How can I be less anxious about my MRI with contrast?

@cookiepic Try to not worry too much about the MRI. The first time I had one the doctor did give me one valium but since then I have had many more and never needed anything. For me, the most difficult part is staying still, and with my MRI I have to have my arms up next to my head which over time gets uncomfortable.

The techs have been great, trying to make sure that I am comfortable. I suspect that is typical at all MRI centers. I am due for one in a week and a half and my only concern is that I have a residual cough from something I had last week. If I still have the cough I may have to cancel since it would make it impossible for me to stay still for the required amount of time. Since I have been having these the time has shortened with new equipment so it doesn't take as long as it used to, and in fact the last time my arms were fine! As far as feeling claustrophobic, I just close my eyes when I am in the tube.

Good luck, I hope it will go well for you.
JK

Thank you. My mri is on Wednesday the 19th. I hope I'm as calm as you are. I will let you know how l did

Morning, this helps me every time. I have a pituitary tumor and have for 25+ years so every two years a need a brain mri. Before I go into the room I talk to the tech and tell her I suffer tinnitus and anxiety so it makes it easier for me for them to speak to me saying next test joanne 30 seconds, next test joanne 1 minute, throughout the entire 55 minutes. They even say 15 minutes in Joanne, 30 minutes in Joanne. I also close my eyes as soon as I lay on the table to get in the zone. I can’t have music directly in my ear with tinnitus but it’s typically an option.
Works every time. When I’m done I stop at the park and I walk for about 15 minutes. I need the open space and fresh air. Try it, it might be helpful.
Blessings,
Joanne

Thank you for your advise. I to have tinnitis in one ear. I don't think l wasn't anything covering my ears

Hi, you will need ear plugs which they provide. An mri sound is VERY loud. The type they give me is an ear bud that lowers the sound of the machine, no music but I can hear the voice of the person tell me length of each scan. I need to know the time constantly to prevent anxiety. An hour can seem forever but knowing the amount of time for each scan helps me tremendously. The IV for me gets put in before entering machine because part of the test is done without contrast. It’s very similar to having blood drawn but needle stays in, very comfortable.
I only use open mri machines and I don’t know if you got that as an option. It’s much more open.
The contrast is easily tolerated and safe. I’m allergic to CT dye. I think you’ll do well. I tell myself other than the loud sound I could be having a much tougher test to get through. Best of luck. You’ll be a pro after one.
Joanne

@mothermary1 Such good advice, Joanne! The techs talk me through the exam also.

Hi Becky, how about an update, lol. I’m doing well a lot of work. I’m enjoying visceral massage which I never knew about but it’s just fantastic. It has so many health benefits. I’m getting colonic hydrotherapy now every 14 days. I actually move my bowels every day. No, it’s not normal stool but I’ve taken the word normal out of my vocabulary. It’s soft small pieces but it’s every day. I’m down to two Mag07 every night. I’m still on Tirosint thyroid med and VSL#3 medical food prescription strength probiotic. I took Nystatin 3 times a day for all of December. I eat no sugar or dairy except eggs. I feel like a new person. My pancreatic cysts are just a watch situation which is wonderful. I see the natural doctor monthly. I bought the products on Amazon as if I was going to do coffee enemas but I use warm distilled water only and a thin straw shape tubing that is very comfortable to use and I put water into my colon daily. That’s it. Nothing makes me sick, vomit or shake. It’s so nice to be using products that don’t make me so I’ll. So, I’m running with this as long as it works. Life is good.
Blessings…Joanne

How long is mri with contrast

Depends on the part of the body. The head is 45-50 minutes. I’ve had lower back surgery and mri was about 45 minutes. I’ve had neck surgery and it was 45 minutes. I’ve had an mri of my stomach and colon took 40-45 minutes and just recent my pancreas which was 40-45. All with and without contrast. That only means they take pictures first before injecting the contrast.
I suffer severe drug allergies and thank god I’ve never had a problem with contrast, it’s not iodine or at all similar to CT Scan contrast. They put a wonderful styrofoam cushion under your knees to keep pressure off lower spine. I always ask for xtra blankets. Honestly it’s always been rather easy. I’ve had so many tests and procedures and this by far is one of the easiest. I only dislike because it’s loud. You’ll do great. The first of anything is always scary. It’s like that for me.
Hang in, Joanne

You certainly had enough mri on different posts of your body. Hope your doing well. Thank you