My MRI, Magnetic Resonance Imaging Experiemce

Are you aware what takes place in an MRI, Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan?  Well, you'll get scared if you know that you will go inside a closed machine.  Moreover, since the purpose is to see what's wrong inside the body you are also wary about the result; that it could possibly change your life is unfathomable.  

I just underwent three scans.   Before the scheduled procedure last week, I asked: 

“Is the procedure invasive?”,  my doctor, a neuro ophthalmologist, one among only thirty doctors in the Philippines who specialized in the field assured me that “it’s fairly safe”.   

Fortunately I had a blood test two weeks ago so I got cleared after I showed my creatinine level result. This is important to ensure that the kidneys can filter the dye used for contrast. 

I asked for allergy precaution and I was prescribed anti-allergy tabs, prednisone to be specific, that I took twice ; one tablet 10 hours before and another one 2 hours before the procedure. 

My close friend, a nurse told me to wear comfortable clothes without anything metallic.  For the first time in 50 years, I took off my wedding ring.  My friend also adamantly cautioned me to close my eyes before I will slide inside the machine. 

In a waiting room, a nurse explained the procedure; which greatly quelled my apprehension. She then inserted an access on the back of my palm for the dye to go through.  My last minute questions properly clarified,  I went through the procedure with a better frame of mind.  That also erased doubts that may otherwise prompt me to consider backing out at the last minute, and to run passed the nurses in the radiology room. 

I asked if there is medication I can take to prevent allergy from the dye after the procedure but I was assured that taking lots of water, 8-12 glasses within the next 12 hours will flush down the dye. 

The technician assisted me while I lay down the "bed" part of the machine. He told me what to expect before putting the earplugs; that I must not move my head; that the initial scan will last 30 minutes; then they'll bring me out to inject the dye before the contrast scan which will take 15-20 minutes more. 

He covered me with a thick and heavy blanket and put a cloth over my head like a helmet, leaving only my face exposed. He handed me a buzzer to alert him should I find something wrong. Then he must have pushed a button and I was swallowed by the machine. 

I tried to sleep it out but it was impossible because I was quite nervous so I just prayed the rosary, counting the Hail Mary's with my fingers, the only body part I can move along with my toes. I completed 3 mysteries and halfway through the 4th.  

Finally, true to the time specified, the grinding sound stopped and I was out of the machine. However, since I was in a confined area: which is pretty much like a coffin, and my eyes closed, it felt like it lasted forever.  I remembered to take one glass of water right after. 

Back in the waiting room, I saw my daughter eagerly waiting and probably quite nervous as well, asked how I was feeling and I assured her I was fine. 

The nurse took off the IV access and told me to watch out for allergies: hives, rashes, itchiness, redness, runny nose, dizziness, coughing and vomiting  in the next 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Should this happen I'll need to go to the emergency.  Thank God, I did not experience any. 

MRI is really quite an experience, hopefully I'll never have to go through one again.  Mind you, MRI is not cheap. I'm just glad that the result turned out well.