MRIs can be intimidating for lots of people, especially when it’s their first. Since I’ve been through so many, I thought I’d share my knowledge and experience with hope that it helps make it a little easier. Though I get MRIs for my brain and will be talking specifically about those, this information may still be helpful for people in having MRIs on other parts of the body and in general.
I’ve been a brain cancer patient for about 9 years and 11 months. During most of this time my MRIs were quarterly, but I’ve recently moved down to twice a year and have also had a handful of bonuses for seizures, et cetera. Given all that, I’m guessing I’ve had about forty MRIs. Not that that’s my goal in life or whatever, but since I’m writing about this, I thought I’d share my qualifications on the subject.
First, let me say, outpatient MRIs (which I’m mostly talking about) are typically part of a sandwich package along with bloodwork and a doctor’s visit. Sometimes you get the bloodwork first, sometimes the MRI, that depends on orders and/or timing. The visit with the doctor will generally be third because they would like to see the results of both, but occasionally blood work doesn’t get done or needs to be done again afterwards for some reason. So, although this is pretty much a package deal, I’ll be specifically addressing the MRI portion.
Prior to going for your MRI, it’s best to look over and/or ask about any of your location’s special instructions and parking. Your parking, MRI, bloodwork, and visit with your doctor could actually be in four separate locations. You may have an option to book them all together or put them on separate days, but if you do book them together, identify their locations and save time to get from one to another. It’s also important to know what they want you to bring such as an insurance card, drivers license, payment method, et cetera. Some places want your paperwork filled out in advance and submitted online or brought in with you. Some places want both this and for you to fill it all out again. Again!…yes, some do but it’s been a long time since I’ve had to do that so I’m hoping they’ve all caught up by now.
Another “before” consideration is what to and what not to wear. Comfortable clothing you can easily change out of is best because you’ll most likely be putting on a gown and hospital socks. Not too long ago certain places would allow certain clothing to be worn during the MRI, however lulu lemon changed all that when they started including metal in the fabric of their exercise clothes, so it’s extremely likely you’re going to have to wear a hospital gown. If your location doesn’t require the gown, you’ll be glad you chose comfortable clothing.
Speaking of metal, some underwear have little clasps, buckles, or decorative pieces that are metal. As you choose your underoos- ha ha (yes I’m that old) look them over with fresh eyes and make sure they don’t have metal. I mentioned lulu lemon, but consider other athletic brands may have metallic threads too. If you chose to wear a ponytail or barrette, you’ll need to take it out when you get there. The ponytail, mainly for comfort (though some have metal), and the barrette for both comfort and metal. As for jewelry, you’ll need to take it off there too and it may be easier to just leave at home. I’ll be more specific in a bit but they will have a place for you to put your things after you change. Since metal is something I’ve been pointing out to avoid, I also want to add that if you’re worried about vitamins that contain metal such as iron, magnesium, copper, etc, they aren’t a problem.
Now that you know where you’re going, have planned travel time and are dressed, let’s move on. You’ve arrived at your parking location and are headed toward your MRI. Find a bathroom and go. Even if you don’t have to, just try. Your MRI appointment start-to-stop time will probably be about an hour and your time in the MRI about a half-hour, so it’s best if you don’t have to stop the process, get out, go, come back… Some places are better at timing than others. If this is your first MRI, you’re probably heading into unfamiliar territory and don’t know how well they manage their time, so try to go. My current location is mostly excellent with their timing and consistency, and given that, I’m still identifying this as important.
When you enter the office, you’ll check in, fill out forms (more the first time but at least one every time), and have a seat. They’ll let you know where and when to get changed and most likely have a keyed or coded locker for you to put your clothes and personal items in. It’s possible they may have you put it in a bag and give it to someone to hold but I doubt it. Having had MRIs in three states, I don’t remember having to do that for an MRI, but it is possible.
Once you’re dressed you’ll wait wherever you’re instructed to until they call you back. Some people may feel a surge of anxiety here and if you do, I hope this makes it easier. My numerous experiences have been with very friendly, yet quick and efficient MRI Technologists. This is a great combination because they comfort you with their friendliness and matter-of-fact ways, yet keep it as quick as possible. I’ve mentioned that I’ve had numerous experiences over the last decade and can honestly say, expect to be treated as a person, not a specimen. It will be quick and efficient, yes, but caring and human too.
Most of the time I only have one technologist, however I have had several MRIs with two, so going forward, I’ll refer to the technologist(s) as they/them. When they call you back, they may ask you questions. They will also inform you of everything they are about to do, either before they do it or possibly as they do it. If it’s your first time, they will most likely tell you first.
Some of the following orders could change, but here’s a synopsis of the next steps. If your locker had a key, they’ll have you lay it somewhere to collect when you’re done. If your MRI order calls for it, they will insert an IV catheter in your arm for contrast dye. You’ll be asked to get on the bed and, if needed, you’ll adjust your position based on their instructions. They either insert or give you earplugs, then place a noise guard over your ears. Padding/ wedges are placed around your head to secure it in place. A sloped support piece goes under your knees for your comfort (if you’re having an MRI on a different body part, these placements may be different). You’re given a blanket for warmth and receive a call button to keep in your hand in case you need to contact them. Your location may have a flatscreen with something calming like nature and landscapes or music they can play for you or they may not (mine doesn’t). They ask you to be as still as possible once you’re in. If you get a cramp or need to move you can push your button and let them know, I sometimes make slight movements between the rhythmic noisy parts and that hasn’t been a problem. Finally, they’ll tell you as they move you into the MRI. Take a deep breath, you’re safe and they’re right on the other side of the glass.
