MRI should stand for: Millions of Random Instances of NOISE

As I opened my eyes this morning, all I could think of was, “What does MRI stand for?” I had completely forgotten as the excruciating pain I felt from my lower back to my toes took over and almost made me stumble while maneuvering myself into a position where I can get myself out of bed. Yes, I took it for granted, but there are 3 things that cause me the most pain: 1) Getting into a seated position in a car, the lower the seat, the worse the pain. 2) Getting into bed and finding a comfortable position. My back hasn’t been flat on the bed for the last 8 days. 3) Sitting down on a chair until I maneuver some how into a comfy position. Sometimes its instant, sometimes it takes forever to find that sweet spot. Anyways….I finally remembered, MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Oh yes, now I remember the process. I lay down on my back for about 20 minutes (note #2 of my most pain causing positions), arms crossed, try not to move or make noises and do my best to relax. Several things cross my mind and the first is trying to get onto the table, lay down and then get back up again. The least of my worries was surviving the actual MRI procedure. I now look back at how someone who may be claustrophobic could have major problems in this very small tube that you get squished into. Thank God I’m okay in small spaces.

As soon as the MRI tech places pillows under my leg to help me feel more comfortable and not have to feel pain for 20 minutes…we were on our way. Ah yes, don’t forget the ear plugs! Those are a MUST HAVE. A few seconds into the procedure I felt like I was on a construction site listening to jack hammers splitting concrete and workers hammering in nails into steel poles. Then we moved onto cross fire. It felt like I was in combat listening to gun shots coming from every direction that lead into less frequent shots to all and all out battle. Afterward, sounds of thousands of woodpeckers filled the air in a forest full of very tall trees. By this time, my imagination was getting the best of me as all I could look at was the 3-4 inches of space between my nose and the top of the white MRI cavity. This is when I finally decided to relax, close my eyes, enjoy the vibration of the table beneath me that felt like a massage and savor the constant air conditioning that helped me feel like I was enjoying a day full of fresh air breezes from the Colorado Mountains.

Okay, okay…enough about that.

The MRI went well and we should find out the results when the radiologists and my doctor look at the picture files (no more film in this technologically advanced world). Then my Physical Therapist will take a look and will devise a plan for treatment.

After today’s experience, I think MRI should stand for: Millions of Random Instances of NOISE

Thanks for reading!