An MRI that is? I had my first yesterday and it was a weird experience. They were checking to make sure I had a brain (I still think Lynn may have called and initiated it)! I remember my step-dad went in for one and once they cranked the thing up, he went into full panic mode, made them pull him out'ta the thing and he never went back. Frankly, I don't even know what his was for. The procedure varies vastly depending on what they're looking for and the type of MRI, but mine was pretty extensive I believe. If you are claustrophobic, it's not for you! They have some now that are "open" MRI's (you're not stuffed into a tube), but I don't know if they can be used for ALL circumstances.

Once I got prepped, they laid me out on the slide, inserted an IV, found a "mold" that fit my big ol' punkin' haid, smurshed my head down into the thing and stuffed a bit of padding between my noggin and the molded "retainer". The whole purpose was that my head had to remain absolutely stationary. I thought they'd already managed to insure that, but then they added the OTHER half of the contraption! It wrapped across my face and fastened onto the bottom portion that the back half of my nogging was stuffed into! Kind'a like stuffing your whole head into one of those take-out clamshell containers from Olive Garden! Trust me, you were NOT going to move your head! The first thing that came to MY mind was, I felt like Hannibal Lecter when they strapped on his mask! Now, if you're claustrophobic, that in itself would have you clawing your way for the ceiling, even before you've been stuffed into the tube!

Ok, maybe my description is a bit over the top as the whole thing didn't affect me in the least, but I could see where it would throw some into 100% panic mode. TBH, I found the whole thing interesting, although I had no clue how long the procedure would take until the staff briefed me. Once they rolled me into the tube, I'd be locked in there for about 20 minutes, then they'd roll me out, insert the contrast fluid through the IV stuck into the back of my hand, then it's back into the ol' tube for another 15 minutes or so. Oh, I forgot about the panic button. They handed me a bulb to squeeze in case I went off the deep end and got panicky. They told me to keep it in my hand through the complete procedure, and if I felt I was about to lose it, just squeeze the bulb and they'd immediately remove me from my electronic coffin.

BUT ... that ain't nuttin, while in there, all I could think about was the "quack medicine" and electronic contraptions being marketed in the late 1800's - early 1900's. This thing was like being on a ride at Disney World. They'd already given me earplugs as they explained the sounds were pretty loud and made some people really nervous. Then it started, some of the weirdest sounds I'd ever heard ... pings, buzzes, blips, beeps, thumps ... you name it ... REALLY strange sounds, but kind'a fascinating in it's own weird way. It kept me busy just wondering what was making the sounds and what were their purposes. Oh, but that's not all, there are also the bumps, shaking, jolts, vibrations, etc. WTF was THAT all about? At times, I felt like I was on some sort of kiddie ride at an amusement park.

Anyway, I was in and out within an hour and will be awaiting the results. I KNOW I have a brain, but Lynn has her doubts. This is my chance to prove her wrong .... at least I HOPE so!