This post is for Lucia, my better half, who couldn't be with me at my MRI appointment today. At my follow-up radiation appointment last week, my doctor suggested I go get a brain scan. I have had an MRI before, along with a CT scan and a PET scan and so many other scans that I can't remember, so I wasn't concerned that Lucia wouldn't be here for this one. No biggie... right? Not so much...
When I got there, I learned this was a "closed" MRI, which I have never had. I also found out that they needed to run a contrast dye through my bloodstream, which is apparently a common practice with this type of procedure, but I just wish I had known in advance since I am not too fond of getting poked.
It took two tries for the nurse to run a good IV line in my arm, and this is after 'fishing' for a while on the first try. I really tried to remain in a relaxed state of mind...
When I got there, I learned this was a "closed" MRI, which I have never had. I also found out that they needed to run a contrast dye through my bloodstream, which is apparently a common practice with this type of procedure, but I just wish I had known in advance since I am not too fond of getting poked.
It took two tries for the nurse to run a good IV line in my arm, and this is after 'fishing' for a while on the first try. I really tried to remain in a relaxed state of mind...
Now onto the table I go. The technician puts this metal contraption on my head, headphones over my ears, and two styrofoam-looking blocks on each side of my head so it doesn't move. Then I get pushed into the hole like a tampon, as my mother would say. Instantly, I panic and yell for him to "get me out" and the tears flow down each side of my face. Once again, I really did try to remain in a relaxed state of mind...
I compose myself and remember the advice I was given about a half hour before I got there... I was told to KEEP MY EYES CLOSED at all times. (Thanks Keely for the advice!) As I am pushed back into the hole with my eyes closed, I focus on my breathing to keep it under control as the picture taking of my brain begins.
The strangest thoughts run through my head while I tried to lay completely still. I am laying flat on my back with my arms crossed in front of me and there is nothing cutting off the circulation, so why is my arm tingling and falling asleep? And will this cause my lymphedema to swell? After I am given the contrast dye, I instantly feel sick to my stomach. I wonder if I am allergic? Then I tell myself that I always get anxious and it always gives me a stomach ache and I need to just suck it up and lay here for 15 more minutes until this shit is over!
Well I survived yet another test, but next time I do prefer Lucia by my side. It's just the way we roll.
I compose myself and remember the advice I was given about a half hour before I got there... I was told to KEEP MY EYES CLOSED at all times. (Thanks Keely for the advice!) As I am pushed back into the hole with my eyes closed, I focus on my breathing to keep it under control as the picture taking of my brain begins.
The strangest thoughts run through my head while I tried to lay completely still. I am laying flat on my back with my arms crossed in front of me and there is nothing cutting off the circulation, so why is my arm tingling and falling asleep? And will this cause my lymphedema to swell? After I am given the contrast dye, I instantly feel sick to my stomach. I wonder if I am allergic? Then I tell myself that I always get anxious and it always gives me a stomach ache and I need to just suck it up and lay here for 15 more minutes until this shit is over!
Well I survived yet another test, but next time I do prefer Lucia by my side. It's just the way we roll.
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