If your child has a CHD, they will probably have several cardiac MRIs. This is a noninvasive imaging procedure that uses magnetic technology, not radiation, to create detailed images of the heart. For most children, sedation is required for this procedure, which is never fun for a parent. A breathing tube is also used to control your child's breathing during the MRI when taking images, and contrast dye is used for the imaging. If this is the first procedure for your child (it was for us!), it can all feel like a lot. But don't worry, we're going to walk you through it.
Before MRI
The day of your child's MRI, he/she will not be allowed to eat anything prior to his/her procedure. So break out those popsicle molds and get that apple juice ready! The more fun you make it, the better chance you have of surviving. Distract distract distract! We usually purchase one of these to keep it fun and refill it as needed.
Pro Tip: Pack a protein bar for yourself so you can sneak bites when your child isn't looking!
Once you are at the hospital you will be called back into a waiting area with a bed for your child. The nurses and doctors will give you an overview of the procedure, and the anesthesiologist will talk to you, as well. After the debriefing, you will sign a few waivers.
Pro Tip: If it's chilly (which it usually is!) ask for a warm blanket - most pediatric hospitals have blanket warmers, and the nurses love using them!
Once it is time for the MRI, the nurses will give you sleepy medicine to give your child. They will depend on you to get it down them. It tastes gross, and you usually only have one chance to get as much as possible down them.
Pro Tip: Give your child the sleepy medicine just like how you take medicine at home. Don't be afraid to ask for items you might need. We always gave medicine with a spoon, so a sweet nurse found a spoon for us to use.
After the sleepy medicine starts to work, it will be time to say good bye. This part varies depending on the age of your child and the hospital you're at. If you have a baby, you should be able to carry him/her to another room where they will put a mask to give them medicine to put them to sleep. Heads up - this part is not pleasant to watch. For about a minute your baby will squirm a bit before they fall asleep, and it's hard on the mama heart to watch. But take comfort in knowing he/she will not remember any of it because of the sleepy medicine taken earlier. If you have an older child, they will most likely be wheeled away in the bed after taking the sleepy medicine.
During MRI
After your child leaves you, the doctors will put in an IV, administer anesthesia, and put in a breathing tube. During the MRI, contrast dye will be administered, and the team will use the breathing tube to hold your child's breath during images.
While you wait, we encourage you to take a little break - go to the bathroom, EAT, get some sunshine outside. Hold in your heart that your child is in good hands and will be okay and use this time to recharge.
Once you get the call, you head back up and get those snacks ready.
After MRI
After the MRI, the doctors will remove the breathing tube, stop the anesthesia and begin to wake your child. Once your child starts to wake up, you will be called back into the room.
Pro tip: Your kid will be HANGRY so have a bag packed with their favorite foods. We like to do homemade pumpkin pancakes - not super messy and very tasty!
Once your child has kept down food and been awake for a bit, he/she will be released. Images will be ready in a few days. And then you're done! Good job, Mom and Dad!