I tried my best, but my best wasn’t good enough this morning. Upon arrival at the hospital for my scheduled MRI, I faced some challenges. I didn’t have my work order, so I had to call the doctor and have them fax it to the hospital, which was easy enough, but then, at the actual check-in desk, they told me I wasn’t capitated to this facility by my insurance. After waiting two months for the appointment and writing sub plans for my sick day, this is not what I wanted to hear. The woman at the reception desk was very friendly and checked a few things and discovered that I could get my MRI at this facility.
After only one wrong turn, I found my way to radiology and even ran into a woman who had gone to high school with my kids. She made sure I made it to my destination. The radiology techs were pleasant while they reviewed my intake questionnaire and showed me where to change into a hospital gown.
I went into the testing area and did not look at the ominous MRI tube. I proceeded to lie on the table, have a washcloth placed over my eyes, and headphones over my ears with some deafening music. The tech was talking to me, but I couldn’t hear her. Everything was happening so quickly. The panic button was in my hand, and the table started moving. By the time my elbows hit the sides of the magnet, I was a goner.
My breath started quickening, and my heart was racing. I pushed the panic button and said, “I can’t do it!!” The tech had to take me out of the machine. I felt defeated and apologized profusely. Both women were kind and caring, telling me I was not the first to have this happen and suggesting which facility would work better for me. I went back into the cubicle to redress and headed for home.
I made the two-minute walk to my car, and my breath slowed a little. On the way home, my mind vacillated between working on deep breathing and beating myself up for failing. Too rattled to stop and get the chai latte I promised myself, the car carried me home on autopilot. I know it’s not the end of the world, so I am giving myself some grace.
Next stop – open MRI!!
#SOLC25 Day 3/31
Rita DiCarne 
I’m so sorry for all you suffered through today, but an open MRI? That’s the way to go, then. Hopefully you salvaged the remainder of your day off. 🙂
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Thanks. I finished a book, took a nap, and went to an author visit tonight at my local library. 🙂
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This sounds just awful. I’m so sorry. MRIs and tight spaces don’t do it to me. But my anxiety is high for other reasons and I have had panic attacks as well. I’m sorry you wrote sub plans. But hopefully got to enjoy some time to yourself.
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Thanks. I did finish some things I wanted to get to.
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Dear Rita,
You are a real trooper! “Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and start all over again” 🎼. I believe that Doylestown Hospital has an Open MRI.
Sleep well tonight. Everything is going to work out. 🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼. Juju
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Thanks!
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Sorry to hear it didn’t go well. But you didn’t fail! Many people, including myself, can’t do this test because of claustrophobia. I have no issues anywhere else, just in MRIs. Give yourself grace and may the open MRI go well.
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Thanks.
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I’m sorry you weren’t able to get this done today. But the open MRI sounds like a much better idea.
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Oh, no. When I saw your blurb, my heart sank for you. But when one door closes, God opens another one–the open MRI!
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You pulled me completely into your experience. I could feel your stress, anxiety and the feelings of failure. I’m sure the open MRI will be successful. I hope you can find the health answers you’re looking for.
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Thank you.
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Oh, Rita, this sounds like a very emotional experience. I’m sorry this happened but looking on the bright side I’m thinking the open MRI will do the trick. Also, your crafted a great slice out of this experience. I could imagine your feelings as you walked us through the situation. I loved hearing that you bumped into a familiar face that helped you out. I felt like I was in there with you when you wrote, “Everything was happening so quickly. The panic button was in my hand, and the table started moving. By the time my elbows hit the sides of the magnet, I was a goner.” Give yourself lots of grace. Hopefully, you took the rest of the day off from school!
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Thanks, Rita. I took the whole day thank goodness! I don’t know how I would have taught after that. 🤷♀️
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This sounds like such an incredibly stressful experience! I am so sorry your Monday had to start like this. But I am relieved that there is a different facility that should work much better–and only wish you’d been able to go there in the first place.
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Thank you. The open MRI facility was booking out to July. I thought I could do it, but it wasn’t to be. Maybe I’ll get an appointment by September. 🤷♀️
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