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.