The MRI at University of South Florida at Tampa General Hospital

I had what I would consider an above average experience with the three staff members I met with the University of South Florida Radiology Department at the Tampa General Hospital. Ms A., the person I met at front desk was curtious and friendly. Miss. B., the MRI Tech., was superb. Even providing me the opportunity to bust out of my anxiety and claustrophobic mentality. By the way, just in case one would not know this, I was medicated. Took one tab prior to leaving the lodge and another prior to the MRI. This being close to the one dozenth in four years. True. Seen.

Once inside the room and sitting, I noticed the Hannibal, metal cage face mask that I would have to wear for the filming. Of which, I think was the visual clue that set into motion the added anxiety and to initiate claustrophobia with a quickness. Kindred, I hate that trap something dreadful! Something awful, I promise. With this MRI,  particularly the metal cage face mask did not require I be fastened to the contraption, like the one at the Memorial Hospital and the one at Memorial touched my face. Not this one at USF at TGH. Thank you Great Spirit.

For me, the idea of being 'stuffed' into a tube is like over stuffing the casing of sausage. My shoulders brush the entry way and are so broad my upper arms literally are squished into these bastard damned grand medicine machines that are also torture chambers for folks like me. Hm?

My mind ventured out and about a couple or thrice times. One was so utterly horrifying that I had to say my "Hail Mary's", and my "Our Father's", to catch myself and my breath. I could not bring in my inhaler so I practiced breathing exercises while praying. Repeating too, this is not a coffin, this is not a coffin, God, this is not a coffin. All the while listening to the voices and sounds in my Deaf left ear. Excuse me, now that I think about it, the one thing I think was a negative experience were the ear plugs, I don't know if it is the quality used or that I did not have them both inserted correctly. The left one slowly but surely began a process of removing itself from my Deaf ear and the right plug was not inserted properly because I didn't get much protection. There were times the discomfort became more like pain and got so bad I waited for blood. Both ear drums are bruised and both roar with a loudness, even six hours or so later.