I’ve had several, and I’ve found that the noise makes me unable to concentrate, or sing in my head. And you have to remain so still…I couldn’t have talked to anyone even if a friend had come along. I’ve never been sedated for one, but the first time I had one was when I discovered I’m a bit claustrophobic. I didn’t open my eyes…I probably should have, so that I would have know I wasn’t stuck in there with my nose an inch from the tube, which is how it felt…just the sensation of my arms being pinned to my sides was giving me problems…and then they slide you in farther…I really, really had to concentrate on just breathing. Couldn’t even get a good rythmic pattern thing going with the noise, because the patterns didn’t follow a pattern for long. So it was irritating. But survivable. I tried to go to my “happy place” but I could only concentrate on the thought of my choir director giving us breathing exercises…and the thought that THAT was my happy place was depressing!
Music would have made me want to sing, and since you can’t move…I’m glad they didn’t offer.
Got it. Yes, I know the piece – used to have extended versions of that one every night on lot’s of radio stations. TV too, right after the national anthem, come to think of it…
I’ve had a couple of my head and a couple of my lower body; thank Og for Valium and lots of it.
They made a big point of asking if I had any implants; when I told them I had a penis implant, they damn near called off the MRI but they were able to get in touch with my urologist who assured them there was no metal in the thing. The nurse then told me in great detail just what would probably happen if there were any metal: I spent the entire time in the machine visualizing what she had told me. As I said, thank Og for Valium and lots of it. I don’t think that nurse liked me very well.
I had an MRI 14 months ago. They found an anurysm. I’m due back to have another to see if it has enlarged. (It’s located in a place that is non-life-threatening.)
The only problem I had was with the noise. It was Loud. I was offered no sedative or music. Sometimes I heard a distant voice, but it wasn’t until near the end of the test that I realized that the voice was speaking to me. There was no way for me to understand anything being said.
I do remember wishing that I could have a recording of the clicking and clunking. At a lower volume it could have some interesting musical potential when played around with.
Keeping my eyes closed was helpful, I think.
Bring earplugs. Some places will offer them, but others might not.
Between the bad brain and the bad lower back, I’ve had many over the years and they were no big deal.
Bring or wear comfy clothes like sweats or PJs (nothing with metal, obviously), then you won’t get stuck wearing hospital clothes, plus some warm socks to wear.