An MRA is Magnetic Resonance Angiography; it’s a vein scan. So from radiologyinfo.org:
Angiography is performed using:
- x-rays with catheters
- computed tomography (CT)
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
In magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), a powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer produce the detailed images. MR angiography does not use ionizing radiation (x-rays).
MR angiography may be performed with or without contrast material. If needed, the contrast material is usually injected using a vein in the arm.
It doesn’t sound all that disruptive until you consider how they conduct it. Basically you lay on a tray with your head in a little rectangle area. They then place a cage over the top, so you’re completely encompassed.
An IV is inserted before the procedure begins, so contrast may be injected for certain portions of the scan.
After getting comfortable and IV insertion, the technician raises up the tray and the whole mechanism slides into the functional part of the MRI machine, ergo in the middle of the big electromagnets and ray guns.
Oh, I forgot to mention the ear plugs. Yeah, ear plugs. You’d not think you’d need them reading the description from the site but you do. The earplugs is to keep you from going deaf from the machine. It wouldn’t be so loud perhaps, but your head is right in the center of it.
Why so noisy? The imaging gear in the machine moves around your head 360 degrees. Each movement of the mechanism is quite loud, and for certain portions, lengthy. A particular scan can last from a couple of minutes to many.
So you’re inside and the noise starts and there you are. No moving. NO MOVING.
Most of think we could keep still for a few minutes. Um. It’s as easy as it sounds for some of us. Me? I get the urge to twitch after a few minutes. Or perhaps that arm becomes uncomfortable. Either way, somewhere about 15 mins in it got annoying today. Luckily it passed.
The machine and process is painless and unobservable other than the noise. You don’t see anything move, only hear it. The IV is only a needle stick, and perhaps a cool feeling when the fluid is actually injected.
A wee bit of advice I’ll insert here – visit the bathroom before you start a MRI/MRA/CT etc. If you cause a scan to get interrupted, it must be restarted. This potentially causes a whole set to have to be redone. No potty breaks in the middle. Got that?
Another tip – wear comfortable clothing. I don’t just mean blue jeans or whatever, but consider wearing something you’d feel comfortable laying down for an hour in. Something you don’t mind getting wrinkled. Besides the looks factor, it’s honestly about comfort.
Don’t bring crap – don’t bring your media player, your bling, your metal mouth piece, your nose piercing, whatever. Don’t bring it. Big magnet + stray metal things/electronics = bad news.
Today’s MRA was conducted at Barnes St. Peters in St. Peters, MO. The technicians were friendly, prompt and proficient. The right staff makes this experience much more pleasant.
As an added bonus I found out Barnes uses my company’s contrast media and injectors. Woot!
Results are due back in about 2 working days. (read Monday for me since it’s Thursday)
I’ll let everyone know the good news as soon as I know.
Thank you each and everyone for your support, prayers, and kind wishes. I’m confidant everything will be fine regardless of what they find. I’m personally hoping for diamonds or gold. 
Yours,
Todd, @tojosan, tojosan//gmail.com
