Getting a contrast MRI

I was praying these XXXL pants
would not fall off 

As much as I look forward to my FNC videos, yesterday I had another acronym to contend with... MRI.

I finally decided to take further action in dealing with my fibroids. Not only are they painful, pressing down on my bladder, creating a kangaroo pouch in my lower abdomen, but I'm just so sick and tired of dealing with all the multiple daily issues that come along with having fibroids.

Right now, I'm leaning towards getting a Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE). My GYN however suggests that I just get a hysterectomy but I'm not parting ways with my organs so easily. Especially since I'm only 37 with no children.

A UFE is still going to involve having surgery, but it's a far less invasive option. It basically blocks the blood supply to the fibroids, thereby shrinking them (in theory). Before getting a UFE, a MRI scan is required to see the size and placement of the fibroids on my uterus.

This was my first time getting a MRI so I didn't know what to expect. Here's a quick run down of what took place.

It is me, or does that look like the
Batman symbol on the wall?

I got stabbed 3 times. They had a difficult time inserting the IV because my veins are very small. They eventually had to call a RN over from another building to get the needle in my vein.

I received a pair of ear plugs and was told to stay extremely still. At times I was even asked to hold my breath, that's how still you have to be. The machine is extremely noisy. I closed my eyes and tried to think of anything that would take my mind away from the noise. It worked for brief moments but not completely. Mid-way though the process, I felt like the room was moving.

I went home with a serious headache. I've never had a contrast MRI before, so I don't know if it was the noise from the machine or a reaction to the contrast dye, either way, I didn't feel very well. My head was pounding down to my neck. I found myself leaning over to support my head with my hand so that I didn't have to use my neck muscles. I don't suffer with headaches very often, usually it's a sign that I need to get some sleep, so that's what I did.

My follow up visit is on Wednesday, where we will discuss the images from the MRI and my options. I'll keep you posted on this whole process as best I can.