Update
Hi guys. I posted here a few days ago detailing my weird symptoms, and I wanted to say thanks so much to everyone for their replies! This page really does make me feel less alone.
So I actually have my brain MRI with/without contrast tomorrow and I'm really nervous. I think they're going to let me listen to music (it also might be an open MRI I'm not sure) but I just am not excited for the loudness of the machine, and the fact that my head is going to be strapped down. I'm also not excited to get the contrast because some people say it can burn? Or even make it feel like you're peeing on yourself?
Also, I wanted to add to the potential symptom list. On Wednesday, I woke up with really bad heartburn. I had heartburn in the beginning when the other symptoms first started, but after taking famotidine when I needed it, it would go away. But Wednesday was really bad. The only thing I ate that day was a chicken sandwich, and I remember feeling so immediately full and sick afterwards. As the day went on, I was growing super nauseous and the famotidine was not helping whatsoever. I called my doctor and she prescribed me protonix. I took the pill, drank a lot of water, and WARNINGGGG THIS IS GROSS but I literally ran to the bathroom to throw up multiple times and I was having extreme diarrhea. I woke up the next morning feeling weak and I had aches and I also had a fever of 101. I took like 1500mg of tylenol and stayed on the BRAT diet that day and then when I woke up on Friday, I felt perfectly normal. No fever, no stomach pain, and even the chest pressure that I had experiencing on and off for 2 months was completely gone that day I didn't feel it ONCE.
But now, the chest pressure is back. It's not worse, and I don't know if this even has anything to do with the other symptoms I mentioned in my initial post, but do you guys think I should see a GI doctor? Because some days I do feel like I'm getting bloated and full really easily, but that could be because I'm eating too fast or something, I don't know.
What sucks is that one condition can affect multiple body systems, so it's like, did I just have the flu or stomach bug? or is this because of something else?
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Sorry about all your symptoms and worries. As for the MRI, that contrast is different than the CT contrast that causes the warmth. It’s not bad. Even CT contrast isn’t bad, just a unique feeling momentarily. To avoid claustrophobia, close your eyes before you go into the MRI machine and keep them closed until you’re out. No peeking.
I’ve had about a dozen MRIs including a few brain ones. The test can take about 30 minutes so to pass the time, I pray for each person I know to focus on their troubles not mine. The time goes fast and I’m done before I’m even finished praying. Give something like that a try, pray for others, send good thoughts to others, whatever it is you do. Or think about your favorite memories from each year of your life so far. Keep it positive so you’ll be relaxed. Best of luck. Please keep us posted.
I've had several MRIs as well. I have never opened my eyes in the machine. My brain would not enjoy the close view. I say my prayers and also bank and recall vivid memories. My favorite is walking along the Lake Superior shore with my young son, husband, and new lab pup. We had a blast there that summer. I replay that over and over. I plan ahead what memories I am going to review. Works great for me.
I also recommend keeping your eyes closed the ENTIRE time you are in the MRI machine. Music definitely helps, although there is no way to drown out all of the noise. Have them really crank up the music. You can usually request the genre of music (I go with 60's rock rather than something soothing!)
Your GI problems might be stress/anxiety related to your other issues. Maybe resolution of one problem will alleviate the others.
Good luck!
I've had several MRI'S brain , neck , back and body of different parts.
Just close your eyes and ask music up please. I'm claustrophobic too. MRI'S are needed so think about something else while in there. I've had with contrast as well and it's warming is all.. you'll see. Yes, see a GI !