Today was MRI day.
A few days ago I ran into a dear friend and former co-worker while out shopping. She’d had an MRI a while back, and described to me her experience. (Most of the description had to do with her being very, very claustrophobic, which I am not.) But she did note that it was a noisy, uncomfortable experience.
So today, after changing into the official MRI-sanctioned apparel (droopy drawers, gown that ties in the back), I was led into The MRI Room. The medical professionals who got me through the procedure were kind, thoughtful and made every attempt to prepare me for what was going to happen.
They asked if I wanted a blanket. I was noncommittal and one of the lab techs said, “It can get chilly, you’ll be in there for 45 minutes.” A polite way to say, “Everyone who says ‘no’ stops us 5 minutes in to change their answer.” So sure! I’d love a blanket! (The blankets were heated, incidentally, I was glad they talked me into it.)
Next, they asked what kind of music I liked. I chose 1960’s oldies. Then it was time to get horizontal. The big chunky headphones went on. They asked if they were too tight. (They were really, really tight but I didn’t want to be a bother.) I put my head in The Place Where The Head Goes. They put a pillow under my legs. Then they put some kind of mask over my face–this I did not see coming. And honestly “mask” is not the word, because it was a hard substance and did not actually touch my face. Soooooooooo…..shield? Face mask? Whatever it was, I could see why someone who was really claustrophobic would have a hard time getting through it.
Once I was all set to jet, they rolled me back into the beast. And 60’s oldies started playing. It was okay! Then the noises started.
I honestly don’t know why the MRI needs to make these noises while it’s penetrating all the way through my skin, past my osteoperotic skull into the goopy recesses of my brain. But the noises, land o’goshen the noises!
The close quarters were not much of a problem…but I will say I got the urge to wiggle a little bit in the last few minutes. For one thing, my butt had fallen asleep. But soon enough the scan was finished and I was able to put back on my non-droopy drawers, and shirt that buttons in the front.
I need to mention here that my co-worker and friend Helen Iossi gave me a ride to and from the MRI. We had lunch and visited one of her clients while we were in the ‘Bluffs. I am blessed to work with the wonderful, kind people at KCOW. Ever since the public transit started up, I’m bumming rides from coworkers a lot less. But I’m not ashamed to say I really appreciated having someone with me for this today.
The pragmatist in me feels like whatever the results are from this, they will not be completely satisfactory. Either the doc will recommend surgery, which is scary and expensive, or the doc will say that, for whatever reason, surgery is not an option–meaning continued tests and uncertainty. I’m also concerned that this medical stuff not become a huge pain for my coworkers. This is the first full day I’ve missed since I first visited my doctor in late January. I’d like it to be my last.