Asleep on Parade

You should be able to choose music on earphones which blocks most of the noise.

Hello nada
I’ve just pmed you about something different, and only just seen this.

If I were to have another one, it wouldn’t bother me at all.
It’s just the shock of it.

After I’d had it, I noticed that the machine was a tube, ie open at both ends, and open only inches from the top of my head.

If I’d know that, I would not have felt so claustrophobic.
So my advice would be to try to have a little look at the machine so you know a bit more about what’s involved.

I also felt much better when they spoke to me when I was in there - they only did this once towards the end, and I wish they had done it more.
It felt reassuring to know they were near by.

So I would ask them to ask you if you are ok occasionally.
And also to tell you how long you’ve got left, that would have made me feel better as you lose track of time.

Another bit of advice - have some things to think about!
Recite poems, or write one in your head.
Play an alphabet word game, or plan something that you need to do.

Like Meryl says, tell them that you are nervous, and ask them to talk to you every so often.

Good luck! When it’s over you’ll know exactly what I mean about not being bothered about doing it again.
You’ll be absolutely fine x

I didn't have music, it only makes everything louder. The noise is so loud you can't hear the music anyway. Just keep your eyes closed then you can imagine yourself somewhere else and go into a bit of a trance. Most importantly, stay calm because it's just not that bad.

I think that in my case, they said that it was an old machine.
So Silverlining is probably right that you can listen to music.
I hope that I haven’t needlessly scared you!

It’s really only a short time and the music helps focus on that rather than the noise of the machine. I have had two fairly recently and could tell one machine was older as it was noisier than the other newer one. Really no need to worry.

How long was yours Silverlining?I was in there for 40-45 minutes.

The letter I received said about 40 minutes but both mine (different hospitals) took about 20 minutes and no more than half hour.
There was a big difference in the noise levels too, so much so that I mentioned it to the staff.

Thank you, yes, I think mine was definitely at the louder end of the spectrum.
I hope that we’ve put your mind at rest a bit nada

Thanks everyone for your very good advice and reassurance. No one mentioned music when they gave me the date. I'll ask about it, but Chestnut may be right, in my case as I find more than one sound stressful. And will tell them I am nervous.
I am bringing an eye mask, so I'm not tempted to look around.
I'll let you all know how it goes. It's at 4 20pm.

Is one allowed to wear wax earplugs while having an MRI?

Good luck, nada.

You will be fine nads. Don’t worry ?

My first experience was not good. I took a tranquilliser each time after, 4 in all.

I had one a few months ago. Headphones were a no because it's a giant magnet really. They gave me earplugs to use and talk you through everything beforehand. Just tell them you are nervous. It's very close to your face, I closed my eyes and mentally made shopping lists, planned days with gc, thought about what jobs I had outstanding etc. It was over before I knew. Good luck. Let us know how you get on, will be thinking of you this afternoon

Same as you during a brain scan Blossoming. I used the controlled breathing technique, relaxing my body from the feet up and floated off to sleep. Listening to music was impossible!

Nadatertube my brain scans are always 4 different noises lasting about 5 minutes each with a short silence in between and the radiographer talks to me, telling me when each is about to start and asking if I’m OK.

I’m claustrophobic but I manage to cope by keeping my eyes closed and pretending I’m somewhere else. You will be fine, it really isn’t that bad. I think the anticipation is the worst part. Don’t be afraid to tell them you’re nervous. Hope the results are good.

Blossoming
I’d forgotten about the different noises.

Earplugs! Good idea. Thanks again everyone. GP gave me 2mg diazepam to take.
I feel sick already. I'm pretty good at controlled breathing. Hopefully something will work. I've tried to tell myself all you ladies have had it and coped. I'm such a coward.

I hope they don't suggest dye. Couldn't cope. So much for my name Nadeteturbe!

I’ve been having them for the last 20 years so guess I’m used to it now. I don’t like loud noise and have an extreme startle reflex but knowing each burst of noise only lasts a few minutes helps.

Hello again, that’s good, if you’re anything like me the diazepam will work wonders.
I’m not sure about the earplugs, I’m wondering if they are allowed, as they are never mentioned?
Perhaps you have to be able to hear the nurses.
I’ve just remembered - you have a panic button to hold and press if all gets too much, which it won’t of course!

Hello Blossoming ?

P.S. I’m a total coward about all things medical but it’s ‘a necessary evil’ so to speak.

?? FannyC

The tranquillisers definitely help, I felt relaxed, closed my eyes and floated away.

I am a bit claustrophobic but managed quite well through deep breathing, Simon and Garfunkel on and having the reassurance of having a buzzer to push if I wished to stop. Maybe ask them to tell you when you’re half way through. Good luck, it is not too bad. Think I was about 20-25 mins.