Now that you’re ready, the bed backs into the machine and the MRI begins. There are a lot of noises and they follow different patterns and beats. Ironically, they seem kind of old-fashioned, at times like a typewriter, others like old factories or horns. These can be annoying and at-first may be surprising which is why I’m telling you. Once you know they’re coming, they become much easier to tune out. Some places offer music or tv/ imagery which helps if you like it. If you don’t have or chose to use these options and need help tuning the noises out, I find it helpful to think about something else rather than focus on them. They don’t become quieter but they do fall back from your focus when your thoughts are more attentive elsewhere. I find it easy to daydream and have even nodded off a bit.
Sometimes when I’m going for an MRI I plan what I’d like to think about ahead of time because my current location doesn’t have music or television. Often in life we don’t have time to daydream and are so focused on other things that we have to get done. When we do relax, our thoughts can be guided by what’s going on around us or, a lot of times, television or movies. This is a time when, instead, you can choose some things that might be fun or comfortable to think about. Sometimes I like to design rooms with new furniture, colors, flooring, etc. Sometimes I picture myself walking on a beach to the point I can almost feel the sand. I can’t even tell you how many recipes, outfits, workouts and fun activities I’ve come up with just laying there in the MRI. Whatever your interests are, consider thinking more about them in a dreamy sort of way as you’re in there. When your focus is on something pleasant, the time seems to pass more quickly and it also helps take your focus away from the noises. If you close your eyes, you can picture the things you’re thinking of which also improves your comfort level.
If your MRI is for your brain, once you actually enter the machine it will take approximately 30 minutes. If you’ve ever been in a tanning bed, this takes roughly the same amount of time and is better for you. Another option is to match the timing to a sit-com, but instead you can pick what you chose to think or dream about and sometimes the weird sounds are actually better and funnier than the treacherous sounds of canned laughter.
Okay, I’m telling you this up front so it doesn’t come as a surprise if it happens. As you’re getting settled inside the MRI, the bed may suddenly feel like it slides back out about an inch or two and/or vibrates for a bit. The beat of the sounds make sense with what you’re feeling, for the most part, but it can still be a bit startling. This is basically the magnetic forces at work and can be looked into more deeply if you’re interested. This part is brief, in my experience, but it helps to know it might happen for your first MRI, or to know it’s coming for repeat MRIs in the same area. I’m hoping to spoil the surprise on this one as much as possible because I think this one’s better to know ahead of time.
Toward the end of your MRI you may be getting a contrast dye if your specific orders called for it. If you have a needle in your arm, that’s a yes, if not, that’s a no. Some people can’t tell when it’s injected and some can. I can because I can taste it, weirdly, not with my taste buds exactly, but almost with my tonsils. It’s metallic and a tad acidic but doesn’t linger long. I can also feel it going into my arm because it feels cold to me so I feel it moving along my vein. If you are getting a contrast dye, they’ll most likely tell you over the speaker before they do it. I’m at a place on my MRI journey where I don’t need any alerts or updates, so if you want to know, they’ll probably tell you anyway, but you can always ask to be alerted before they send you back if it’s something you definitely want to know.
When it’s over you’ll hear the noises come to a stop. From there, a minute or so goes by before they inform you that they’re bringing you out, and out you slide. They quickly take the things they put on and around you off, have you sit up, and make sure you’re stable. You may be offered a hand or ask if you want help down from the table.
One thing that’s important to mention is they’re not going to tell you any information the MRI contains. A diagnostic radiologist, who might not even have it yet, steps in here. This is outside my expertise as I don’t work in this field, but what I understand is they read it, assess it, and give a detailed result to the doctor who ordered it. In my case, mine goes to my Neuro-Oncologist, who reads it then goes over the results with me at our appointment. If you think (or know) it would be stressful not having this information until your appointment, I strongly recommend scheduling them close together. I try to book mine back to back.
If you have a locker key, they either hand it to you or remind you where it is. You’ll say your goodbyes, and head back to the locker to get changed. Once you’re ready, you’ll either go to the desk to check out or someone might be waiting to lead you out. As hospitals and insurance plans are all different, it’s hard to explain the exit specifically. At my current location I say thank you and goodbye to the person at the desk and leave, or on the rare occurrences that I park at the center for translational imaging, I have to go get my parking pass and turn it back in, but that’s about it.
You may be wondering about scheduling another appointment, especially if you’re new to getting MRIs regularly. You don’t schedule your next appointment at the desk because no one knows when it’s going to be yet. Once your doctor looks over the MRI and talks to you, they’ll make a plan on if or when you need another one, let you know, and, if so, put an order in for it. Typically by the time I leave my doctor’s appointment my orders are in but I, personally, like to just move on with my day and schedule it and the appointment a few days later.
Now that I’ve gone over all this, I’ll wrap things up by giving you a glimpse of my personal experience most of the time. I plan my leave time based on arriving at the parking garage about thirty to forty minutes before my MRI. I drive to campus and park in the garage closest to the cancer center. I walk to the cancer center, sign in and pay the copay, then walk to the blood draw area for blood work. I walk over to the center for translational imaging, use the restroom, then enter the office for my MRI. I exchange greetings with the person at the front desk, sign in, and take the form and fill it out and turn it in. Sometimes I have to wait, but I’m often directed right to the locker room. I change, lock up my stuff, and come out with the key. I’ve already explained the MRI part so I’ll skip ahead to the MRI being over. I change again, leave the key in the lock, and stop at the desk to say goodbye. Billing in this part is through insurance so I just say goodbye and head back to the cancer center for my doctor’s appointment where I sign in and my husband meets me. I have my appointment with the doctor, and head back to the car. My MRI and appointment are usually back-to-back and I do my blood draw before the MRI, so my total time including driving, walking, and parking is about three hours and twenty minutes.
This was a lot to take in and I sincerely hope it has helped. Please feel free to ask questions.