An MRI is often needed so that your doctor can better view areas of your body that other tests and scans might not reveal. If you’ve never had an MRI, there are a few ways that you can prepare for the scan so that you’re comfortable throughout the process. Since there is a large magnet in the machine that scans your body, you need to let the technician know about a few things that you might have. One is a pacemaker. You also need to let the technician know of any metallic body parts or components that you have in your body. Leave jewelry with someone else who is with you at the MRI center or at home so that it doesn’t get lost or damaged.
Try to get to your appointment a few minutes early to complete paperwork for the scan. It usually takes less than an hour to complete the MRI. Unless your doctor makes a specific order, then you usually aren’t limited to what you can or can’t eat before the scan. However, if the scan is being done to look at your abdomen, then your doctor might not want you to eat or drink anything the night before or at least a few hours before your appointment.
You’ll need to stay still during the scan unless the technician tells you to move. If you’re anxious about being in an enclosed area, you can listen to music or wear a mask over your eyes so that it feels like you’re asleep instead of in an MRI machine. While you’re are the MRI center, there will be loud noises that you hear. These are from the machine as the magnet circles around you while you’re on the table. Once the scan is complete, your results will usually be available later in the day or within a few days of your appointment.
