Yuck- Neurologist visit

[SadieKate]

Amanda, how much of you are they scanning? Are they using any contrast medium? How long do they expect it to take? What kind of machine?

There is no reason to be concerned unless you are claustrophobic or have had reactions to a contrast medium like Gadolinium (assuming they are even giving you any).

The first MRI I had was of my head only and was done in a open MRI - a big flat disk over my head and I could see the room. You are not enclosed. I am mildly claustrophobic but needed no medication. No problems.

The most recent one was two series of my head and then all the way down to my lumbar region. Two frickin' hours in a tube up to my hips. Xanax is WONDERFUL but you must have someone to drive you home. They will not allow you to drive yourself home if you've been given any medication to deal with the claustrophobia.

And if you think you need Xanax, you need to tell them ahead of time and arrive early.

There is no reason to be scared but you should find out the answers to the questions at the top.

One other note: I can't handle ear plugs but they'll try to make you use them as the magnets are very loud. Since my head is always immobilized, I have them put lots of padding against my ears. That with the Xanax and I'm in another world.

Oh yeah. The tech also put a tissue over my eyes and somehow that fakes you into not thinking about that tube just inches away. I'm becoming quite the expert in patience, relaxation and noise management with these.