How many of you have been in an MRI machine? How many of you have been "perfectly healthy" when going into an MRI machine for a brain scan?
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The official purpose of this study was to see how mental performance can be improved by playing games designed to exercise certain mental skill sets. At the start of this study, I took a preliminary skills test, then drove to Queens to have my brain scanned.
Going into an MRI requires that one's body be devoid of metals which could be dislodged by extreme magnetic fields. So, I had to remove the studs from my ears beforehand, and then only wear a hospital gown when being slid into the machine. Once one puts noise cancelling earmuffs on, one's head is locked into place. Then one is slid into the machine, and the "fun"takes place for the next 15 minutes. One can't scratch an itch, blow one's nose, or otherwise deal with minor discomforts while being bombarded by loud banging noises from outside. Thank god that one must wear the earmuffs while in the MRI machine, as one would be deafened without them.
This took place 3 months ago, and I knew what to expect upon my return. What I didn't expect is how I'd feel when coming out of the machine. But I digress. Around 12:45 pm, I left RQS's place and drove to the MRI center in Laurelton, Queens. Arriving there at 1:30 pm, I walked across the street to get something to drink, and then entered the Radiation Center for my MRI.
After I filled out my paperwork, I went to relieve myself. And this is where I started to sour on this day, as the sink was clogged and half filled with water. Although I reported this to staff, it was not fixed by the time I left the place about 1 1/4 hours later. When I was called for the MRI, I was told to get into a hospital gown - which wasn't there. It took another 15 minutes to find some new gowns for me to wear. Only then, did I start to get ready to enter the MRI again.
About 10 minutes later, I was slid into the MRI machine and again bombarded with noise for 15 minutes. This time, my time in the MRI felt like it was quicker than the first time around. When I was slid out of the machine, I had a hard time sitting up without help, as I had no leverage to sit up properly. Once in position, I was able to get off the table without help, but my balance was off - I stumbled like a drunk for a minute, and then was perfectly OK. Weird!
When I went out to the changing area, there was someone about to change into her hospital gown where my clothes were stored. So I asked her to hold on for a minute while I fetched my clothes. And then I got dressed to go home. As I left the place for the last time, I felt a little sad - I was done with the study, but free to go.
An hour and a half later, I was home. It'll be nice to use the compensation I received when I decide what to do with it....
