My children had six weeks of camp this summer and we’re on week five. During this time it was my plan to do all the things that are a huge pain in the ass to do WITH them, including work and writing.
I checked off the dermatologist and my general practitioner to discuss my migraines. I have yet to go to the dentist, but something had to fall off the list right?
Earlier this week, I went to the eye doctor for the first time since MIDDLE SCHOOL! What? How does that even happen? Well, my eyesight is still pretty good (20/15 in my right eye!) but guess who’s getting older? Me.
The eye doctor recommended I get glasses for computer use and reading. So voila:
Then on Tuesday, I had to get an MRI. Nothing to worry about, but my doctor wanted a baseline since my migraines are changing. I now get auras and numbness. UBER FUN! So I was a little nervous going in, but I asked around and talked to a lot of my friends about what to expect and felt pretty good about it. Until the bed started to go into the machine.
Apparently I have a bit of claustrophobia.
I freaked out. Like, “oh my god, you have to get me out. I have to get out of here. Please please please get me out of here” freaked out. Add in some anxiety-ridden breathing and involuntary tears and you have me coming back out of the tube.
HOLY EMBARRASSMENT! I wanted to die.
I kept apologizing over and over again, but both techs assured me I was not the first person to do this. I calmed down and they gave me few options.
1. I could put a towel over my eyes.
2. They could attach a mirror to the head piece that would allow me to see out of the machine.
3. We could reschedule and I could get an anti-anxiety medicine to take beforehand.
I had calmed down enough to know I could do this. Keeping my eyes open as I went into the tube was a HUGE mistake and I knew I didn’t want to come back. So I asked for the mirror.
HUGE DIFFERENCE. It allowed me to see out of the tube/machine, which made all the difference in the world. I could see my legs AND I could see the techs in the other room. Sigh of relief! MRI complete.
Note to anyone going in for the first MRI – it is extremely noise. They will give you headphones, and most places will provide some music. Ask them to turn it up. Also, ask for a blanket. It can get cold.
So summer is almost over. I have one more week to do whatever I want all the things I need to do for me. I have a hair cut scheduled and I might get a massage. (Dentist!? Nah, I’ve got priorities people.)
What have you done for you this summer?
And a pedi!!
I’ve been in that stupid machine more times than I care to think about. What a pain. Better than exploratory surgery, though.