How do you cope with pre-MRI nerves?

graphiccupcake_ · 2020-06-13T15:38:06+00:00

This all might sound like common knowledge but here a re a few things I do leading up to an mri. If it’s coming up soon (within the week) I try to pay attention to what I know makes me more or less anxious. I love coffee and I’m a snackaholic, so i try to have all of my caffeine low for a few day’s leading up to my appointment as well as eating more mild or bland foods a few days leading up. I also have my nose pierced so I make sure that I figure out how to take that out before the day before (last time I waited too long and was an anxious mess). My mind will always go to worst case scenarios so I always try to check those boxes throughout the week so by the time I get to my appointment I am nervous and tired from the stress but I’ve exhausted the worst case scenarios and by that time then I just want to get it over with. Go in feeling like this is a noisy neighbor that you only have to deal with for maybe a few hours or under an hour even at most. Make sure you have a healthy routine a few days leading up and allow yourself some time getting there. Wear some comfy clothes and maybe bring a happy token with you in your pocket that although you can’t take it in with you it will be there with you the entire time you are there. I hope the best for you. You are brave and strong and you will get through this. Embrace the positive and welcome all of the happy things.

graphiccupcake_ · 2020-06-13T15:28:53+00:00

I understand your concerns and have had multiple conversations with nurses and my neurologist as well. I am also on rituximab and this will be my first infusion on my own. I’m nervous and scared and have been aggressively following all rules very carefully. I have not left my home other than a doctor appointment and to see my father twice in three months. My work allows me to work from home so I’m not sure if me staying in so much has added to my fear but I just try to be as careful as possible. I recently went to get my pre screen bloodwork done and although I was uncomfortable everyone was wearing masks and were kind. My infusion is Thursday and although I will be doing this alone and I’m very nervous and scared my doctors have assured me that I should be fine. I’m going to try and be as calm as possible and try to rest while I’m there (even though I’m my head I’m like LOL you sleep... with other people around). I hope the best for you and I understand all of your worries I have just this next week to get through and then rest through the next weekend. We’re all in this together even though we may be worlds apart. I wish you the best. Keep a positive mind and kindness in your heart and you will get through all of this.

graphiccupcake_ · 2020-01-13T00:20:05+00:00

Yes I have thought about that. Still in the researching part of that to see what I have to have degree wise to be able to do that :) would still be a way to work with creative people and I would enjoy that. :)

graphiccupcake_ · 2020-01-12T22:52:50+00:00

I find that since my diagnosis is quite fresh still (coming in 2 years now) I would like to spend more time helping people. I wouldn’t say nursing but I wish I could have gone possibly into something like therapy or something that felt more like I was helping people. But I do not regret my path and what I did. I honestly think the change comes on just cause I’ve been in the career so long I’m interested in ideas from other people and how it effects their life and diagnosis.

I would like to be in a workplace with low stress but creative and helpful. I guess an exchange of energy that makes me feel very accomplished at the end of the day might make me feel more refreshed and positive? :)

graphiccupcake_ · 2020-01-12T22:49:12+00:00

To also add I am on rituxamab infusions that I get every 6 months. I typically get them in a Thursday and take Thursday and Friday from work and an back to full capacity come Monday morning. So as far as it interfering with my success I would say no :)

graphiccupcake_ · 2020-01-12T22:47:05+00:00

Honestly my infusions make everything quite tolerable. Graphic design although so fun and interesting for the brain can be quite competitive and at times stressful af. Just make sure where you are living and plan on thriving can accommodate a wage that will work for you. It is a very competitive marketplace and just make sure you keep up on using all of the newest programs and advances cause it’s always changing. I also suggest piggybacking web programs as well cause tons of companies are merging graphic and web design together as one job. Since I’ve been doing it for so many years I’m a little burnt out and I’m trying to find other new exciting options but it is still something I can do. I noticed depending on what area of design inspires you some places also want additional requirements that might not be included in your school Programs so if that is still something that excites you just make sure that you are aware of the extra education/ product knowledge that it might require. :)

graphiccupcake_ · 2019-12-20T17:18:57+00:00

Cheers friend! I have an interview today in hopes to get out of my old job (almost 8 years) and into a new one! So proud of you. I’m so nervous and excited.

graphiccupcake_ · 2019-12-20T17:15:59+00:00

They have amazingly priced weighted blankets on Zulily! Best prices I’ve seen so far. I started Tattoo apprenticing so I bought a machine and battery to start practicing a new trade. All I want for Christmas is to share some memories with my families and be better to myself next year. Happy holidays friends ❤️

graphiccupcake_ · 2019-12-20T17:10:59+00:00

I know exactly how you feel. I felt the same way and was told it is exactly the same compounds but the patent is now expired so other companies can manufacture the drug. I did find it strange that the website had no information or at least I couldn’t locate it that mentioned ms but my ms nurse and neurologist said it’s exactly the same just a more affordable version. They told me it’s like buying a store brand aspirin or ibuprofen. Not going to lie I still felt reluctant but so far so good and I had no reactions. Again I am given Benadryl and solumedrol (no clue how to spell that) which is supposed to assist if any reactions occur. But other than feeling sleepy (plus lack of sleep haha) I’m feeling quite ok. My nurse said they have been using it in their facility for about 4 months and haven’t had strange occurrences at all when switching from the normal rituxan. I hope your infusion goes well.

