Scared for MRI

Hi all,

 

I guess I'm posting this for some support and advice. I'm going for my first ever MRI on Friday. I am BEYOND scared. It's an MRI of the head as I've been having neurological symptoms and am pretty certain there's something wrong with my brain. I've never had an MRI before but I'm more scared of the wait for results and actual results rather than the procedure. I don't know how to distract myself but everytime I do distract myself I just think that I need to be scared and need to be prepared for the result. I am of course hoping and praying that nothing is wrong but just can't seem to shake this feeling. I am only 22, doing a masters at one of the best unis in the country but now I just feel like my world is crashing down :(

  • Hi, 

    A few moths ago I could barely function while I waited for the results of a MRI of my liver (fortunately it ended up being a benign lesion). I was sure I had cancer because I had lost a lot of weight and had some abdominal issues. I tried to distract myself but I had so much anxiety I ended up needing medication and help from a therapist (both helped tremendously).

    Try to do things that comfort you and don't be scared to reach out if you need help getting through this trying times.

    I'll keep you in my thoughts!
     

     

  • Thank you so much for your reply.

     

    Can I please ask how long the turnaround was to receive your results and whether you just had a call informing you or were asked to have a face to face consultation? 

    thanks x 

  • I think it took about two weeks, I got the results by phone. I'm not sure about the exact timing because I had many tests done for unrelated issues so for a couple of months I was constantly having tests done or waiting for results. I suffer from anxiety so I had a major episode and needed a lot of help to get through it.
    I know it's easier said than done but try to distract yourself with things you enjoy to make time go faster while you wait. 


     

  • Thanks for your reply! I finally went for the MRI today and when I asked the radiographer how long for results he said "as soon as possible.. max 2 weeks". This has really scared me as I thought MRI results take a long time but the fact that he said as soon as possible probably means he saw something alarming in the scans? I know it might sound slightly irrational but I'm absolutely freaking out :(

  • Don't worry about that, two weeks is an average waiting period for an MRI result. You don't sound irrational at all, it's perfectly normal trying to read too much into what they said or even their reactions, but in my experience the technicians will always said something like that, whatever the findings are. 
    I hope time passes as fast as possible for you! Please don't be afraid to reach out if you need to talk.

     

  • Thank you so much :((( I will definitely reach out! X 

  • Seeingstars, I had an MRI just over two weeks ago, and was due my results this week, there was a delay because of an admin mix up over my feedback appt, but two weeks seems standard in my area too and doesn't mean that there's necessarily anything scary or urgent. And my tech said about two weeks for feedback after I had mine. But I go from freaked out to calm at the moment and back again, it's normal just need to find ways to live with it - easier said than done. I find chamomile tea and distractions help, lots of netflix and walks in my case, so whatever works for you. 

  • Etta, thanks for your reply. I will try distracting myself and pray there is nothing serious going on. I hope your MRI results are what you wish for. Sending love and positive vibes 

  • Hi

    I've had a few MRI's and each one the results were back around or within 2 weeks.  I lived in England for the first ones and in Wales for the most recent and the waiting times were similar.  A radiographer will give no hint to the results.

    I have both cancer and a rare neurological disorder, both of which I have learned to live with... Not without ups and downs. And you are right the waiting for results is the hardest part.  You need to take each day at a time.  Do things that make you smile, go for a walk amongst nature if you can. Watch funny cat videos.  Rest, rest is so important. Every time you feel that anxiety is pulling you in the wrong direction fight back.  Its not easy and like anything else takes practice,  but you will get there.   Mindfulness helped me, plenty of videos on YouTube to teach you Mindfulness. 

    I wish you well.  Good luck with your results. 

    Al

  • DragonFach,

     

    Your reply was very helpful thank you so much. I am going to try fight the anxiety as much as I can because I realise worrying will not change the results. If there is something wrong with me then that will not change due to my anxiety. I will take your tips on board.

    Wishing you health and happiness :)