Small bowel MRI

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Izzie

Joined
Mar 4, 2015
Messages
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Hello everyone!

So, I'm having an MRI on monday of my small bowel (it's possible there's a better name for this, I'm not a native speaker of English so forgive me if I'm using the wrong term) - and I was wondering if someone would like to share their experience?

I'm a bit nervous, mostly about having to drink the contrast agent, but I'm also severely claustrophobic so that's a problem as well.
 
Hi,I had an MRI in February.Try not to worry.I lay on my front and went in feet first,so my head was at the open end. A weighted object/cage,was placed on the middle of my back, I was in for approx. 40 minutes.I was given a bell push type thing to hold,so that if I needed to,I could get attention.I didn't.It's quite noisy,but not unbearable.Every so often you are instructed to breathe in / out,and hold.
The contrast agent wasn't a problem for me.You'll be fine.Good luck.Let's know how it went.
 
Hi Izzie,
I had an MRI of my small bowel in March and it was absolutely fine! I was given a jug of contrast drink and about 45 minutes to drink it (it acts as a slight laxative though so you may need to pop to the toilet). I was then taken into the little side room to be given the cannula in my arm (which I was more scared of than the MRI because I'm a complete baby with needles! haha) That was absolutely fine though, and I waited about 5 minutes to go into the actual scanner.

When I got in there I laid on my back and went in feet first, but the tunnel was open at both ends so I didn't feel claustrophobic at all :) I had a massive pair of headphones on and some heavy foam thing on top of my stomach to stop me from wriggling around, but I forgot about it straight away.

The actual procedure was fine, and I even took to counting the 'beeps' of the machine when I was told to hold my breath! Overall it went quite quickly and they even played some music through my headphones for most of it.

You'll be fine! Let us know how it goes :)

Helen
 
CornishPasty said:
Hi Izzie,
I had an MRI of my small bowel in March and it was absolutely fine! I was given a jug of contrast drink and about 45 minutes to drink it (it acts as a slight laxative though so you may need to pop to the toilet). I was then taken into the little side room to be given the cannula in my arm (which I was more scared of than the MRI because I'm a complete baby with needles! haha) That was absolutely fine though, and I waited about 5 minutes to go into the actual scanner.

When I got in there I laid on my back and went in feet first, but the tunnel was open at both ends so I didn't feel claustrophobic at all :) I had a massive pair of headphones on and some heavy foam thing on top of my stomach to stop me from wriggling around, but I forgot about it straight away.

The actual procedure was fine, and I even took to counting the 'beeps' of the machine when I was told to hold my breath! Overall it went quite quickly and they even played some music through my headphones for most of it.

You'll be fine! Let us know how it goes :)

Helen
Click to expand...

How much contrast agent does one have to drink? Is it horrible? I've done the pre-colonoscopy laxative thing so I feel like I'll be able to handle it.

How long are you in the machine for anyway? Are you strapped in at all? Being held down in any way tends to set off my panicky tendencies, but at least now I'll be fully coherent - the first time I had a gastroscopy I punched the doctor and kicked the nurse who was trying to hold me down :redface: but then I was also drugged enough to not really know what was happening.

I think my main concern is possible contrast agent allergies (as I know someone who went through it) and if I'll be able to stay calm while I'm in there.

I'm sure it'll be fine, but my mind just loves to run away with me :D
 
I was given a plastic jug with about 1 litre of the contrast and it tasted quite nice, very sweet, and it is nothing compared to a colonoscopy prep! It didn't make me need the loo at all until a few hours later, and that may have just been nature's business anyway! Compared to a colonoscopy prep it was a piece of cake!

I think I was in the machine for about 30-40 minutes, and the nurses came in and out of the room a few times to put more contrast into my arm which broke up the time I was actually in the scanner. I wasn't strapped in at all but had a big foam block to prop my legs up, and one on my stomach to stop me from excessively moving, but it was all comfortable and I actually enjoyed the procedure.

I was able to calm another lady in the waiting room who was going in after me, and she was worried about the same thing as you. But she came out and said it was fine and nothing to worry about :)

I was also advised (on this forum maybe) to ask to for the contrast to be injected slowly if I was a bit worried, so I did and it was fine. I didn't even have any of the immediate side effects either (like blurred vision or a cold arm for a few minutes). I think it probably depend on the nurse you have, but all the ones I've seen have been really nice, and probably even nicer because I was worrying!
 
