Any type a test that one must have can be a very scary one. But, not many of the tests that you may have in your life, will require you to "Stop" and be scanned by a metal detector before you enter the room.
As I checked into the Greenville Hospital I began to get nervous. I had an appointment for 2:45 pm. Was not busy and the volunteers there was very nice to help me find my way around there. When the paperwork was done, I was asked to have a seat and wait for them to call me back. As I read over the paperwork it said that, "Any and All piercings must be removed."
Great I thought to myself. So I have one in my "Tragus," now what am I going to do. It is difficult to take it out myself. I'm so thankful that this lady even though she was nervous, she calmed down after I pulled on it several times to show it that it does not hurt, she took it out for me. (Yes, she was also waiting in the waiting room).
She called me back. I will refer to her as "K" because that is what her name began with. It seems like the hospital is just full of mazes. Taking several turns, I followed her lead. "K" explained to me that one of the MRI's will be about 50 minutes and the other one about 45 minutes long. Am I claustrophobic?? Most definitely! But, in reality how many of us really are? Anyone that is in a small place for any period of time is going to start feeling that way.
Finally, she directed me to a room. She told me that I would have to change out of everything, and to change into the size that fits me. Nice green scrubs. She told me that I could put everything into a locker and she gave me a key to be able to lock my things in it. She said that I could not take anything into the room with me, but everything would be locked in the locker. And when I was ready, just open the door.
When I was ready, she came to lead me to the room. Yes, the above picture to "STOP," means to really stop. She told me to stop.. and she took this metal detector (just like they have at the airports).. and she scanned. When I was clear she told me that I could continue.
Great I thought to myself. So I have one in my "Tragus," now what am I going to do. It is difficult to take it out myself. I'm so thankful that this lady even though she was nervous, she calmed down after I pulled on it several times to show it that it does not hurt, she took it out for me. (Yes, she was also waiting in the waiting room).
She called me back. I will refer to her as "K" because that is what her name began with. It seems like the hospital is just full of mazes. Taking several turns, I followed her lead. "K" explained to me that one of the MRI's will be about 50 minutes and the other one about 45 minutes long. Am I claustrophobic?? Most definitely! But, in reality how many of us really are? Anyone that is in a small place for any period of time is going to start feeling that way.
Finally, she directed me to a room. She told me that I would have to change out of everything, and to change into the size that fits me. Nice green scrubs. She told me that I could put everything into a locker and she gave me a key to be able to lock my things in it. She said that I could not take anything into the room with me, but everything would be locked in the locker. And when I was ready, just open the door.
When I was ready, she came to lead me to the room. Yes, the above picture to "STOP," means to really stop. She told me to stop.. and she took this metal detector (just like they have at the airports).. and she scanned. When I was clear she told me that I could continue.
"WARNINGS"
There could not have been enough of these "Warnings" signs around this one test could there be?
And to make things even more interesting, if you had any anxiety whatsoever going into this test, you surely might by now!
It is just like the show, "Grey's Anatomy." (I use this because I love, love this show). The MRI is just as it is shown on that show, or really any hospital show for that matter.
Except one thing is.. That according to "K" and now the other lady that is helping "A," music could be a possibility. However, it is extremely loud and I wouldn't be able to hear it. And unlike the shows, you can NOT wear earphones.
You do however, get to wear ear plugs, and then towels to even block more sound. I don't know how to explain it to anyone that is going to have a MRI. YOU can never be ready when they do put a helmet over your head, strap it down, and then into the MRI you go. "K and A," were amazing.
They did bring me out once to have me take some deep breaths. I do know that there were tears running down my face. Whenever I was ready, they told me.. Pass some quick laughs around, talk about anything, but in reality, there was just no getting ready, except you had to get it done. That way in the long run, the tests would be done, whether good or bad, mind would be at ease for whatever you may be having it done for.
I did make it. Was not the easiest. I can only suggest that you continue to breath, deep breaths, and then when you have to keep your mouth very still, just start with your toes. Imagine each one of my body parts, seeing if I can ever remember the anatomy of each and every one.. I can't tell you how many times that I began with my toes.. reminding me that I am okay, that there was "K and A," out there in case I needed them and this little bulb, this little grey bulb, I could squeeze and they would be there quickly to pull me out. (I never did use it).
It may have been the longest 2 hours of my week. But, I was able to accomplish a fear. It does not matter what people will tell you to get you ready for a MRI.. If you get the chance, do an open one. But, if you can't.. Then just remember that it is always mind over matter. Use your mind to escape for a bit, to get out of the entrapment of the test and always remind yourself, there are people watching over you to keep you safe.
Just my rambling thoughts on a MRI!
Theresa
There could not have been enough of these "Warnings" signs around this one test could there be?
And to make things even more interesting, if you had any anxiety whatsoever going into this test, you surely might by now!
It is just like the show, "Grey's Anatomy." (I use this because I love, love this show). The MRI is just as it is shown on that show, or really any hospital show for that matter.
Except one thing is.. That according to "K" and now the other lady that is helping "A," music could be a possibility. However, it is extremely loud and I wouldn't be able to hear it. And unlike the shows, you can NOT wear earphones.
You do however, get to wear ear plugs, and then towels to even block more sound. I don't know how to explain it to anyone that is going to have a MRI. YOU can never be ready when they do put a helmet over your head, strap it down, and then into the MRI you go. "K and A," were amazing.
They did bring me out once to have me take some deep breaths. I do know that there were tears running down my face. Whenever I was ready, they told me.. Pass some quick laughs around, talk about anything, but in reality, there was just no getting ready, except you had to get it done. That way in the long run, the tests would be done, whether good or bad, mind would be at ease for whatever you may be having it done for.
I did make it. Was not the easiest. I can only suggest that you continue to breath, deep breaths, and then when you have to keep your mouth very still, just start with your toes. Imagine each one of my body parts, seeing if I can ever remember the anatomy of each and every one.. I can't tell you how many times that I began with my toes.. reminding me that I am okay, that there was "K and A," out there in case I needed them and this little bulb, this little grey bulb, I could squeeze and they would be there quickly to pull me out. (I never did use it).
It may have been the longest 2 hours of my week. But, I was able to accomplish a fear. It does not matter what people will tell you to get you ready for a MRI.. If you get the chance, do an open one. But, if you can't.. Then just remember that it is always mind over matter. Use your mind to escape for a bit, to get out of the entrapment of the test and always remind yourself, there are people watching over you to keep you safe.
Just my rambling thoughts on a MRI!
Theresa