Well, I’ve had the MRI scan on my back. Now all I have to do is wait for the results – which should (with a following wind for the carrier pigeon) be with the GP in about 2 weeks or so.
Trying to get booked in was something of a farce. The letter sent to me from Stratford hospital said that I had to report to Building 2, 20 minutes before the scan. OK – not an issue. Well – not until I walked (or in my case hobbled) into the reception. Which had a sign on it saying that the X-Ray reception had been moved to Building 1. So I grumbled and hobbled across to the other building.
Only for the X-Ray reception to be closed. I wasn’t the only patient who had this same issue – another patient was there, as their scan was at 08:00 (and this was now 08:10). Luckily for both of us, a very kind member of staff from the X-ray department booked us both in, and told us that we should report to Building 2, as there was someone now manning the reception.
The first patient (who was due to be scanned at 08:00) was booked in, and whisked off to have the scan. That wasn’t a problem, but I did wish that I had my kindle with me, but luckily for me, I had my phone with me and that has the kindle app on it. So I was happily buried in my book (poor choice of words I guess as I was reading Wensley Clarkson’s book on Harold Shipman – Evil Beyond Belief) when I was called into discuss the brief form that I had to fill in before the scan.
This had questions about my general health (did I have any metallic implants – yes – in my left knee, but as this was done 25+ years ago, this wasn’t an issue), questions about tattoos (no chance – I’m scared of needles!) and one that wasn’t on the form. Did I have asthma. Yes. Ok – not an issue – was it under control? Yes.
I must have looked puzzled by this question, and it turned out that certain types of asthma are aggravated by lying flat. Mine isn’t so it was then off to the trailer where the scanner was located. The last time I saw this, it was located at Warwick hospital…
The scan itself wasn’t too bad – I got put into what looked like a plastic tube, on a mechanical sliding bed. I was given ear plugs (which were not much use at all, as I couldn’t get the damned things to fit) and then had the positioning pads to keep my head in one place. I was also given what looked like a partially inflated balloon to hold in my right hand.
This was the so-called “panic button” – the idea being that I could squeeze it and someone would come and pop me out of the scanner. This is because it is somewhat claustrophobic in the scanner. Me? I decided to use my meditation practice, and spent the entire time quietly meditating and ignoring the strange clunking noises that the scanner was making.
Before I knew it, the scan was over and done with, and the radiographer was amazed that I was able to stay so still. Apparently most patients did wriggle about at bit, so me staying still was something of a surprise. But I did ask one question about the scanner – the different noises that I heard whilst I was being scanned. It turned out that this was something to do with the different images that were required.
Once this was done, I was able to head for home, and I will admit that I was looking forward to getting home and sitting in a comfortable chair. Or in my case, a bean bag.
I ordered one in navy from Amazon, and freely admit it is really comfortable. OK - getting out of the thing isn't exactly elegant (you sort of roll out onto your knees), but to be honest, I really don't care as it's comfortable.
Ah well, guess I should call this quits - my bean bag is calling, and my poor little phone is making pathetic beeping noises.
Back whenever,
Karen
The Moonking is waiting again
And maybe he'll welcome you in
To ride on a warm solar wind
Back where your dreams can begin
The Moonking is calling again
But never a sound to be heard
So up through a bright silver sky
Waiting but never deterred
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