hospital appointment on a saturday

System

If it's one of the open-style scanners it should be ok but I don't know if it will be one of those or one of the tunnel-shaped ones. I can't complain, really, I am sure there are much worse things to have done

jenniewb

I've had scans and xrays done on a Saturday, the deal is, none of the consultants tend to be there so its more about getting tests and similar carried out ready for the next week.

You don't really get to discuss anything, say for example you have an x-ray on a painful hip and it's because you could have fractured your hip, even if it shows a clear break, your unlikely to get any sort of answer out of those running the x-ray (unless it's deadly serious and your at risk of worsening it with day to day activity and should be bedbound). It does help to speed things up though.

suki1964

Scanners etc cost a small fortune, more so when sat there not in use. It's cheaper to haven them in operation 7 days a week, and its great seeing more trusts do so

It's been 12 years since I left the NHS, but even back then we had clinics after 6 pm and scanning/mammogram and op operations at weekends

Spirit_2

avogadro wrote: »

Thanks. I'm a bit apprehensive this time because they're scanning the head and neck area, which means my head will have to be right inside the scanner and I am a bit claustrophobic!

When my claustrophobic husband required an MRI he was given a sedative to take beforehand. I think it was Diazepam and via the GP.

He coped. Good luck.

custardy

avogadro wrote: »

Thanks. I'm a bit apprehensive this time because they're scanning the head and neck area, which means my head will have to be right inside the scanner and I am a bit claustrophobic!

I had my neck scanned last time. I'll admit I didnt enjoy it!
Im back in next Saturday for my shoulder
I was the same as you when I saw Saturday

System

When I had a lower body scan it wasn't too bad, as my head was out the other end of the 'tunnel'. It was just a case of having to be patient and lie very still for about 40 minutes while the machine made a noise and took the images. This time the part that needs scanning, ie my head and neck, will have to be right inside the machine. It will feel like a long 40 minutes this time, I think, but I hope I can do it without taking a sedative as I don't like feeling woozy or not quite 'with it', especially when I am out on my own.

Good luck with your shoulder scan custardy.

aliasojo

Just wanted to join in with the apprehension here.

I'm going for a head and neck MRI and *something else can't remember* lol, soon and like you I'm concerned about being right inside the machine.

I've also read some stuff about head MRI's that I wish I hadn't. :rotfl:

My app is on the 19th, if yours is first will you come back and let me know how you got on?

Good luck. x

custardy

avogadro wrote: »

When I had a lower body scan it wasn't too bad, as my head was out the other end of the 'tunnel'. It was just a case of having to be patient and lie very still for about 40 minutes while the machine made a noise and took the images. This time the part that needs scanning, ie my head and neck, will have to be right inside the machine. It will feel like a long 40 minutes this time, I think, but I hope I can do it without taking a sedative as I don't like feeling woozy or not quite 'with it', especially when I am out on my own.

Good luck with your shoulder scan custardy.

Well I had my neck done last time
why they didnt check my shoulder at the same time I will never know,given this all came from a shoulder op!
It was my first scan. might be worth calling ahead and speaking to them regarding the procedure?
I was surprised at how narrow the 'tunnel' is,it looks much bigger on prgrams like House
Im a fairly big guy and my shoulders rubbed along the sides. not comfortable with a dodgy shoulder.
not to freak you out but be prepared for them fitting a 'cage' over your head/face
i assume its for a grid on the scan,if its the same for you

aliasojo

custardy wrote: »

I was surprised at how narrow the 'tunnel' is,it looks much bigger on prgrams like House
Im a fairly big guy and my shoulders rubbed along the sides. not comfortable with a dodgy shoulder.
not to freak you out but be prepared for them fitting a 'cage' over your head/face
i assume its for a grid on the scan,if its the same for you

_pale_

Does it get hot too?

custardy

aliasojo wrote: »

_pale_

Does it get hot too?

I didnt find it hot at all
TBH I just shut my eyes most of the time given theres nothing to really look at
I think the radiographer saw my fight or flight kicking in at the end.
she went to great pains to make sure i didn't jump off when they brought me out