While laying in a tube, diameter just larger than a human body, with sounds similar to a jackhammer rattling my brain, I fall like Alice in Wonderland, down a “rabbit hole” and land in an unexpected, but peaceful place.
I discovered this rabbit hole during my first MRI and am thankful I did every two or three years when I again find myself encased like a poster in a cardboard tube. Just after I am slid into this tube, claustrophobic gases seem to fill the space around me and soon enter my nostrils, my mouth my lungs, I want to squeeze the “help” ball which is in my right hand to communicate,
”GET ME OUT OF HERE!”
Just before I squeeze it, I breathe the imaginary claustrophobic gas in and find myself in my own peaceful, soulful MRI world.
Some might call where my mind settles meditation, others prayer; for me it’s a bit of both. I float. I think of the people I love. I visit my favorite places…always stop by Stanley Lake…where my soul consistently wanders when needing to be soothed.
I hear the jolting MRI machine sounds morph into a symphony played by a heavy metal orchestra (if there was such a thing). I do not like heavy metal music, but from my magical MRI world, I do; and so I float on the music that is no longer obnoxious noise.
This is how I get through the hour and a quarter I spend in the tube. Last night when the technician said “One more image to go. It’s a short one, just four minutes and we’re finished”, I popped up through my rabbit hole as excited as can be that it was over. After they got me out of that skinny pipe and helped me to my feet, I realized that I felt like peaceful dust (non-allergenic) was still floating around me.
I dread MRIs, but, I am surprised every time to find that rabbit hole to peace in that claustrophobic, obnoxiously noisy, narrow, tube..
Those of you who have had closed MRIs, how do you make it through without squeezing “THE GET ME OUT OF HERE!” ball?
*Mom, thanks for sending me your prayers at exactly six o’clock. They arrived and I think they seeped into the MRI machine with me. Oh yes, I can’t forget to thank you for not lighting a candle so I wouldn’t smell (envision) the smoke from states away and start a coughing fit in the middle of the tube–wink!
Great image – rabbit hole. Before my first MRI, my brother-in-law described the experience as like being in a casket on a construction site. That totally cracked me up. Now, whenever I have an MRI, I think of his description and it still makes me laugh.
Barbara, yes, your brother-inlaw said it, it does feel like being in a casket on a construction site! I think though if I thought about it while in the MRI machine, it might freak me out.
Think its great it makes you laugh in the midst of an MRI. It’s funny what tickles each of our funny bones and gets through tough stuff. Thank goodness for humor, the ultimate soul soother.
MRIs scare me to death. I tried valium and that didn’t work. So for the past five MRIs, I’ve gone to the clinic that has the open-sided MRI. It was calming and quiet that I fell asleep every time.
Wonderful to know your MRI went so well. Kerry what an incredible imagination you have. A truly wonderful gift!!! Just like when you were a wee 2 year old, and you had imaginary friends, Wooka, Haaka, and Paul.
So glad we could pray for you at the exact time of your MRI. And you are welcome regarding the candles.
Oh Kerry
My stomach knotted up just hearing you talk about the MRI and tight fit….you did an amazing job of removing yourself from the situation…Glad you are home and in your sanctuary again.
I actually worked at a company that designed and manufactured MRIs. So I’ve had a few voluntary / elective scans. I tend to go into a dreamless, restless sleep.
I also did the “Lemon Squeezer” at Lost River in New Hampshire. It’s basically a really tight crawlspace that has the pointy end of a huge boulder sticking down into it. So I guess I’m not averse to tight places.
Your imagination is a gift. I love your description of your experience. Glad you made it through the MRI.
Hey there cutie patutie! Great story. Love that you were able to float to some lovely places:)
Years ago I had to have an MRI…before “going in” the guy asked me if I was claustrophobic. “I don’t think so” was my answer.
Once I was put in the tube…to rot and die…I realized that maybe I was. So, I started to talk (out loud)to myself “oh-no…I don’t think I can do this!!!!” All of a sudden a voice came from somewhere and said “so you are claustrophobic!”
That was a very very very long 1/2 hour. If I ever have to have another one…it I am going to say a big resounding “YES” to the Valium and then I will be able to go down my own kind of rabbit hole:)