Medical imaging departments are notorious for being cold. The various machines make heat so temperatures are kept low to compensate. Patients in a thin gown can often be quite cold. When dressed in cotton sweats, ask if it’s possible to wear those garments. It’s often allowed. If not, patients in a gown who feel chilled can ask for a blanket or two if necessary.
If taking contrast or barium by mouth, ask about the taste. If the taste is nasty, it can be difficult to drink it down. Gagging and vomiting are not something any patient wants to experience. Vomiting would only require that more be drunk so ask the staff for help. Contrast and barium are more palatable when cold. It helps some people to drink it through a straw in a cup with a closed lid.
Positioning is important. During medical imaging, the technicians must get images of the area in question but there are ways to minimize discomfort. Ask if it’s possible to have a pillow under back or legs. If the position a patient finds himself in is painful, don’t suffer in silence. Ask that a workable alternative be found.
Anyone who feels claustrophobic should ask for an open MRI. Ask if it’s possible to listen to a favorite CD to keep from obsessing about the procedure and to pass the time. Most MRI equipment has sound systems and headphones or speakers. For mental imaging procedures that take longer, ask about bringing your own CD player.
Diabetics required to fast before a procedure should bring along a sugar source if blood sugar levels should drop.
After the imaging is over, there are a few things to do. Ask if there are any special instructions to follow at home. Drink a lot over the next 24 hours especially if contrast was used to wash it out of the body. Check a mirror if barium or contrast was used to avoid strange or discolored lips. Results are not normally immediate but concerned patients can ask before leaving.
Once home, take a break from daily routines and get some rest. Although not as invasive as surgery procedures, medical imaging can be stressful and unpleasant so take a little recovery time.