A Note to Pre-MRI Self

Yes, things i wish i had known BEFORE having my MRI. In letter form to myself.

pic

This is not at my location just a photo. its almost 6 feet deep. if i had gone in head first i would have freaked out.

Robin,

You are most defiantly claustrophobic.
Next time the offer sedation TAKE IT.
NEVER schedule this first thing in the morning, always at the end of the day.
if you cant get a time you want, take the day off. you will be fracked up for the rest of the day you wont know what hit you.
when the tech says 'we are gonna go just a little further' dont whimper out loud. embarrassing.
crying is ok.
no really, crying is ok.
they give you a 'get me outta here' button thingy.
This is much more than a 15 minute X-Ray (50 minutes later).
You will not use the button but you will CONSTANTLY imagine clawing your way out, resulting in hyperventilating.
you will almost faint, twice.
just breathe.

the machine itself MOVES, they dont tell you that, and it will scare the shiznat out of you when it does.

ask if they let spouses come and talk to you while you are in there. i know thats something they only do in the movies, but hey if they say yes, it will help worlds.

Deep breaths.

dont be afraid to ask T-Dubs to come with you. 

You are so grateful to see him sitting in the waiting room when you are done and can barely keep it together.
do not listen to your mothers voice in your head.

this procedure isnt a big deal, just like getting a shot, but it is still scary as hell and thats ok. its ok to be terrified.

trying to hold still for over 45 minutes is like trying not to eat a bowl of ice cream in front of you. ADD much?
You'll cry more than once. its still ok.

its ok to think about that one episode of greys where they cant get the fat chick in the MRI, but ultimately that will lead you down the thought process of your own body inside touching the walls.

deep breaths.

It does end eventually.

comfort food is just that, comfort food. and ultimately it wont make your day better.

with regards,

post-MRI-self