My last MRI

I had my final MRI on Saturday. Everything is ok. Bones looked fantastic, infection cleared.

I left for the hospital bright and early on Saturday morning. MRI usually takes forever so I better start early. I got to Gleneagles at about 8.30am and registered at the counter. I had to go to my Dr's clinic to get the MRI order slip before going to the radiology dept. The Dr.s clinic only opens at 9am so I had to wait a while. I finally got my slip and made my way to the radiology dept. Since I already made an appointment, I get to get started right away. I went in at about 9.15am. As usual, I was told to undressed, remove all my jewellery and put on the hospital robes. A nice young guy attended to me and showed me into the MRO theatre.

MRI guy: Kak first time ke?
me: eh tak de lah... dah banyak kali dah.

I was told to lie on the bench and me tucked me in. I had pillows a blanket and something under my knees. It was really comfortable.

Me: bole pasang music tak?
MRI guy: Yang ada lagu Jepun lah
Me: Bole lah

So with music piping in the background, I was slid into the machine. Sliding in, the top part of the machine was nearly touching my face, but the deeper you went in, it gets larger inside. As soon as I am in, I would look above me to assure myself that my head is almost out the other side. So there is no reason to be claustrophobic. I also had a little button that I could sqeeze if I needed help. After I was put in position, I was all set. And I waited for it to start. I expected to hear the rattling sounds that you would hear in an MRI machine but non came. So I waited and waited.... Lamanyeeeee

Finally it started. After what seemed like eternity, it stopped and the MRI guy came in and slid me out. I thought YES dah habis.

MRI guy: Kak, kita kena letak colour sikit lah.
Me: ah?? Tak habis lagi ke?
MRI guy: belum.... kita masuk balik... buat pelvic scan pulak... lepas tuh Dr akan datang inject kaler
Me: alllaaaaaah. OK lah

So in I went again. By that time I did not know how long I've been in there. After yet again what seemed like eternity I was moved out of the machine. This time I needed to pee, so I thought I asked for a toilet break.

Me: Bang, bole pergi toilet sat tak? Pleeeeaaaaseeeeee
MRI guy: *smile* boleeeee

So up I got and headed for the bathroom. Outside the MRI theatre tons of people wer waiting for their turn. All in hospital gowns looking pretty cross. Alamak.... Hey not my fault they are taking so long. I suspen jugak... how come it is taking so long. I asked the MRI guy if everything is ok. He says ok... no problem.

The MRI guy walked me to the bathroom (how sweet). After I was done he was there waiting for me outside. How nice of him! I expected him to go back to the MRI theatre.

So I back I went to the theatre and I was nicely tucked in. The Radiologist came in to inject the colouring.

Dr: Everything is looking great. Now I just need to put some colouring to make the pictures look nicer. Don't worry, it won't make you drowsy or anything... only makes the pictures nicer.
Me: OK (slightly nervous)

I could see the syringe. The liquid was clear and it was a very big syringe! And it was sakit k. But I felt less worried after I spoke to the Dr and when she said that everything was ok.

MRI guy: 10 more minutes je ok?
Me: ok

In I went into the machine. The MRI guy gently places his hands on my feet

MRI guy: OK ?
Me: OK (thumbs up)

Again... what felt like eternity I was done. Finally!! I got up stretched said thank you to the nice MRI guy. I opened the door and there were loads of angry people outside. I meekly walked out to the changing room. I looked at my watch. HOLY GOD!! I was in there for 2 hours!!! An MRI usually takes 20 mins.. but 2 HOURS!! I was just glad it was over. This better be my last MRI. I don't think I can cope with another.

So conclusion from my Dr, everything looks great. Nerves uncompressed, bones healed nicely.

I would like to thank Dr. Zulkharnain and Dr. Lim Kim Hatt at Gleneagles Intan Hospital for their fantastic work and moral support. Without which, I would not have been able to live and enjoy life as I am able today.