My first MRI experience took place in something that looked very much like this. For someone who has suffered from claustrophobia her whole life, it was a horrifying experience.
My, how times have changed. Yesterday's experience was almost a non-event, at least compared with my time spent in the first contraption.
In 1993 when I had my first MRI (cervical spine), it was a traumatizing experience. I was put into a tube that was closed on one end, the tube part just large enough for my body to fit into. The technician outfitted me with ear phones and tuned to a station of my choice, but he didn't bother to tell me not to open my eyes, which I did. What I felt was what someone who has been shut into a coffin without being dead feels. The top of the tube was no more than two inches from my face, if that. I quickly squeezed my eyes shut and tried to calm my racing heart. Claustrophobia runs in my family, and it didn't skip my generation.
My next MRI, for my shoulder, was not quite as bad. That, I believe, was in 1999. I was ready this time. I think I closed my eyes before we ever got to the lab and didn't open them until I was well sure that I was out of that tube. I did peak long enough to see the machine I was going into though, and as I recall, it was much less intimidating looking than that first one. Still closed at one end though.
In 2002, I had my right knee MRI'ed after falling on the front steps with wee puppy Sophie and tearing my meniscus tendon. That one, strangely, I don't remember. In fact, I don't remember anything about much of any of that incident, except the injury itself. I don't remember the doctor visits, the MRI, going for the surgery, coming home from the surgery, physical therapy--nothing. If I didn't have some scars on my knee to prove it, I wouldn't be sure I had even had the surgery. Shortly after that surgery, I began have fibromyalgia symptoms, and I can't but believe that either the anesthesia or the surgery itself had something to do with my fibro-malady.
But yesterday was nothing like my first two MRIs. I have no idea, of course, how it compares with my other knee MRI. The tube has been greatly shortened since my first time, and it's now open at both ends. In addition to that, my body went into the tube only up to my chin. And the whole thing lasted less than 20 minutes, unlike my first two that seemed to go on and on and on.
I await now to hear from my doctor with news, I hope and pray, that whatever is wrong with my knee won't require surgery. What with the weird experience I had with my knee surgery almost 11 years ago, and with all the goings on at The Yellow House, surgery and being laid up recuperating is the last thing I need. So please join me in prayer that my knee can be fixed some other way.
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On 03/23/2013, Joanne said ...
My first MRI was in the closed tube, but an attendant was kind enough to tell me to keep my eyes closed if I was claustrophobic.
I hope and pray that surgery isn't required. Lord knows you've had enough. If they do say surgery, I wish you'd get a second exam/opinion.
On 03/23/2013, Sylvia said ...
My prayers are with you. Hoping you find relief soon. Also, love your granny squares
On 03/23/2013, Carol Ann Hood said ...
I will remember you in my prayers about you knee.
Please tell me where you got this last MRI. I've been gettng MRIs for over 20 years every 2 years and last years experience was the worse ever. My head was leaning back so far that my throat kept closing up and I felt like I was choking. I don't think I can go back to the same place agan.
Thanks for any info.
On 03/23/2013, Linda said ...
Prayers sent.
On 03/23/2013, Bonnie said ...
Exactly why I came back to your blog on a Saturday night: to offer prayers for the healing of your knee. Thinking of you, Susan! And greetings from Minneapolis, where the snowbanks refuse to budge, at least to date!
On 03/23/2013, Valerie said ...
Praying with you and for you! My Sweet hunter hates MRI's too! He just can't do it. They have to sedate him even with the open MRI's!
On 03/23/2013, Linda said ...
You are in my prayers!
On 03/24/2013, Pesky Patti said ...
You will be in my thoughts for sure. The idea of you trying to recuperate in the "Wild Kingdom" of your Yellow House is scary...if you do have to have surgery, perhaps you can fly down to Aruba for the procedure and Ramon, the cabana boy, will tend to your needs...
On 03/24/2013, Helen in Switzerland said ...
I'm sending them up!! At least after the mri you'll know exactly what is wrong - isn't technology clever! Hopeing and praying it can all be sorted out easily!
On 03/24/2013, Barbara Anne said ...
You're certainly in my prayers that you'll heal without surgery. Of course, Patty's suggestion of Aruba and a cabana boy might make recovery a totally relaxing and wonderful experience. Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps!
MRI machines are lots more user-friendly now that they're more open. I've heard of many folks who found out they were really bothered when in the older closed machines.
We've had a wintery mix falling for hours and it's cold here! More is in the forecast for the coming 36 hours.
Hugs!
On 03/24/2013, Diane W said ...
I had my first MRI last month, not bad, I could have gone to sleep if it had not been for the noise,but I don't mind close spaces. No one told me to take music and earphones with me. Will keep you in my prayers.
On 03/24/2013, Dolores Tanner said ...
I had my 1st MRI last week, no big deal..and I was worried too, probably due to stories of the 'old' machines. they found nothing, so on to alternatives :) whee!! Here is hoping they also find 'nothing' serious in yours!!!!
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