My Experience

I fell on my shoulder. The orthopedist took X-rays, which indicated anything from a bruise or fracture to a tendon tear. I needed an MRI for better diagnosis.

I was nervous about the MRI as I am claustrophobic so before my appointment I practiced visualizing being calm inside the MRI machine. I got to the MRI office and filled out forms to make sure I didn’t have any metal inside my body as it could heat up during the MRI. I was taken into a dressing room where I was again asked about metal. I removed my sweatshirt but kept on my shirt and everything else: since I was only having my shoulder diagnosed I would not be completely in the tube. The assistant then asked me to choose two selections from a list of music so I could listen inside the MRI machine during the scan. I choose a comedy station and a rock station. So far so good.

We walked into the room with the MRI. This MRI machine was called semi-open, meaning it was roomier then older MRIs and open on both ends of the tube. There was a more open MRI which was open on the sides, too, but not every place has one and, as I understand it, it might not offer the visual clarity of the more traditional MRIs for certain body parts.

I laid face up onto the sliding bed, put on the headphones, was given a “panic button” to call the technician if need be, and was slid into the tube. I then panicked. The prospect of spending 30 minutes not moving in the machine really freaked me out. I asked to be brought out and was immediately slid out. I then talked with two technicians, who were very understanding. They offered to get something to cover my eyes, which would, I think, actually have increased my anxiety. The technician said they could try it but if I moved during the MRI then the results would be useless and I would have to do it again another time. She said it is not uncommon for people to feel anxious and she suggested I talk to my doctor about a prescription for an anti-anxiety medication to take before the MRI. I left the office feeling sheepish but resolved to prepare for the new appointment in three days.

I called my doctor and she got me a prescription for Ativan to take an hour before the MRI. I also practiced being in confined spaces, lying under my bed listening to an iPod for 30 minutes to know I could do it. And I enlisted the help of my wife, who would drive me to the exam and back (I couldn’t drive because of the anti-anxiety medication) and also would be with me in the room during the MRI.

On the way to the MRI office I took the medication, which relaxed me. I went through the same routine as before in filling out the forms. I selected 70s rock music for distraction and slid into the tube. My wife stood just outside the machine. She had to remove metal jewelry and was given earplugs — the machine is very loud — and also a magazine to read. I had a moment or two of panic inside the tube, but the medication helped and having practiced under the bed also helped… I knew it could actually be a relaxing 30 minutes. My wife held my ankle and her contact also helped quite a bit.

I could communicate with the technician, who was behind glass at the MRI controls, and I asked her to please announce when a new picture series was beginning and how long it would be for. There would be 5 series and some would take 2 minutes and other upwards of 5 minutes. I also asked her to tell me when each series was over and to tell me I had done a great job. It sounds corny but the positive assurance was really helpful.

The machine started its whirls and blasts, and the first series was over very quickly. My body felt warm as the MRI continued, but I was very relaxed. I had my eyes closed most of the time listening to music. I also played mental games, picturing myself riding my bike as a teenager from my house to my cousin’s. I took every turn and street in my mind, and this really got me forgetting I was getting an MRI. After what seemed a short time, the technician announced that my last series was over… I was finished! The machine slid me out and I felt extremely proud for having done the test.

Afterwards, I felt tired from the anti-anxiety medication but had no effects from the MRI itself.