CornishPasty said:
I was given a plastic jug with about 1 litre of the contrast and it tasted quite nice, very sweet, and it is nothing compared to a colonoscopy prep! It didn't make me need the loo at all until a few hours later, and that may have just been nature's business anyway! Compared to a colonoscopy prep it was a piece of cake!

I think I was in the machine for about 30-40 minutes, and the nurses came in and out of the room a few times to put more contrast into my arm which broke up the time I was actually in the scanner. I wasn't strapped in at all but had a big foam block to prop my legs up, and one on my stomach to stop me from excessively moving, but it was all comfortable and I actually enjoyed the procedure.

I was able to calm another lady in the waiting room who was going in after me, and she was worried about the same thing as you. But she came out and said it was fine and nothing to worry about :)

I was also advised (on this forum maybe) to ask to for the contrast to be injected slowly if I was a bit worried, so I did and it was fine. I didn't even have any of the immediate side effects either (like blurred vision or a cold arm for a few minutes). I think it probably depend on the nurse you have, but all the ones I've seen have been really nice, and probably even nicer because I was worrying!
Click to expand...

I actually didn't know to expect side effects like that, so that's good to know! Or I'd probably think I was going into anaphylactic shock and about to die, or something.

I'm starting to feel like a lab rat with all the poking and prodding and various medical procedures and tests I've had done so far this year :ybatty:

I'm on Omeprazole currently, wondering if any of you have been adviced to stop taking meds before an MRI?

I called a nurse to ask about it this week but she was probably new because she had no idea and couldn't answer any of my questions, just kept referring to the note I got sent home. Which has nothing on it but the time of my appointment...
 
The nurse only told me the side effects as it was being injected, and said they would only last a couple of minutes at most. I'm pretty sure you can stay on most meds, but I wasn't on any at the time so can't say for sure.

Just make sure you're not wearing ANYTHING that has metal on it, or at least take a change of clothes for the scan! Else you'll have to change into one of those attractive and chilly gowns!
 
I was careful to wear only "comfort" clothing with no fasteners anywhere,but was still given a "chilly" gown to change into.It didn't occur to me to argue,but I would in future.
 
I had a small bowel MRI. I found it really hard to drink the contrast beforehand, I can't lie about that. I only had to drink three quarters of the usuall amount because I've had some of my digestive system removed, but I am really not good at drinking those things. I did drink it though.

But the MRI itself was easy. I've had MRIs of my head and spine before as well. I don't find them claustrophobic, but I've been told the fact that I'm such a small person may make it easier for me in that respect, as there's more empty space in the MRI machine.

I have a stoma, and the contrast had already had its laxative effect before I got out of the MRI. Luckily my stoma bag was able to contain it all. :)
 
UnXmas said:
I had a small bowel MRI. I found it really hard to drink the contrast beforehand, but the MRI itself was easy. I've had MRIs of my head and spine before as well. I don't find them claustrophobic, but I've been told the fact that I'm such a small person may make it easier for me in that respect, as there's more empty space in the MRI machine.
Click to expand...

Because it tasted bad, or what? What kind of consistency does it have is it like, water levels of liquid or is it thick at all?

I don't love drinking icky things but I did down a gallon of laxatives for colonoscopy prep so I feel like I can handle more than I think in that department :rof:
 
It's nothing like the stuff I had to drink for colonoscopy.
It was like a very diluted blackcurrant juice.There was about 1litre,and I was given half an hour to get it down.
 
scottsma said:
It's nothing like the stuff I had to drink for colonoscopy.
It was like a very diluted blackcurrant juice.There was about 1litre,and I was given half an hour to get it down.
Click to expand...

I think mine was reduced to 750ml, so that would be right.
 
Drinking icky stuff is like a brand new dimension to my lifestyle haha. I was given Ranitidine in liquid form at some point and THAT was by far the ickiest thing I've ever put in my mouth. The colonoscopy prep was better. Blegh!

Oh well, if drinking something yucky the biggest problem I should be fine.
 
A little tip that MIGHT help.

When drinking the foul colonoscopy prep.I used a drinking straw,so it more or less bypassed my taste buds.
 
