So reluctantly I talked to my family doctor who agreed that I needed an MRI of my thoracic spine. Over the years I have had nine MRI's and all but one was tolerable. The one that I vowed I would never do again was of the thoracic spine. In that one they wrapped me up like I was in a cocoon and I spent an hour tightly wrapped in the tunnel. And I had no idea how much longer I would be in the machine. It was not fun.
The good news was that my doctor said that I would not need contrast this time and that would cut the time in half. I agreed and the MRI was scheduled. But an hour later I received a call telling me that I had to return for a blood test and that they discovered, because of some other conditions that I have, that they would need to give me the contrast. I was not a happy camper, but what else could I do. I've learned never to say never.
Because I am a veteran of MRI's I have often given advice to others who are having it done for the first time and are worried about it. There are several things that I have learned to do to pass the time, such as quoting scripture and praying for others. For a 30 minute MRI those tips are fine, but for an hour ... well that can be much more difficult. And I've known folks who just couldn't take it. Some have had to push the panic button to get out. Some have taken pills to calm their nerves. And one that I know had to be put to sleep to have it done. It's not for the feint of heart.
Now the one that I was having this time was one that they say is an open MRI. Now that might sound great, but the fact is that when you are put in it you are unable to move and you see the top of the tube just inches from your eyes. You have no idea if it is open or closed. Now the last closed one that I was in at LGH actually had a mirror that at least allowed me to see the blank wall outside behind the unit. In a setup like that it's too bad that they didn't also project changing relaxing pictures on the wall which you could see in the mirror. But probably those who design these machines never get to experience them their selves.
The other problem is that the machines are terribly loud while the magnets are working. They give you ear plugs and they also offer to pipe in music for you to listen to through ear phones. They even allow you to pick out what kind of music you want to hear. But what a joke that is. While the machine is running you can't hear anything but the pounding of the machine. And then, of course, you may also get feelings like you might need to cough, or your throat is too dry to swallow, or your nose itches. You can count on those things happening. Live with it!
So anyway, they prepared me and strapped me in. The case that they put over my chest almost prevented me from taking full deep breaths. Then when they finally had me in so tight that I couldn't move, I was sent into the "deep dark pit", earphones on, and panic button in my hand. As the noise started I began, with my eyes closed, to pray for everyone that I could think of. And that was a good and worthwhile activity. After 30 minutes they pulled me out of the machine to put the contrast in my arm. Then back in I went for another 30 minutes. This time I decided to sing and I began to recall hymns, singing them in alphabetical order. If you know all the verses, most hymns take about 3 or 4 minutes. I think I actually only got to about "N" before it was all over.
Finally it was over and I was released from my confinement. I felt like a prisoner set free. Actually it wasn't as bad as I had feared. Fortunately I didn't get wrapped up this time. And the operator kept telling me what was happening and how long the next pictures would take and how many were left to be done. That did help. Of course, the big reason that it went better than I expected was because many people were praying for me. They knew I had an unspoken request but didn't know the specifics. But God did and He answered. He always does. In fact I felt like He was there, right with me, deep in the machine.
Now I wonder if there are any honors or awards for a person who completes ten MRI's? I don't want a shirt saying "I survived ten MRI's".. Maybe they could put my name on a plaque somewhere or give me a 10% discount on the next one or name the MRI room after me. I wonder what the world record might be. Maybe there is a Hall of Fame somewhere. Just kidding, I survived and I just hope that I will never need a number eleven.
Next came the EMG, but that is another story for another day.
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