the technicians will ask if you are okay or if you need a break. Take the break! Adding 5 more minutes of time to your already long scan, is no sweat compared to feeling more pain, numbness, and hurt from not taking a break.
I once had a technician tell me I wasn’t able to get out of the MRI bed in between scans, and that was a lie! Instead, I laid there trying to be as still as possible, with no breaks, which ended up causing so much anxiety and trouble that I had to redo an entire scan! (I never went back and I filed a formal complaint with that Imaging Center).
Take your breaks…stand up…stretch…do a yoga pose if you need to, your body will thank you.
After the MRI
Congrats! You did it! The technician should give you a CD copy of your scans, which you can then review with your trusted doctor and compare results between each year.
After completing your MRI, I would take it easy for the remainder of the day. Drink a lot of water and electrolytes to flush the dye contrast out of your body and get something good to eat. It can be common to experience dizziness or unbalance, so relax or rest if you need to.
Know that whatever the results are, they do not define you. Your main priority is complete, so remember to take time for yourself.