I had this MRI done yesterday. I wasn't allowed to eat or drink anything 8 hrs before the scan. I had to arrive an hr and a half before my scan so I could drink the contrast. I was given one bottle with a large straw of creamy white contrast which tasted sweet. Waited about 15 minutes then given another bottle. They took me back and gave me another bottle but I didn't have to drink the third one all the way. I was given an iv and they mixed up something called glycol(to freeze my bowels).

In the mri room they had me lay on the table, put a cushion under my knees, a weighted block and cage over my abdomin and had me put my arms over my head. Then they eased me into the mri which I'm short so my head was in the mri machine and I was very close (like 5 inches) from the top of the machine. They gave me ear plugs since it is loud and told me to breath quickly to make the scan go faster (when I exhaled they took a picture). After 2 scans they gave me the IV contrast and had me do 5 breath holds (each breath hold was a continuous scan). It lasted about a half hr to 45 mins.

The bad- the barium made me have wicked diarrhea. It went straight through me and I could feel it rumble through my colon. The glycol to freeze my bowels didn't kick in soon enough and I pooped (and I couldn't get out of the machine since it was a timed scan). The glucol also made my stomach hurt. I have acid reflux and when I drink a lot of liquid it can make it worse (and if I can sit up to burp acid will come up and make it very hard for me to breath) I had reflux pretty bad...the combo of reflux, barium and glycol made me feel pretty sick by the end of the scan, very relieved when I was brought out and could burp and eat....and be next to a bathroom as the barium exited very quickly.

That said I've had mri which went much more smoothly than this one aND I think if I could have eaten before or closer to the scan time I doubt it would have been as bad as it was.
 
Oh the glycol made me feel warm and tingly in my stomach area, made my stomach queasy...and a little like you have to pee.
 
Also wondering - I have permanent braces on the backs of my front teeth. Could that itty bit of metal cause a problem? It's basically just glued-on wire.
I mean I'll ask, obviously, but its' nice to be prepared ^^
 
I have bonded retainers as well (a small strip of metal on the back of my teeth) they aren't MRI your head so it won't cause any imaging issues. They also won't rip out of your head, just cause a distortion on the pictures (if they were scanning your head) just let your tech know
 
lookame said:
Oh the glycol made me feel warm and tingly in my stomach area, made my stomach queasy...and a little like you have to pee.
Click to expand...

I had the need to pee as well. They warned me about it beforehand, they said it would feel like I'm peeing but not to worry because I wouldn't actually be peeing, it would just feel like it. I have no bladder control anyway so it made no odds to me.

lookame - I was so worried my stoma bag wouldn't hold out when the laxatives started affecting me while I was in the machine. It did though - luckily! As soon as the scan was finished I had to rush to the loo to empty my massively full bag. Did you actually have an accident during the MRI?

I think they give you the stuff that paralyses your bowel because it means they get clear pictures that way. It certainly doesn't last long enough to counter the laxative effects of the contrast.
 
I actually had an accident in the mri machine. I asked to get out but they said I needed to stay in if I could because the mri was timed. When it was done the tech realized what I was saying when I asked to get out. I felt sick the rest if the day but the barium was out of me within a few hrs.
 
I hope the results are worth it for you after all that! How soon will you know the results?
 
UnXmas said:
I hope the results are worth it for you after all that! How soon will you know the results?
Click to expand...

I'm not 100 percent sure when I'll hear the results. I think I'll know the results when I see the surgeon again, which might be in June unless they call and schedule an appointment for earlier.
 
Ah, yeah, that can't have been fun. I suppose they're relatively used to it, though, if it's a common thing that it has a laxating effect.
 
Ah, the day before jitters.

For some reason the nurses on the phone line are COMPLETELY useless to me, I'm sure they're doing their best but out of three so far no one has been able to answer ANY questions, and being prepared is my #1 way to prevent anxiety issues.

For someone who panics over being in an elevator for 2 minutes, 30+ minutes in a tube is obviously not the most exciting prospect :p

I'm a horrible patient, I truly am.
 
UnXmas said:
What questions do you want to ask them?
Click to expand...

Mostly if it's at all possible to sedate me in some way. I have an anxiety disorder that is mostly not a problem at all in my day to day life but in specific situations that make me nervous I sometimes get panic attacks. And since I'm really claustrophobic, and tend to panic if I'm held down or trapped in any way, I'm just kind of expecting to have a panic attack.

