I had 2 traditional MRIs in January.
The first one wasn’t too bad. I was on high doses of pain meds and fell asleep during part of it.
The second was miserable. I cried and begged them not to do it or to give me a sedative. They could not.
When I was told I had to have a THIRD, as followup, I freaked.
I read about open MRI machines, but the hospital I was in did not have one.
I was ecstatic when I found out the outpatient place I was going did have one.
They had one by Siemens. I obviously didn’t get a picture.
Would I recommend an open MRI? Yes.
Is it better than a traditional MRI? Yes.
Will it still be miserable? Somewhat, but only because you can’t even wiggle your fingers.
There was a much larger opening, so that alone made it easier. In a traditional machine I feel like my nose will hit the top, and I’m a small person, so I can’t imagine how “tight” it is for someone of more average weight and build. This machine would have fit two or three of me.
Make sure you ask about an open MRI if your ever need one!