The Dreaded MRI

In doctors terms that means magnetic resonance imaging.

The exam is touted as one of the most advanced diagnostic methods available.

To me it means climbing into a confined space, much like a coffin.

"I can't do an MRI without sedation," I told him. "I'm claustrophobic."

He started scribbling on a prescription pad and said he would give me one 10 mg. valium for anxiety. .

I was instructed to take the pill two hours before the scheduled MRI set for six days hence.

On the morning of the dreaded MRI, I took the pill as prescribed.

Then I continued getting ready for the drive to the hospital for the exam.

I sat down in a recliner and began applying face cream in a circular motion on my cheeks.

My daughter found me asleep with one finger dipped in cream touching my face.

"Mom, wake up. We've got to get ready to go."

We made it to the hospital and headed for the admittance area where each patient has to check in and sign papers and submit insurance cards.

As I attempted to sign my name in about three places on about four sheets of papers, I forgot what day it was. And the year also.

The admittance woman got tickled and tried to keep a straight face as I became animated and loud. My daughter kept trying to shush me.

As we left, the admittance lady was laughing and said she wouldn't forget me.

Finally, my daughter and I sat in a waiting room waiting for my name to be called.

A nice young technologist appeared and led me to the area where the MRI would be done.

He explained the procedure while I interrupted and said I wasn't happy about having it done because I didn't want to be enclosed.

He told me the procedure would last only 15 minutes (some exams take 30 to 60 minutes) and I could have piped music if I desired.

I said I wanted Alan Jackson and George Strait.

He said also that he would give me a soft bulb (ball) that I could hold in my hand and squeeze if I wanted to be removed from the machine.

That sounded reassuring.

We moved to the imaging room where I was instructed to lie down on a cushioned table. I rested my head on a special raised area. When I was comfortable, the table began to move through the magnet.

The specialist then moved to the control area, where he kept in constant contact with me both visually and through an intercom.

I had to lie very still in order for the exposures to produce clear images.

The MRI produces very clear pictures or images of the human body. It provides an excellent way to diagnose diseases of the brain, spine, skeleton, chest, abdomen, pelvis and blood vessels. It also shows changes in cartilage and bone structure resulting from injury, disease or aging.

As I lay in the MRI machine, I was surprised at the loud noises inside the machine as the exam progressed. There were muffled thumping sounds, varying sounds of horns and loud beeps, constantly changing from one loud sound to another.

The valium helped me to relax and to distract me from the sounds and the captive tube engulfing me.

I tried sleeping but I was in a hazy fog, just drifting.. I was able to remain calm while the minutes ticked away.

I kept my eyes closed during the entire procedure.

My mind began to sing the Snow White song "Someday My Prince Will Come."

I was Snow White in a glass coffin on a hillside waiting for the prince on a white horse to arrive and kiss me awake. He would break the spell that bound me, and we would ride into the sunset together, and live in his castle.

Suddenly I felt the table being moved out of the tube. What a relief!

I opened my eyes and was greeted by the technician who announced that we were all done.

Here was my prince in blue hospital armor..

As we walked down the hallway toward the waiting room, he was about two steps ahead of me.

I felt myself veering toward the opposite wall.

He looked back and hurried to my side.

I explained that I was still a bit drunk from the valium.

My daughter greeted me with a sign of relief. She had been worried about my reaction to the exam.

At home, I announced I needed a sleep.

I crawled into bed and slept for two hours.

Yes, I survived the test just fine.

Me and a little help from my valium.