MRI

I volunteered for a research project and part of it entailed having a MRI scan which is quite a strange experience.
I had to lay on the table whilst I was covered with "cameras" - gadgets that emit radio frequency pulses and pick up the resonance produced by them and the magnets (I think that right). The scan was for heart and blood vessels so all of me was covered and scanned and it was as if I was tied down. Then I was slid into the tube and a series of clicks, whirrs and vibrations followed. At times I had to breathe in and out and hold my breath (for 18 clicks) and then some contrast was injected and it was done all over again. Finally another dose of contrast and moving along in the tube and it was done.
I'm not sure how long it was exactly, about 45mins I think. Headphones were provided to muffle the noise and I had an Arcade Fire CD played through them - in between the radiographer telling me what to do.
I was worried I wouldn't be able to stay still but there was so much stuff on me it would have been pretty difficult to move! No ill effects except a numb left arm for about 5 mins after.
I was pleased they let me take a pic of the machine and on the right is a screen with my heart and major blood vessels showing up - hope they didn't find any thing un-healthy!