It sounds crazy, but laying still for an extended period of time is tough.
I've found in the past that practicing actually helps you find your most comfortable position. Grab some cushions or throw pillows off your couch and place them on the floor. One for a headrest and one one or two for under your knees (some MRI techs will provide a cushion for the backs of your knees).
Be sure you're laying on a hard surface (a bare floor or carpeted floor is best) so it simulates the MRI table. Try staying absolutly still for at least 10-15 minutes. If you feel pressure spots try moving your knees and arms either slightly closer together or slightly farther apart and hold the position for another 10-15 minutes. You also should try taking shallow slow breaths as you practice.
If you have trouble staying still after practicing, be sure to tell the tech that you aren't afraid of enclosed spaces- you just have a hard time staying still. They might be able to help with some extra padding.
You also really need to keep your mind occupied. The last thing you want to do is fall asleep. When we sleep we move around. Its normal, its natural, and it ticks off MRI techs like you wouldn't believe.
Think up some lists to keep yourself occupied. I've done shopping lists and christmas card lists in my mind during MRIs. Thinking about remembering all the chapters of a good book or the entire plot (in detail) of a movie can also work.
If they plan to use contrast dye, plan on drinking a lot of liquids after your appointment. You want to get rid of that dye as soon as possible.
The only other things I can think of would be to scratch your nose before they start and to get ready for some sounds. Many MRI machines are quite loud. You'll hear a lot of clicks, clacks, and hums. Kinda like an old fashioned roller coaster when the car is moving to the top of the hill.
Just remember- when you're in the tube, time really is money and your goal is to get through the full run in a single pass.
I've found in the past that practicing actually helps you find your most comfortable position. Grab some cushions or throw pillows off your couch and place them on the floor. One for a headrest and one one or two for under your knees (some MRI techs will provide a cushion for the backs of your knees).
Be sure you're laying on a hard surface (a bare floor or carpeted floor is best) so it simulates the MRI table. Try staying absolutly still for at least 10-15 minutes. If you feel pressure spots try moving your knees and arms either slightly closer together or slightly farther apart and hold the position for another 10-15 minutes. You also should try taking shallow slow breaths as you practice.
If you have trouble staying still after practicing, be sure to tell the tech that you aren't afraid of enclosed spaces- you just have a hard time staying still. They might be able to help with some extra padding.
You also really need to keep your mind occupied. The last thing you want to do is fall asleep. When we sleep we move around. Its normal, its natural, and it ticks off MRI techs like you wouldn't believe.
Think up some lists to keep yourself occupied. I've done shopping lists and christmas card lists in my mind during MRIs. Thinking about remembering all the chapters of a good book or the entire plot (in detail) of a movie can also work.
If they plan to use contrast dye, plan on drinking a lot of liquids after your appointment. You want to get rid of that dye as soon as possible.
The only other things I can think of would be to scratch your nose before they start and to get ready for some sounds. Many MRI machines are quite loud. You'll hear a lot of clicks, clacks, and hums. Kinda like an old fashioned roller coaster when the car is moving to the top of the hill.
Just remember- when you're in the tube, time really is money and your goal is to get through the full run in a single pass.
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