And the idea of having one in a confined space is making me anxious. Anticipation anxiety, really. Such a classic, yet here I am :lol2:

I also have a mad case of ADHD. Have a very hard time keeping still. Which contributes to the anxiety about the whole thing.

So far the answers to my questions have been subpar.
Can I be sedated? "Ehm, no idea, I don't know if we do that."
Will I be strapped down in any way even though it makes me panic? "Probably. You need to be still. You'll just have to stay calm."
But it's possible for me to stop the exam at any time, correct? "Well technically, but it's really bad if you do, it'll ruin it and then you'll steal time from other patients because we'll have to make a new appointment anyway."

Like, wow. Helpful.
 
Do you think you'll need to be fully sedated? Do you take any meds for panic attacks? I know there are some meds you can take that will calm you down temporarily without actually knocking you out. But your test is tomorrow isn't it? I'm not sure how you'd get a prescription that quickly, sorry! But it's worth asking when you get to the hospital.

I've never heard of anyone being strapped down for an MRI.

You can ask for the test to be stopped at any time. Obviously it won't be convenient, but perhaps you'll feel better just knowing that you can.

When I've had MRIs, the people running the test have always asked me beforehand about claustrophobia, so I know you are not the only one who has these worries. Tell them - again - before the test. They are not going to think you're a terrible patient because this is a very common worry and they deal with it all the time.
 
UnXmas said:
These were the anti-anxiety meds I was thinking of: http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benzodiazepine They can be horribly addictive if used long-term but can be perfect for one-off instances. Also, beta blockers can help with some panic attack symptoms.
Click to expand...

Right, yeah, I was given that before a tonsillectomy when I was younger. Definitely worked.

Worst case scenario I'll have to reschedule I guess but I do think they can prescribe that stuff in-hospital, they have before. It would just be nice to know beforehand so there isn't a scene and I have to like, refuse to go in or something :p I like being prepared.
 
Had to reschedule.

I've managed all the other exams - 3 gastroscopies, a colonoscopy and a lot of poking and prodding just fine, but this was just a no go. Up all night and then just a panic attack that wrecked the whole thing. Just seeing that narrow tube thing you go into - just NOPE, my brain decided that that was not for me.

And of course now I'm berating myself because I'll likely have to wait 5-6 weeks for another appointment which further delays a possible diagnosis. I'm trying to console myself with the fact that my symptoms are better with meds, and that my blood work shows nothing immediately concerning. Hopefully I'm not making things worse for myself.

I made an appointment with my GP tomorrow to discuss possible sedation/anti-anxiety meds so that next time will go as planned.

It's infuriating when fear gets in the way of things like this, but I suppose no one is perfect. The claustrophobia is what did me in with this one.
 
A little update:
A very kind nurse at my hospital took the time to speak to me and show me around the MRI machine yesterday. It was nice to take a look around and ask questions at a time separate from my actual appointment.

They've also prepared some accomodations including letting me face the side of the room that has a window, so I'm not just seeing an empty wall at the end of the "tunnel", and letting me bring my own music to play for the 40+ minutes I'll be in there.

Feel much calmer and well prepared for my appointment next week, don't think it'll be a problem now. So much love to healthcare professionals who care enough to go the extra mile like this!
 
Hi Izzie,
Did you ask if there was an open MRI scanner anywhere near you? If it ever becomes necessary in the future, this might be an option.

So glad to hear that they've been reassuring and helpful with this. I don't think it's an unusual thing at all to feel anxious about but happy to hear you are feeling calm about the scan. Hope it brings helpful findings!
 
24601 said:
Hi Izzie,
Did you ask if there was an open MRI scanner anywhere near you? If it ever becomes necessary in the future, this might be an option.

So glad to hear that they've been reassuring and helpful with this. I don't think it's an unusual thing at all to feel anxious about but happy to hear you are feeling calm about the scan. Hope it brings helpful findings!
Click to expand...

Open MRIs are not preferred, as they provide less resolution than Closed. They are usually for morbidly obese patients, and rarely, those that are claustrophobic and benzodiazepines are otherwise contraindicated.

Also, many insurance plans don't cover Open MRIs.
 
24601 said:
Hi Izzie,
Did you ask if there was an open MRI scanner anywhere near you? If it ever becomes necessary in the future, this might be an option.

