We have days dedicated to celebrating almost everything. Days for donuts, coffee, moms, dads, cats, and dogs-and the list goes on and on. Today was MRI day. At least, that is what I decided to proclaim. Especially now that my doctor insists I have one in addition to my mammogram every year.
They are not particularly fun. Imagine lying face down on a narrow table. White towels lining the hole where your face rests. Your arms straight out in front-think Superman pose. No, wait-Wonder Woman. 😉
Once in position, you must be perfectly still for thirty minutes. Perfectly still while the tube you are in makes random, intermittent noises, as if preparing for take-off. Actually, it is just a really loud camera.
I know this probably does not sound like something to celebrate. But this year, I choose to view it differently. I am celebrating deep breaths that helped me to relax. I am celebrating old hymns and classic James Taylor singing inside my head. I am celebrating medical science that says early detection is key.
Even though physically uncomfortable, the above reasons eased my anxiety. And I was reminded that I can do hard things. So, get your mammograms! And if your doctor says the word MRI, you can do it! Until next year! 💕
Piano Girl 
Have never encountered such an upbeat take on MRIs before. I’m filing your perspective away in case I’m ever told I need one of these – thank you. (Seems entirely probable if I live long enough, an MRI will show up in my recommended list. I am approaching the age when mammograms become optional vs routine – but headed next week for mammo & bone density.)
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It is honestly a new take for me! 😉
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It’s a wonderful take Kelley — one I wish I’d had years ago when my youngest daughter, who is now about to turn 33, was diagnosed with a rare spinal condition and had to undergoregular 6 month MRIs from age 5 – 8.
I bought her a lion she called Grrrrr. He was her companion in the tube and her strength. He roared when she (and I) wanted to cry.
Many hugs. You are an inspiration.
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Oh Louise-I can only imagine how difficult it would be to watch your child go through that-and how frightening for her. What a precious gift, that roaring lion. ❤️
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30 minutes spent in that way must seem like a lifetime. Only James Taylor could make it bearable. Glad he was there for you even if , as the Christmas song goes, “if only in my dreams.”
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Sweet baby James to the rescue. 😉❤️
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You can do hard things with love in your heart for yourself and everyone around you. You are a superstar my friend. I am going to do a cartwheel for you right now. Thanks for letting me celebrate with you.
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❤️❤️❤️
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It is such a positive way of looking at the scan.
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Being a medical student, I too encountered a lot of MRIs of my patients. And yeah, it’s not that easy as it seems to be. Before actually doing MRI, we have to first become a proffesional counsellor to counsel them that it is worth it. And it is actually the investigation of choice for most soft tissue diseases- tendons, ligaments, nerves, vessels, muscles, etc.
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