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Today I had another new life experience - my first MRI test. This was in follow-up to the mammogram I had in January.
I wasn't sure what to expect but luckily I have a colleague who has not only been through the MRI experience but also has a brother who works as a radiologist. Always good to be friends with people in the know! She gave me some good advice about what to expect in terms of how it might feel to be enclosed, what the noise would be like, how long it would take for results.
I was a little worried that I might feel claustrophobic but it didn't bother me at all. The noise also didn't freak me out - it was loud, but really no worse than that electronica music Dennis likes to listen to sometimes. (It's just not my thing.) The worst of it was the contrast dye - both having the needle inserted for the IV (ouch!) and the feeling of having the dye go into my arm. Other than that, it was quick and painless, and everyone was very kind. It's a bit awkward to have all these strangers asking me personal questions and touching my breasts (they've never had so many hands on them!) but everyone is professional and considerate, so it makes it much easier.
They said the results would take about a week and be sent to my family doctor. My friend had encouraged me to make an appointment to follow up, rather than waiting for the doctor's office to call me. Good advice, considering my original referral was lost in the system! I have an appointment for Monday afternoon to find out what's what.
I wasn't sure what to expect but luckily I have a colleague who has not only been through the MRI experience but also has a brother who works as a radiologist. Always good to be friends with people in the know! She gave me some good advice about what to expect in terms of how it might feel to be enclosed, what the noise would be like, how long it would take for results.
I was a little worried that I might feel claustrophobic but it didn't bother me at all. The noise also didn't freak me out - it was loud, but really no worse than that electronica music Dennis likes to listen to sometimes. (It's just not my thing.) The worst of it was the contrast dye - both having the needle inserted for the IV (ouch!) and the feeling of having the dye go into my arm. Other than that, it was quick and painless, and everyone was very kind. It's a bit awkward to have all these strangers asking me personal questions and touching my breasts (they've never had so many hands on them!) but everyone is professional and considerate, so it makes it much easier.
They said the results would take about a week and be sent to my family doctor. My friend had encouraged me to make an appointment to follow up, rather than waiting for the doctor's office to call me. Good advice, considering my original referral was lost in the system! I have an appointment for Monday afternoon to find out what's what.