What exactly is a MRI?

Today I had a MRI scan for what felt like the millionth time (actually due to boredom during the scan I started working out the number I've had and think it's about 13/14!). Anyway (thanks to my veins behaving themselves for once), the scan was surprisingly quick and I was out in under 25 minutes. It has occurred to me that despite most people having heard of "MRI", many people probably have very little idea about what is involved, unless they have had one themselves, hence the many wishes of "good luck" I am showered with before each scan, as if I'm about to go through an invasive procedure or about to go off to war! So I thought I'd share with you (incase you or any loved ones have to have one) exaxtly what I know and understand an MRI to be, what hqppens, and why it is that it's the one procedure I tend to take in my stride and handle quite easily. So firstly, MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. The MRI scanner is, essentially a large magnet with a hole through the middle and does not contain any x-rays (there is no fear of radiation with MRI). Before the scan takes place, you have to remove any metal objects (eg belts, watches, earrings etc) from your person. When you get the original letter it usually says you have will be asked to change into a gown. In all honesty I think it depends on the area of the body being scanned. In all my (head) scans, I've only ever had to change into a gown once. Generally I am scanned in my normal clothing. When you go into the scanning room you are asked to lie on a scanner table which is narrow, flat and not particularly comfortable, although they have got better at providing me with cushions under my legs to make life a little easier. You have to lie in a precise position, for me this usually involves a lot of shuffling to get my shoulders in the right place (as I'm tall). Once in position they fix a camera attached to a cage over my face, this is close but doesn't actually touch me. They also put ear plugs in, and padding around my ears, to muffle the very LOUD sounds! They give you an emergency buzzer to hold (I've never had to use mine!) and tell you to briefly close your eyes as there is initially a bright light before you enter the scanner. I usually keep my eyes closed throughout, as TBH, there is very little of interest to look at, so I find other things to think about. The worst thing is the noise. a mixture of whirrings, drummings and knockings- irritating, yes, but not particularly alarming on painful. Different imaging (I Presume) takes different lengths of time, depending on the sequence used. For me I generally have 10 (long and boring!) minutes before I'm initially slid out of the scanner for my contrast injection. This is the bit I don't like so much... Let me stress not everyone has to have this injection. I do because the contrast helps to enhance the appearance of cancer cells, making them more visable. The reason I don't usually like this part is down to my veins. Contrast has to be injected intra-veinously , and it can take an age (and lots of attempts) to find a suitable vein. I think the worst I ever had was seven attempts and three members of staff! Today (thankfully), they found a vein with only two attempts, although ended up with the more painful option going into my hand (as opposed to my arm) , which is less than pleasant. Following the injection, I usually go back in the scanner for another 5 minutes, and then it's all done. I don't usually get the results for at least a couple of days. I'm seeing my oncologist on Friday, so should be discussing them then; people often ask me how the MRI went, and the truth is I never know until I get the results. I have to say though. MRIs are fairly easy and (once you know what's hppening!) non-scary, so if you ever need one it's not worth worrying about, just think of it as getting your picture taken - which essentially it is!