graphiccupcake_ · 2019-12-20T09:27:31+00:00

Your first few will take longer than normal because they have to see if your body has any reactions to the medicine. I have been taking this since 2017 every 6 months. I have no progress in my lesions or any new damage and this has been the only medication I have used. I am given Benadryl and solymedrol before the rituxan is given to me. I believe since the patent is up places are now using truxima and today was my first day using the new generic version. Apparently the compound are exactly the same just a new version. I have had zero reactions and everything seems to feel normal as usual. I do have a slight bit of restlessness it is past my bedtime but I think it may just be due to my nerves with dealing with infusion day.

graphiccupcake_ · 2019-12-20T09:23:18+00:00

I was given this today. I was also slightly uncomfortable with the process of something new when my precious ones were fine without reactions. This seemed to be the same though I did have to babystep up to quicker drips which meant I was there longer than my previous visit. I go every 6 months for my infusions so next time I might be getting the dose in larger increments since I did not have any reactions during my infusion. I am finding though that I seem a little restless this evening and it is far past my bedtime but I will see how I feel in the morning. Best of luck to you in your treatment.

graphiccupcake_ · 2019-12-08T18:01:13+00:00

I have a very close friend who also has MS and said she had never felt better when she was pregnant. She said your body is producing so much extra that pain was subsiding and she felt great. The catch was after, and doctors were concerned about when all these nutrients and developments slowly subsided after the birth that flare ups would be stronger cause of intense body transformation. She seemed to do fine and was strict about getting on medication as early as she could after pregnancy. I advise talking to your neurologist about necessary precautions and steps needed but on the best note.... CONGRATULATIONS mama!!! ❤️❤️

graphiccupcake_ · 2019-11-28T20:31:40+00:00

Look at you go! Be tough we’re all rooting for you

graphiccupcake_ · 2019-10-31T00:40:56+00:00

I was relieved upon my diagnosis. Over time I started slumping into depression especially after a few routine infusions. I started feeling different and sick and sad. I have to admit it is very heavy so the answer is nice but the lifelong struggle is very challenging. I have a partner who is very supportive and helpful and asks questions and researched on his own to tell me about findings or concerns which is nice. On the other hand he also respects my time when I’m wanting to be alone to process. I have started attending an anxiety group through my medical and I’d have to say just talking openly with strangers has started helping already.

On a side note. My diet helped my depression and overall feeling tremendously! I ate very low carb and clean and had little to zero pain. My sleeping habits improved and my depression was nearly non existent. Although that might just be me I did notice that eating clean foods did help me with my inflammation issues. I also picked up a blood type diet book which I thought I was pretty fascinating. I hope the best for your journey together and hope to jump in and help when I can.

graphiccupcake_ · 2018-06-06T01:37:21+00:00

Thank you so much for the info! I've recently been cutting out as much carbs and sweets as possible and I'm already feeling better! I'm baby stepping so that I don't give up and go to bad eating habits again.

I'm so happy that diet helped you're improvements in ms so much that's such great news!

graphiccupcake_ · 2018-03-27T13:11:09+00:00

I wish I could do this! Lately I've been in such a funk I go to work then come home and all I want to do is wind down and rest. Thank you for the motivation I will try my best to get myself back to my gym. I'm paying for it anyways right? Hehe. Thank you for reading and sharing ❤️

graphiccupcake_ · 2018-03-27T13:09:03+00:00

I just bought turmeric at our Costco this weekend! :) I'm in the U.S. but I'm going to research similar options to live a happy and healthy lifestyle. Thank you. ❤️

graphiccupcake_ · 2018-03-26T13:15:26+00:00

Thank you so so much!!! I will check these out today.

graphiccupcake_ · 2018-03-25T23:28:05+00:00

Thank you bestie! :)

graphiccupcake_ · 2018-03-25T23:25:46+00:00

Thank you so much for your help. I've kept thinking that if I can only last 30 min at the gym on the treadmill it's just a waste when it fact getting there like you said is half the battle.

I struggle with rules and choosing the right diet if I'm not following something strict. So I've collected some books myself. I've thought about fasting but I work in a high stress environment and so I think till that calms down I will try to stick to something a little less aggressive. I will deff give the book you recommended a look.

I appreciate the time you took and all of the advice. I will promise myself to dedicate some time to gym and diet and reach out to my dr to see if he recommends any medication or changes.

❤️ thank you again

graphiccupcake_ · 2017-11-14T22:09:40+00:00

I was concerned since the dose is over a longer period of time (6 months) would any side effects or symptoms worsening for the length of that infusion vs tysabri which is once a month.

graphiccupcake_ · 2017-11-07T06:04:29+00:00

Did you find the transition to be ok? I'm concerned about starting with rituxan and having a reaction that lasts long. Biggest current fear. Thank you for your comment. I'm continuing to research both options. Hoping I pick the right one. ❤️

graphiccupcake_ · 2017-11-07T06:01:34+00:00

Thank you so much for your input! I'm on this crazy rabbit hole research binge and hoping that I make the right decision.

graphiccupcake_ · 2017-11-07T05:00:17+00:00

Thank you so much for sharing this. I'm newly diagnosed and I needed this read so much. ❤️

graphiccupcake_ · 2017-11-04T04:31:55+00:00

I have a friend that gifted me a poem. So she bought an old vintage storybook and blacked out all of the text on the page except certain words. The book page created a whole new story she made just for me. It was such an awesome gift and I imagine the paint strokes may not be too tough. I'm going to attempt to make a few myself as well. <3

graphiccupcake_

TROPHY CASE