What to expect at a breast MRI

A breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan is a test that helps your doctor to diagnose breast cancer and other abnormalities of the breast. Breast imaging captures images of breast tissue by combining multiple imaging technologies, such as mammography (the use of x-rays), ultrasound and MRI procedures. This video will help you understand the procedures including how to prepare, what to expect and what to do during the imaging.

[ajlepage]

Have had these MRI's twice, I have to force myself to stay cool and calm, telling myself, if you do not do it right you have to redo it all again. Cancer is bad enough so the MRI is not as bad. I am as claustrophobic as anything, never get into an elevator unless it is very critical. Walking the stairs is my m.o. During the test I am just counting to a hundred and start again.
Wishing everyone the best.

[hollisblackwood]

I am so claustrophobic AND I have an anxiety disorder; knowing what to expect is one of the things that is helping me cope.

[CourageUnderFire]

I wish they had and mri that you can stand into and lift up and down

[ChelseyTarnow]

This was a really good run through of what to expect! My first MRI I was completely shocked by the IV, length and sounds the machine made it was just so different from my other testing experiences!

[AMcDub]

Just had this done today. I took a Valium prescribes by my referring doctor an hour before, which made the whole experience a breeze. I’m usually very anxious during things like this. But the pill helped calm my nerves and make the passage of time in there much more bearable. Mine was only about 25 minutes, even though they also told me it would be about 45. I didn’t feel claustrophobic like I thought I would because my face was down, just like in this video. It felt more like being on a chiropractic table. Since I couldn’t see that I was in the tube thing, it didn’t feel like it to me either.

[BuyOrSellMichelle]

Thank you so much for making this video. I have a lot of anxiety about this procedure and this was really helpful to see what is going to happen.

[lorim]

Thank you so much for this video, makes me feel a whole lot better. I am a little claustrophobic but I think I can handle this.

[dipschwantz]

Going for this in an hour. Thank you for posting this ❤

[sharohnjohnson]

Thanks for sharing..I go for my breast MRI today...(my ANXIETY is kicking in!) Whew!!

[geekyghostie]

I had this done Wednesday. I almost could not get it done due to my period being two weeks before. They want you to come in near 6 days after you start. They went ahead with it though for me but it is something to keep in mind when you set up one.


I can tell you it was nowhere near as scary as my mind made it out to be. The worst part for me was keeping still for the hour it took to do that test in the machine. It was uncomfortable keeping still that long. They will give you headphones and my technician played music for me. I choose country but you can pack any type you want. The machine can get loud but the music helps keep it down and listening helps pass the time.


If you do get freaked out all you need to do is squeeze the ball they give you when you go in and they will pull you out. The techniction will also talk trough all they are doing via a speaker and they can hear when you talk as well. Also it is light inside the machines and not dark at all.

Just before start of the test do give you an IV like the video said but honestly that was the least uncomfortable part of everything. It is just like when you give blood, you feel a prick of the needle going in and that is. it

[emb]

No mention of the block of wood that your sternum has to rest on. It’s horribly uncomfortable. The techs don’t want to hear it. Their answer is to trivialize it-“yeah it is a little uncomfortable.” They had me so badly positioned during one MRI that the radiologist could see gall stones.

[AngelinaHardy]

I'm 26 years old, stage 1 breast cancer, I had my MRI yesterday! It was...an experience 🥴 I'm glad I was only in that thing for 10 minutes! The sounds were so loud 🥴, incredible technology though 👏

[Alaronne]

I love this video thank you so much Thank you MUch Thank you :) Thank you
:)

[miriamkyei]

Tnxxx for sharing very educative information

[vivecagipsonwilliams]

Thanks so much for posting this. I have to get an MRI w contrast in early June. I
Wasn’t aware of the IV having to be placed. Good to know and now I can be prepared and know what to expect! 😊 I don’t think that the noise will affect me… I’ll have some relaxing 😌 chamomile lavender tea before I arrive. 🤗

[lashannasbraidparlor]

I just had this done today and I just had to pray through the noise because it was so loud and shocking. Even with the earplugs, I was still able to hear all of it

[RodneyisGodney]

Just had my second one done last night. First one was last year. The noises it made didn't really bother me, it was the quiet moments that unnerved me. That fact that I was face down and couldn't see anhything didn't help. It only lasted 25 minutes though. I was dizzy when I sat up so I just sat there on the bed waiting to regain my equalibrium while I drank some water. Other than that it was ...okay.

[c.catlover]

How long do you have to lie still? Does everyone need the IV contrast?

[andreacarss]

I’ve just been for a Mri in UK the scanner was a siemans scanner and horrific experience I could not tolerate it. I had to tape cod liver oil capsules to my nipples then this hard foam wedge was put under my ribcage which dug into my ribs and put alot of strain on my lower back as I was not able to lie flat and my arms had to be by my side like in a bob sleigh position and it was sooo hot I felt I could not breathe. Going to view a different scanner this week to see if I can tolerate it. Surely in this day and age these sort of issues should be ironed out? Ps I had the same mri approx 15 years ago in a similar scanner and position as in video and tolerated it well so todays catastrophe was a shock to say the least and I also feel guilty that someone else could have had my appointment who could have tolerated it. When I called the breast team they said it was common that women couldn’t tolerate this scan??

[margaritacottrell]

Not hard but def different experience...prayers to those will go i just got done today