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Posted 11/20/2012 2:36 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I'm having 3 MRI's done next week which will take 2 1/2 hours. I'm going to have a lunch break after the cervical spine is done and after lunch will be the longer stretch. They will then be doing my lumbar and tail bone.

My questions are has anyone with fibro been in the MRI machine that long in one day? How about will they give me a small pillow for my head during the lower torso tests so I'm somewhat more comfortable?

Thanks!

Posted 11/20/2012 3:52 PM (GMT 0)
I don't know for sure, Have you had an MRI done before? I do know that mine to 30 miunets and it was extremely uncomfortable. I didn't have a pillow for my head but it was more like a neck rest. Maybe if you asked about that they can accomodate you. It just seems like such along time to be laying there. I also don't know if you are going to be in a more open MRI machine or the really narrow closed in ones. That can make a diffrence on comfort. I was given a blanket because it was cold and I think before you have your MRI it would be good to maybe give them a call and see what can be done to keep you as comfortable as possible. It's a really long time to be in there so comfort would be important for you. I wish you lost of luck keep us posted!
Posted 11/20/2012 4:46 PM (GMT 0)
They do give you a neck rest, but I think a pillow may interfere with how they "lock" you in so there is no movement. Don't let me scare you, but they need to position you so that your head doesn't move at all, if it does, they need to start all over. Wouldn't be good in your case.

They will also put a wedge under your knees to take pressure off your lower back. Plus put on music of your choice for distraction. Ask for a blanket if you tend to get chilly as the room is very cold.

They will also give you a bulb to hold which you can squeeze to let them know you need to speak with the technician. It helps me to know that I can somewhat control the situation.

I am very clautrophobic, so I just close my eyes, put myself in a happy place such as a past vacation, or happy memory, and endure the procedure as best I can. My motto has become "it is what it is" maybe you can take some advil before, and after.

Good luck
Debbie
Posted 11/20/2012 4:54 PM (GMT 0)
I have had several mri, some very long and some that just seem long. I am extremely claustophobic, so i let the dr know before hand and they usually give me a valuim to take before the test. sometimes they give me one when i get there that is a quick disolving pill placed under the sun. By nighttime i am usually in pain or at least very stiff. I do not mind so much when they do my neck as it does not take so long, the back takes longer since it is a thicker area.

My first mri was in 1982, it was new at the hospital. I had just had my dtr and had problems. I had staples in my stomach from a c section. i remember them telling me there were going to take them out while i was on the table, as they did not know how they would react in the machine.

I try to take my mind off the machine. That time i sung nursery rhymes in my head now i make lists or something like that. it helps to distract yourself.

Posted 11/20/2012 7:02 PM (GMT 0)
Wow..may I ask what type of Dr. is ordering all three MRIs and what they are looking for? You must have some amazing health insurance as they usually never approve more than one at a time..

The lumbar one should cover your tail bone so I'm curious why they are saying that is two different ones?

I have had 3 fusion surgeries and have been under the care of a Neurosurgeon for close to 11 years now and they always only want to do one at a time and for only the most severe issues.

Anyway...I guess it is good to get them all out of the way but yes, it's going to be a long day and you will be pretty sore. They do give different pillows to make sure your spine is aligned properly so you will get ones for under your lower legs when they are doing the cervical. However, depending on the situation...they may put your head in a cage that locks down to keep it still for the cervical.

As mentioned....many Drs. will offer Valium to take before the MRI if someone is nervous or claustrophobic....

And many of us who have muscle relaxers end up taking one before hand as well...

If you don't take any medication...then you just need to prepare for a pretty rough and stiff day but should go away in the next day or so. You can go home and take a nice long hot bath/shower...do some light stretching...

Are they using contrast or no contrast or both?
Posted 11/20/2012 7:19 PM (GMT 0)
I have had many MRIs over the years, and twice now, I have had sessions that last for hours. First off, see if your doctor will allow an open MRI. The ability to see around and not feel closed in made a huge difference in how I felt while on the table.

I see you take little medication but for a session this long, it's time to take something, even as simple as Advil or Tylenol. I schedule a massage for the same day to help my muscles relax from having been held hostage for so long. Heck last time I had lunch with girl friends prior and had a drink and just laid there and replayed the conversations and laughs we shared. Make sure you have something planned that relaxes you prior and something to comfort your body afterwards.

Good luck with this!
Posted 11/20/2012 7:33 PM (GMT 0)
Just a word of caution but alcohol can cause an adverse reaction mixed with the contrast dye if that is used.
Posted 11/20/2012 7:49 PM (GMT 0)

Another thing is to ask for a washcloth to put over your eyes. It will keep you from opening your eyes and seeing how close the walls are.

I have asked also for someone to hold my ankle, just so i know someone is there. It helps knowing you have not been left alone.

