Reasons To Have Someone Attend Your MRI Appointment With You
When you get a referral for an MRI from your doctor and call the clinic to set up your appointment, you'll sometimes be asked if you wish to bring someone to the appointment with you. This might not be a topic that you've previously considered, but as long as the imaging clinic accepts it, doing so can be a good idea. A family member or a close friend can be a valuable asset when you attend an MRI appointment, and while the clinic may be set up so that your companion will need to wait in a room adjacent to the MRI room, you'll appreciate his or her presence. Here are some reasons to have someone go with you.
Arrange to Have Company And Distractions Beforehand
If you've never had an MRI in the past, you might feel a little anxious about it. While it's important that you remember there's nothing to fear — to the procedure itself is completely painless and some patients even find lying in the MRI machine to be relaxing — it's often human nature to have some trepidation with new experiences. The last thing you want is to be getting worked up on your drive to the clinic. Having someone with you gives you someone to talk to, and you can enjoyably pass the time without fussing.
Care For Your Possessions
It's customary to have to change into medical scrubs or a gown when you have an MRI appointment. Those who enter the MRI machine cannot have any metal in their pockets or on their clothing, so zippers, coins in your pocket, and other such issues are a definite no-no. When you have someone visit with you, he or she can take your pocket items and clothing while you're having the MRI, which can help you to feel comfortable. It's imperative to stay still while you're in the machine, so you don't want to fidget as you stress about your wallet and keys being unattended.
Help Remembering Details
Sometimes, you may lack confidence that you'll be able to remember all of the details that the imaging technician tells you. This could be the case if you're on medication that leaves you feeling a bit scattered, for example. While it's OK to forget — your doctor will go over everything with you later on — it may feel more empowering to have someone with you. Having your family member sit in with you when the technician goes over any details at the end of your appointment can help you to feel more informed.
To learn more, contact a company like Kenai Peninsula Imaging Center, LLC.