This morning’s health check was good.
I lost a few more ounces.
My blood pressure was good.
My heart rate was good.
And my body-water reading was basically unchanged.
So overall, another good start to the day.
Then came the part I had been waiting for.
MRI Day
I had the kidney MRI today.
I had forgotten just how loud those machines are.
And how confined they feel.
Even when you know exactly what is happening, lying inside that tube for an extended period of time is still a strange experience.
The entire MRI took about 45 minutes.
This one was done with contrast.
At one point, after they gave me the contrast, the technologist told me I had about 12 minutes left.
Okay.
Twelve minutes.
My brain immediately did the math.
720 seconds.
So I started counting.
One.
Two.
Three.
Four.
Eventually I got to 1,000.
At that point I remember thinking:
I think she lied to me.
Apparently my internal clock is not nearly as accurate as I thought.
Not long after that, they started moving me back out of the machine.
So maybe she didn’t lie after all.
A Very Different MRI Experience
Something else surprised me today.
The last time I had an MRI, I barely fit inside the machine.
There wasn’t much room at all.
Today?
I still wasn’t exactly swimming around in there, but there was noticeably more space.
That was one of those little reminders of how much my body has changed.
When you lose weight gradually, sometimes you don’t really notice the difference from one day to the next.
Then something happens that gives you a comparison to the old version of yourself.
For me today, it was fitting inside an MRI machine with room to spare.
I’ll take it.
Now We Wait
The MRI is done.
That is the important part.
Now no more anticipating it.
No more wondering what it is going to be like.
No more mentally building it up.
Now I just wait for the results.
I should hopefully have them tomorrow.
After all of the kidney questions over the last few months, the ultrasound, the nephrology appointments, the blood work, and now the MRI, I’m hoping this gives us the detailed answer we’ve been waiting for.
For tonight, though, there isn’t much else I can do.
The test is finished.
The numbers this morning were good.
And tomorrow should hopefully bring some answers.
Medical Disclaimer
This journal reflects my personal health experience and the testing plan developed specifically for me by my healthcare providers. Nothing in this article should be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or a recommendation regarding MRI testing, contrast agents, kidney disease, fluid intake, medications, or treatment. MRI procedures and the use of contrast can vary depending on a person’s medical history and the purpose of the examination. Always follow the instructions provided by your own healthcare team and radiology department, and discuss any concerns about imaging or contrast with qualified healthcare professionals.
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