Posted 11/20/2012 10:25 PM (GMT 0)
I was able to get pillows to help me get comfortable. A nice warm blanket on top.
One thing that helps me from being claustrophobic in the barrel is not to look at the machine and close my eyes before going in. I keep my eyes closed the whole time, listening to the music, and zoning out.
The longest time I ever spent was an hour. I was stiff afterwards.
Posted 11/21/2012 12:08 AM (GMT 0)
I would let them know you are concerned about the time frame and will need something to relax. I have had several MRI's, always take Valium 10mg about 1/2 hour before going in and as mentioned above I just keep my eyes closed the whole time. I only have open MRI's now when needed, much easier if available. I also was given the leg wedge pillow and music option. You will be able to communicate with the staff during the whole MRI. I hope it goes well for you, I'm betting you'll be fine! The good news is when its over you can move into the phase of finding out what's wrong and how to proceed with therapy and any treatments available.
Posted 11/21/2012 12:42 AM (GMT 0)
i always ask for valium in the closed ct or mri. i did have 4 in one day in the closed mri. neck, head, lumar and c-spine. i couldn't have done it without the valium. i'm fine in the open donut mri's. doctors use the closed mri because they get better results than with open for alot of things.
Posted 11/21/2012 11:25 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone,

Thanks so much for all your replies and your support. I've had a couple MRI's in the past but not more than one in a day. Mine will be non-contrasting and I'm glad I'll have a break for lunch after the first.

Thanks for all the advice. During the past couple MRI's I didn't have a problem with claustophobia but with this longer stretch who knows. I like the idea of valium. I'm going to call my doctor today and see about a prescription. I can't imagine lying still on a hard surface for so long. Thanks for sharing about having the operators tell me it's okay to wiggle my limbs. I love the idea of possibly having pillows and a blanket. I'm also going to call my insurance today to make sure 3 MRI's will be covered. Thanks for that tip.

Have a great day all. I'll let you know how it goes.
Posted 11/27/2012 11:07 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone,

I had my 3 mri's today. I guess the lumbar mri didn't include a mri of the tailbone. I was on the generic of xanax and it seemed to help during the first test that ran for 45 minutes.

I went to lunch and a hour and a half later I had the other 2 tests done and my pain came on bigtime. My tailbone became so sore and it felt like my legs were being pulled out of their sockets. (I've had that pain before but not to this extent.) I can't even lay on my back in bed for very long.
Does anyone else get this?

Afterwards the technician told me my tailbone is curved pretty far inward. She said something about being possibly broken so I asked her what can be done for that. She said a person doesn't need a tailbone. I've never heard of that. I'm not going to worry about it and wait to talk with my doctor.

Thanks for all the advice.
Posted 11/27/2012 11:53 PM (GMT 0)
I have had several MRIs, ever since I got my tumor. I am too much like LadyWithFibro, I'm claustrophobic, a little too much for a MRI machine. They don't drug me with Valium anymore, because it failed. At the max legal limit too :/ So they decided to knock me under. Every MRI I get now is with anastasie (sp) and last MRI I had, last summer, I tried to die. They barely managed to wake me up, I had respiratory failure with an asthma attack and tachycardia. I woke up in ICU and a chaplain and my father in his clergy outfit (He's a deacon). I still have tachycardia and on heart pills now. But at least I am alive, and picked the great location to try to die, while I'm already knocked under.
Posted 11/27/2012 11:54 PM (GMT 0)
I have had several MRIs, ever since I got my tumor. I am too much like LadyWithFibro, I'm claustrophobic, a little too much for a MRI machine. They don't drug me with Valium anymore, because it failed. At the max legal limit too :/ So they decided to knock me under. Every MRI I get now is with anastasie (sp) and last MRI I had, last summer, I tried to die. They barely managed to wake me up, I had respiratory failure with an asthma attack and tachycardia. I woke up in ICU and a chaplain and my father in his clergy outfit (He's a deacon). I still have tachycardia and on heart pills now. But at least I am alive, and picked the great location to try to die, while I'm already knocked under.
Posted 11/27/2012 11:54 PM (GMT 0)
I have had several MRIs, ever since I got my tumor. I am too much like LadyWithFibro, I'm claustrophobic, a little too much for a MRI machine. They don't drug me with Valium anymore, because it failed. At the max legal limit too :/ So they decided to knock me under. Every MRI I get now is with anastasie (sp) and last MRI I had, last summer, I tried to die. They barely managed to wake me up, I had respiratory failure with an asthma attack and tachycardia. I woke up in ICU and a chaplain and my father in his clergy outfit (He's a deacon). I still have tachycardia and on heart pills now. But at least I am alive, and picked the great location to try to die, while I'm already knocked under.
Posted 11/29/2012 11:05 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Friends,

I received my mri results and I'm not much worse than I was in 2009. I'm happy about that.

The procedure went well during the first one, then I had a hour and a half lunch break, than the other two. The afternoon's procedures were very difficult for me. I thought I wouldn't make it.

Thanks for all your advice.
Posted 11/29/2012 1:18 PM (GMT 0)
I've had two back surgeries (along with other back issues) and many, many MRI's, and I just have to say that is a looooonnnnnnggggg time to have to spend in those machines. I applaud you for being able to stick it out. I'm sure it was very difficult.

Good news that things are pretty much staying the same. :-)
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