How to prepare for an MRI: What they don’t tell you

My last MRI scan was so different from previous scans. While I was lying down, straight above me was a television showing a subtitled nature documentary.
It completely took my mind from the actual procedure to the extent that I began hoping not to be finished before I knew the fate of the deer on the documentary! It was certainly the most relaxed I've been in that situation.

Thanks for your insights! I wanted to note that I've had the opposite experience in that the hospital keeps the MRI machine room cool - and I got cold! So now I layer up in athletic gear as it tends to be metal free.

The only MRI I had was of my breasts. Cancer was found in one breast. When having a breast MRI, it maybe very uncomfortable.. you are on your stomach and your breast dangle down into these cone shaped tubes (that I can remember) and your head is facing down into a msssage-like padded head piece. I’m a plus size lady (not too plus), but I found it very uncomfortable lying on my stomach. The stretcher is not comfortable at all that you lay on. I had a piece of metal stuck in my sternum for the whole test (45 minutes) of the test. My face layed in this hole and no air was circulating in there so it was so hard to breath. I was given a stern warning not to move or give up because they would stop the test, charge me for the test and it would have to be redone at a later date. So I layed there like a good little soldier, but was praying the whole 45 min to God to help me through this and not to give into the pressure to quit. It wasn’t the banging of the machine or even the heat ( it was hot), but the lack of oxygen and the pressure from that piece in my sternum. No earphones, no relaxation meds, no TV. I was a sweaty mess after it was all over. I will never do that again (had a mastectomy soon after and that was a piece of cake compared to this MRI.). It’s not scary at all, it was just very hard to get through it.

Because the MRI is so loud I opt for loud music - or at least music that might be heard through the din, although the headphones used in MRIs are pretty terrible.

I can't imagine how the sounds of ocean waves would audible.

As a heads-up, note that increasingly exercise wear, like sports bras, contain metal particles (copper, silver, etc) for various reasons. These are not ferromagnetic and will not be caught by the ferromagnetic screener. However, they do conduct and have resulted in burns in some patients. This is why some sites have a zero tolerance policy on outside clothing/garments. It's become very difficult to screen effectively for these and can be akin to playing Russian Roulette in terms of safety (just because it didn't cause a burn during a brain exam doesn't mean it will be ok for a breast exam, etc).

Forget about listening to music. The noise of the MRI is too loud and will drown out the music. At least the MRI has no radiation like a CT scan. And always prefer a non contrast scan since the IV contrast can be irritating and damaging to the kidneys.

Patients are instructed to change from their clothes into a gown for personal safety. It is not to inconvenience the patient or make them uncomfortable. Many fabrics today -- particularly athleisure wear with moisture-wicking properties-- have metal fibers as part of their makeup, which isn't always detected by a metal detector. When exposed to a strong magnetic field, these fibers can burn a patient's skin and cause permanent damage. By insisting that you remain in your clothes and refusing to change into a gown, you are not advocating for yourself by sparing yourself a slight and perceived inconvenience. You are putting yourself and the MRI technologist st risk of bodily harm.

I found this information interesting and most definitely informative 👍🏾

As an MRI Technologist, I feel compelled to explain the clothing/gown issue. While some people wear metal free clothing, facilities often have a policy that everyone must wear the provided gown/scrubs. This is because some athletic clothing (looking at you, lulu lemon) have silver threads in them (or coatings) that can cause burns during an MRI. So, check with your facility first. If your athletic/athleisure clothing is advertised as antibacterial or anti-odor, it likely has metallic components. Also, regarding piercings, you can swap them out for plastic studs temporarily. Hope this helps!

Thanks for the MRI tips. I was worrying about some of those preparations.

What about metal internally, such as, stints or pacemakers? Nothing said about these.

I had to have double cartilage piercings removed twice and pierced again - after the third time of removing, I just said forget it and it's been out since. With an upcoming MRI, I'm thankful I decided to let that be a thing 1998-2012 although I kind of miss it.

I have sensitive hearing so I don't like loud noise. Earplugs n music work fine to dim noise

I’m getting MRI next week. I’m claustrophobic and told doctor to order me the strongest relaxation med possible. Also, I was given the choice to use a bigger even more open machine at different facility . One that’s not right in your face. I’m a plus size woman and I appreciate the information another tech gave me. I asked the MRI tech as to why more hospitals extera don’t have standing or sitting MRIs. She said, that’s a good question. I hope I make it through the procedure!!

I have a pacemaker. The first MRI I had w pacer, I had to drive an hour away. Some pacemakers(mine) are “mri compatible” but some companies still don’t do it. I had to go where there was a tech from pacemaker maker that could turn it off for the mri. Tho’ now there are more places who will do mri w/o tech now. I wrote a letter to my usual mri office and now they will do that!! I guess everyone needed time to get use to the new pacers!

I've had quite a few MRIs over the years. Three in the last year! I've found that bringing my own earplugs makes me so much happier. I got a particular type at one location, but found out the hard way that not all of them have that brand. I hate the ones that are like cut up pool noodle! And music is a definite NO for me. Make me feel claustrophobic. Also, make sure you're not congested, that makes it hard to breath. One time, I closed my eyes before I went into the tube and didn't open them the whole time. Take the time to get comfortable.

My MRI was very comfortable and about half an hour. I wore the gown and my socks. And a warm blanket over me. I listened to calming elevator music while I was lying face down for about 25 minutes. The bar supporting my sternum and breathing were comfy. Surprising - not much noise from the short white 6 ft long, wide tube, open at both ends. I never noticed banging. I think I fell asleep. This must be a newer model. So enjoy!

Another thing they dont tell you is how uncomfortable laying on 2 2x4 is after 5 minutes. It looks like you are laying on a Barcolounger on TV ads. Not so.

For my MRI 2 Years ago, I requested "70s" music.
When " I Will Survive" played, I thought, "This is going to be OK."
My MRI was stable , no new lesions!