Tips for preparing for my first MRI with and without contrast?

It is helpful if there is a mirror attached to the machine.

I wear an eye mask and my PCP orders me a low dosage of Valium from the pharmacy for me to pick up several days before. So l take one before l leave the house. When l get there l take one more and right before l go in l take a deep breath and put my eye mask on. Good Luck

Thank you everyone for all of the advice and positivity! ❤️

It’s nothing to be afraid of, I usually get to listen to music and I choose classical and I fall asleep. I’ve had both done. It depends on where they are MRIing for the amount of time you will be in there. It’s really not to bad. If you are not afraid of small spaces. Good luck and I hope the results are positive.

Ask for blankets!! I always get cold. I've had like 14 of them. Sometimes they have music you can listen too. If you are a girl leave any jewelry at home. Bra with no under wire. Yoga pants.

Also you have to drink a strange solution (I'm not sure what kind it will be). Just muscle through with it because you are also going to have to let it exit your body (in the normal way stuff you swallow exits). THAT'S not fun, but I always take it as an opportunity to give myself a little treat after. Hope everything goes well for you and trust the technician!

It sounds like a construction site remixed with techno music. Make sure you are suuuuuper comfortable before you’re locked in. Sometimes the area being scanned will feel warm, it’s normal so don’t worry about that. It’s a fantastic place for shower thoughts. I took a melatonin beforehand and fell asleep lol

Close your eyes before you go in, you wont get that closing in feeling, visualize, pray, and make sure your hair is pulled away from your face

Rachelle, I’m sorry your insurance is giving you a hard time 😭. Yes I’m so nervous because I’m claustrophobic and I don’t like loud noises, so this is really my worst nightmare lol. I’m also afraid of needles so now, realizing that I have to get an IV for the contrast makes me want to call and cancel lol 😂

I’m here for the comments too.., I’ve been waiting to get my mri on my brain for weeks.. my insurance is giving me a hard time .. The spacing is horrible 😩 really small… I’m glad you have diazepam though because they said it should help calm us during the process..

Sash_, thanks for the advice! I had no idea that with contrast meant needles were involved 😭, now I’m going to prepare for that (I have a fear of needles). My doctor prescribed 5mg of Diazepam. I’m hoping this will be enough!

Hi! Without contrast generally means there’s so injection necessary! When you have one with contrast they us IV Iodine. For me, I had quite a bit of anxiety with how small the space feels. My best advice is to ask if they offer sedation if you’re not great with tight spaces and it helped me to keep my eyes closed and try to focus on something else. Good luck!! I hope you get the results you’re looking for!