Scanned alive

I had a CT scan last week.

That was in addition to the ultrasound and MRI scans I had in February.

My GP - kindly man that he is - wanted the local hospital to check my prostate, liver and kidneys but although none of them are in tip top condition there’s nothing too serious (I hope!).

It was nevertheless an interesting experience.

The ultrasound scan was quick and easy, no different to the scan they do on pregnant women except that I wasn’t presented with a blurry black and white photo to frame and put on my desk.

What was time-consuming was the three hours I then had to wait for the MRI scan (but more on that later).

Like the ultrasound scan, the CT scan - which I had on Wednesday - only took five or ten minutes but I had to wait an hour or so beyond the appointed time before I was seen.

When I was called I was injected with coloured (or contrast) dye that allows them to get better visuals.

I was then edged forward, lying on my back, until my torso was inside a large metal tube.

It was slightly uncomfortable because I had to raise my arms, which were outside the tube, above my head but it was over quite quickly.

The MRI scan was a different experience entirely.

They warn you about the noise but if you haven’t had one it’s hard to over-state the cacophony of electronic beeps and whistles.

The NHS website describes an MRI scan here but it doesn’t do justice to the racket, describing it merely as a ‘loud clicking noise’.

Another website goes into greater detail:

Every MRI machine has metal coils known as gradient coils that create the noises we associate with MRIs. When the gradient coils receive electrical pulses, they generate a magnetic field. Each pulse makes the coils vibrate and create loud noises. Since the scanner has a hollow inside, these sounds echo and become louder.

You may hear different kinds of noises during an MRI scan. Every electric pulse sequence creates a distinct sound based on the waveform of the current. MRI technologists use different pulse sequences and orientations to capture the angle, contrast and area they need. Patients use different words to describe the sounds they hear, including:

* Banging
* Clicking
* Whirring
* Clanging
* Beeping

According to the NHS website:

An MRI scanner is a large tube that contains powerful magnets. You lie inside the tube during the scan.

Ah, yes, the tube. I’m not sure I’d describe it as ‘large’.

Sure, it’s big enough for most human bodies but if you suffer from claustrophobia you might find it a challenge.

A friend of mine was so freaked out she refused to have an MRI scan so they sent her to a counsellor to try and overcome her fear. It made no difference. She still won’t have one.

Part of the problem is the time you’re in the tube which can vary from 15 to 90 minutes.

I was told my scan would take 20 minutes but after ten I was reversed out so they could fiddle around before starting the process from scratch.

I was therefore in the tube for a total of 30 minutes and by the end - thanks to a combination of the noise and the claustrophobic environment - I was beginning to get a bit agitated, something I communicated to the operator by wiggling my feet!

How anyone can survive 90 minutes without going insane I don’t know.

But don’t let me put you off. It’s a lifesaver, I’m sure, although the few people I know who can’t have an MRI scan (for various reasons) are still alive and kicking.

As indeed am I.

Comments

[Pat Nurse]

I won't have scans nor put myself on the NHS for anything after constantly being told by state paid anti smoker political activists that I don't deserve healthcare because I am a smoker.

I used to be treated equally and with respect in health settings until the likes of ASH and their political pets began creating inequalities for me and inciting hatred and fear against me.

I hope all goes well with you and your health x