M.R.I.

The last time I had an M.R.I., Magnetic Resonance Imaging, was in 1998. But I have very little memory of it and so yesterday when I underwent another M.R.I., it felt like a completely new experience. The technician immediately gave me earplugs to minimize the loud noises I would hear. Since I would have to lie on my back for about 45 minutes, she put a pillow under my knees, gave me a button to press in case I needed to call her, laid a blanket over me, and placed a plastic mask (similar to the football type masks) over my face. Next she began rolling the table (with me lying on top of it) into the M.R.I., a large round tube. As I had heard many people feel claustrophobic in the tube, I immediately closed my eyes and decided not to open them until the end of the test.

The test and the noises then began. The loud noise I heard sounded like a jackhammer. Good grief I thought what would it sound like without the earplugs? At times the noise changed to a tornado siren or washing machine. Occasionally the technician said something to me, but I could barely hear her other than the words 5 or 10 minutes. With my body immobilized and my eyes closed I thought what could I do for the next 45 minutes. Not much of course other than meditate. And so I began deep breathing and the next thing I knew the test was over – hopefully for another 10 years.

By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.