MRI Room

A former-patient has kindly given an account of their experience when they visited the MRI room.

Purpose:
To investigate a potential metastasis (spread) of prostate cancer in the spine.

Experience:
On arrival I was shown into a small waiting area where I was asked to remove shoes, jacket, belt, and any metallic objects. The procedure was explained and I was shown into the MRI room where I was asked to lie on my back on the couch. I was advised about the repetitive banging noise made by the machine and to combat this I was invited to put on earphones and listen to some music.

A receiving coil, rather like a bridge, was placed to cover a section of my chest and the couch moved into the doughnut like toroid with my head first and so that my body was inside.

The radiographer then went into the control room making it clear that I could be seen and heard at all times. I was asked to advise her if I found the noise or claustrophobia of being in the toroid too uncomfortable, which I didn't.

Otherwise the experience on the couch was quite comfortable, and the taking of images continued for about 15 minutes.

I was advised when I could get off the couch and gather my belongings. The radiographer wanted to confirm I had a follow-up appointment with the consultant to whom the report on the MRI would be passed in the next ten days.

Duration:
The time spent in the department was about 40 minutes.

Side effects:
I had no discomfort nor any side effects, nor did I find the noise made by the machine particularly unpleasant.