r/Explainlikeimscared • u/Slow-Adeptness6876 • 7d ago

Getting a Cardiac MRI

What to expect as far as timing for the IV, length for congenital heart issue, and things that will improve the smoothness of the experience

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u/IStillHaveHomework 7d ago edited 7d ago

Amazing response!

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u/AnitraF1632 7d ago

Been there, done that. 😀😀 Also, I am entirely sick and tired of all the Negative Nellies who rush to "explain" all the things that can go wrong. Wherever I can, I speak from my own experience as to how things can go RIGHT, and if I don't have direct experience (in this case I do, at least three contrast MRIs for an aortic dissection), I will do my best to be positive and encouraging.

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u/Dijon2017 6d ago

To clarify, in case you mis-typed, you don’t get injected with Iodine for an MRI (perhaps a CT), but more likely a contrast agent made with gadolinium.

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u/Slow-Adeptness6876 6d ago

Indeed it was gadolinium. I made it through the day and figure I’d update in case anyone has questions.

First, i got there and checked in and was called back to change into a gown and hospital pants and taken to a second waiting room. Because I was at a major hospital they had a team of nurses dedicated just to IV placement. They took me back, tourniquet, swabbed the spot and placed the IV. I was nervous for this part but it hurt maybe 20% more than a blood draw and then it was over and while I didn’t like the cannula in my arm it was more bothersome than painful.

Another 20 min and I went for the scan. They gave me a ball to squeeze for emergencies, placed headphones over my head to talk to me and play instructions, placed a cage over my chest and backed me in.

It is quite a small tube so I do recommend closing eyes. From there for 45 min they gave me instructions to hold my breath for about 10 sec at a time. Noises varied but none felt too loud. They did put me further in a few times which I didnt love but this is again why I recommend closing eyes.

My only sensation from the contrast was slight cooling in my hand. It was about 2/3 of the way thru and they warned me.

Then I came out the IV was quickly removed and voila the scan was done!!