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The idea of going in for any medical testing is something that immediately makes most of us uncomfortable. Many of us don\u2019t even enjoy a regular technologist’s checkup, making the idea of a scheduled test that much more off-putting. Maybe we\u2019re nervous that the test will reveal something we don\u2019t want to know. Perhaps we\u2019re worried that it will hurt. It can even just be that something about a medical environment immediately puts us on edge.<\/p>\n
If these thoughts sound like the types of worries you\u2019ve dealt with, we want to put your mind at ease. While these fears are natural ones that we all experience, we want to show you that medical testing procedures like\u00a0MRI<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0CT scans<\/a>\u00a0are nothing to feel nervous about.<\/p>\n To help dispel some of the fears that may be circling inside you, we hope to explain in clear and concise terms what happens during these tests and what to expect. Additionally, we\u2019ll talk strategies for staying calm and easing some of the anxieties that may keep creeping up as the day of your scan approaches. By arming yourself with this knowledge, you\u2019ll be ready to take on your tests with confidence and determination.<\/p>\n The best way to prepare for what might sound like an intimidating medical procedure is to learn what it is and what the technologists use it for. In almost every case, once you sweep away the confusing medical jargon and terminology, the process seems much less daunting. The same holds true for MRIs and CT scans.<\/p>\n There\u2019s a good chance you\u2019ve only ever heard an MRI referred to by its acronym. Its full name, however, is much more informative when it comes to revealing what the test is. MRI stands for “magnetic resonance imaging,” which means the test uses a\u00a0combination of radio waves and magnets<\/a> to take pictures of what\u2019s going on inside your body. The MRI machine then translates these images and sends them to a computer, where the technologists can view them and gain insight into your medical condition without having to perform any invasive procedures.<\/p>\n There are two main scenarios in which technologists might prescribe an MRI:<\/p>\n Even though the idea of being sent for a medical test might seem intimidating, both of these potential situations show that getting an MRI is a good thing. It means that no matter what may be going on inside your body, this test will get technologists one step closer to putting you back on the road to your best and healthiest life.<\/p>\n Schedule an MRI or CT Scan at Health Images<\/a><\/p>\n A CT scan has a lot in common with an MRI but is a different procedure that your technologist might recommend. The letters stand for “computed tomography,” which won\u2019t mean a lot to most of us. Despite the confusing name, however, the process is simple.<\/p>\n Like MRIs, the purpose of a CT scan is to record images of your insides that help technologists diagnose and treat a variety of conditions. Unlike an MRI, however, CT scans use x-rays to take pictures. These images are then sent to computers where the technologists can view them and learn more about the inner workings of your body.<\/p>\n Also, like MRIs, CT scans are ordered for two primary reasons:<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve ever seen an MRI in medical TV shows, you already know a bit about what to expect. The MRI machine is a long, enclosed tube with an opening at one end. At this open end, there\u2019s a table-shaped section that patients will lie down on. This table then slides up into the machine, where the patient will lie still while the machine surrounding them slowly scans their insides. This process is entirely painless.<\/p>\n A few of the things to be aware of during this procedure include:<\/p>\n A CT machine is a large, ring-shaped machine with a table in the middle of it. When you go for your CT scan, you\u2019ll lie on the table, which will then move slowly through the scanner. The x-rays will rotate around your body, taking multiple images that will then be compiled into a complete and comprehensive image of the body part being scanned. As with the MRI, this process is entirely painless and requires nothing of you other than lying still.<\/p>\n A few of the things you\u2019ll want to know before heading in for your CT scan include:<\/p>\n Still feeling a little on-edge about an upcoming MRI or CT scan? Try out a few of these tips to see if they help dispel any of the MRI anxiety you’re feeling.<\/p>\n Worried you won\u2019t know what to expect during your scan? Nervous that there might be some scary element they haven\u2019t told you about yet? The best way to dispel these fears is by asking questions. We promise, there\u2019s no question the technologists haven\u2019t heard before, and most of your questions are likely entirely reasonable. The more answers you get about the procedure, the more your CT scan anxiety will shrink as there are fewer unknowns to contend with.<\/p>\n Are you worried you won\u2019t know how to stay calm during the MRI? Have you struggled with claustrophobia in the past? Maybe you\u2019re afraid the noise will be too much for you? These concerns are all valid ones to share with your technologist, and in many cases, they can help you find a solution. Your technologist might prescribe a medication to help with the claustrophobia<\/a> or provide earplugs to guard against the noise. Remember, no question or concern is too silly or irrelevant to share with your technologist.<\/p>\n Everything is a little better when you have a friend or trusted family member along for the ride. If you\u2019re feeling nervous, why not bring someone else along to provide moral support? They can wait for you in the waiting room and drive you home again afterward. That way, no matter how anxious you might be feeling, you\u2019ll have someone to help distract you and take your mind off of things.<\/p>\n While MRIs and CT scans don\u2019t hurt, some people may find it nerve-wracking to lie on the table for long periods of time without moving. One of the best ways you can keep yourself calm and relaxed<\/a> as you\u2019re lying there is to\u00a0take deep breaths and let your mind wander<\/a>. Try meditation or prayer, or simply let your thoughts go somewhere else. If you slip into a daydream instead of focusing on all the noises and sounds around you, you\u2019ll likely be amazed by how much faster the procedure seems to go.<\/p>\n Has your technologist recommended you go for an MRI or CT scan? If your initial reaction is worry and anxiety, you\u2019re not alone. However, taking the time to learn about the procedures ahead of time as well as all the ways you can help yourself stay calm will work wonders to lessen your anxiety. In addition, one of the best ways you can overcome nerves about medical testing is by choosing the right testing center. That\u2019s why we invite you to schedule your test with us here at Health Images.<\/p>\n At Health Images, we make sure to use the latest state-of-the-art technology so that you can be sure your scan is the most accurate one possible to help you get the treatment you deserve. You\u2019ll also find our staff friendly, caring, committed and open to any questions and concerns you might have. When you choose Health Images, you can feel confident that you\u2019re in the best hands possible.<\/p>\n With more than a dozen of our locations scattered around the Denver area, there\u2019s always an office near you. Choose the most convenient location, then\u00a0contact us to get started<\/a>\u00a0on scheduling your appointment.<\/p>\nMRIs and CT Scans: What Are They?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What Is an MRI?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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What Is a CT Scan?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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What to Expect During an MRI<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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What to Expect During a CT Scan<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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How to Stay Calm During a CT Scan or MRI<\/strong><\/h2>\n
1. Ask Plenty of Questions<\/strong><\/h3>\n
2. Voice Your Concerns<\/strong><\/h3>\n
3. Bring Someone Along for Moral Support<\/strong><\/h3>\n
4. Remember to Breathe<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Schedule Your MRI or CT Scan Today<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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