So glad to hear that they've been reassuring and helpful with this. I don't think it's an unusual thing at all to feel anxious about but happy to hear you are feeling calm about the scan. Hope it brings helpful findings!
Click to expand...

I live a pretty long drive away from the nearest regular MRI, so I honestly didn't even think to ask. If in the future I have to have more MRIs, I'll definitely ask though.

They did change the type of machine though. I don't know if this one is newer or what, but the one I was about to go into for my first appointment was narrower.
 
CrohnsMedicalStudent said:
Open MRIs are not preferred, as they provide less resolution than Closed. They are usually for morbidly obese patients, and rarely, those that are claustrophobic and benzodiazepines are otherwise contraindicated.

Also, many insurance plans don't cover Open MRIs.
Click to expand...

There are now high field open MRI scanners.
 
24601 said:
There are now high field open MRI scanners.
Click to expand...

Right, but again, cost-benefit analysis via the insurance companies will likely deny your eligibility for such a scan.

Unless she wants to pay out of pocket, which is just unnecessary, it'd be best to have conscious sedation with some midazolam and use a closed unit.

A lot of fancy tools exist in medicine...unfortunately the insurance companies determine who can and cannot use them.

Also, most non-academic medical centers wont have an an HFO unit. It's the unfortunate reality of hospitals existing more as a business, with profit in mind first.
 
What country are you in, lizzie? I thought you were in the UK (where insurance isn't an issue) or have I mixed you up with someone else?

I'm glad you met that nurse! Nurses often seem to do all that they can for patients, not just what they have to do.
 
Just got back home from my scan!

Everything went well, pretty much. Didn't like it one bit, and I had a really hard time holding my breath for as long as they wanted me to, but for the most part it was okay.

HOWEVER, did definitely experience the laxative effects. Very much so. Started feeling it while in the machine but managed to make it to a bathroom. Had to stay in the hospital cafeteria for like an hour just so I could be close to a bathroom (I live a 45 minute drive from the hospital). So, yeah, be prepared for that.

Glad it's done!
 
Congrats on getting through it! :thumleft: And holding it in ;) I've never had an issue with the contrast but I know most people do...never seems like a good idea to me to give people with IBD a laxative :lol:

I think the breath holds are quite hard - and I haven't been dealing with anxiety while doing them! I think there must be quite a few people who can't manage all the breath holds!

So happy to hear you've got through that. Hope you get good/useful results!
 
Well done Izzie! I've got mine soon after a massive fiasco with the first one so hopefully it will go as smoothly as yours :)

Big hugs. Keep us posted with your results too, we're here for you no matter what.
 
MissCadenza said:
Well done Izzie! I've got mine soon after a massive fiasco with the first one so hopefully it will go as smoothly as yours :)

Big hugs. Keep us posted with your results too, we're here for you no matter what.
Click to expand...

My first go at it was also a massive fiasco, so I feel you there.

I ended up not having to drink contrast after all, but I did drink something else, the purpose of which I do not know :p Still pretty icky though.

I think my main problem was just staying still, other than feeling anxious, the breath holds and staying suuuuuper still was tougher than I expected.
 
I half ignored the breathing instructions. I'd hold my breath when they said to, then started breathing again when I ran out of air, which was always a bit before they said to breathe again.
 
UnXmas said:
I half ignored the breathing instructions. I'd hold my breath when they said to, then started breathing again when I ran out of air, which was always a bit before they said to breathe again.
Click to expand...

That was my tactic too but then they started whining about how everything came out blurry :p
 
As far as I know the images were fine for me. I honestly couldn't hold my breath for as long as they asked though and I was trying. And I have no breathing issues so I don't know other people manage!
 
UnXmas said:
As far as I know the images were fine for me. I honestly couldn't hold my breath for as long as they asked though and I was trying. And I have no breathing issues so I don't know other people manage!
Click to expand...

I agree, it was physically impossible for me. I think maybe twice I held it all the way and I felt like I was about to faint. Oh well, at least it's done. For some reason I had thought that I'd be in the machine on my back and like, staring up at it, but that was not the case, I was on my belly which helped. If I had been on my back I probably would've freaked out a lot worse. It doesn't feel as claustrophobic when you can look out into the room.
 

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