I Got An MRI And All I Could Think About Was A Cruise
How I kept calm during my MRI by thinking about an upcoming cruise...
As I lay inside the MRI machine, all I could think about was my dream cruise. The loud noises, the cramped space—it all faded away as my mind drifted to the open seas and sunny ports.
Over a decade ago, I injured my shoulder in a sporting accident. Since then, it's been a long journey of self healing, physical therapy, pain and re-injury, culminating in this moment: an MRI to finally understand the extent of the damage.
I don’t know if you’ve ever had an MRI, but it’s extremely loud and cramped. While I don’t get claustrophobic, between the very loud noise (even with ear protection on) and the closeness of the chamber, it’s very easy to freak out.
Instead, I tried to take myself out of it. Like I wasn’t in this very noisy, cramped tube taking a fluorescent picture of my injured shoulder. As the machine came to life and I was moved into the imaging chamber, I closed my eyes and tried to think about anything but this exact moment. What could take me out of this moment and keep me calm?
The one thing I love thinking about, of course: travel. And more specifically, cruising.
While the machine made whirling and knocking noises around me, I closed my eyes and began to think about how great it was going to be to board a cruise ship again. All the interesting people I was going to meet, the delicious food I’d get to eat, and most of all, all the books I’d bring in my carry-on that I’d finally find time to read!
I began to imagine the books I’d be packing for this cruise to Mexico next spring. Would I pack more non-fiction books to better my soft skills, a piece of fiction my BookTok friends won’t stop talking about, or perhaps I’ll just save articles from Substack this time around and have plenty to read on the ship’s wifi? 😉
As the machine whirled around me, I began to imagine the excursions. Exploration in the ports, looking at all the unique little shops and vendors. Imagining all the culture I’m sure to meet when I actually take the trip.
Before I knew it, the MRI was done and I was on my way. Wish me luck on the results—I’m really hoping the tears, if they’re there, aren’t significant enough to warrant surgery! 🤞
What do you do when you have to distract yourself? Do you have a place or thing you like to think about? I’d love to hear about it.
Good luck with the results! I’m glad you have the cruise to look forward to. Travel is a great distraction and getting away physically always helps in getting away mentally.