Music to magnetise my brain by

I’m having an MRI scan later. It’ll be my third – one brain scan in 2008, and a knee scan and a lumbar spine scan last December. This one is going to be different for a couple of reasons: firstly, it’s going to take about 90 minutes – significantly longer than any MRI I’ve had, and secondly, it’s not a scan I want to have because I already know the outcome, and the outcome will confirm my worst fears.

MRIs are fascinating. They work by using a magnet to ‘excite’ the hydrogen atoms in your body which then emit a radio frequency which can be used to map out your tissues. I’m actually too stupid to be able to properly understand or explain this but you can of course read about it on Wikipedia. Medical science blows my mind, almost literally.

For the patient, especially one like me who can’t comprehend the scientific intricacies of what is happening, having an MRI is two things: claustrophobic (lying in a tunnel just wider than yourself, unable to get out), and loud.

Luckily for me, you can take a CD to listen to on headphones while the scan is happening. I don’t know if this will make it easier as I’ve never been able to do this before but music is a crutch for me in most other situations. My husband is making me a CD as we speak with some calming, soothing tunes. I’ll let you know what’s on it and whether it worked tomorrow, but in the meantime – what music would get you through this? I’d love to hear your suggestions!