Is the MRI part of getting a diagnosis ?

For a proper Dx yes

Don’t know how your neurologist is doing it but I had both a MRI and lumbar puncture, both are part of the diagnostic process.

Well, your neurologist will probably discuss the findings and decide with you the course of treatment needed. If the MRI won't show many MS lesions, you might not need to take anything for a while. Good luck!

If you’re asking about the MRI itself, every machine is a little different. But you lie on a table that slides you into the machine. They give you a contrast solution that highlights the active lesions. They give you earplugs because the machine makes lots of knocking noises while it works. They usually offer music to listen to but I never can hear the music well over the sounds of the machine. I’m not claustrophobic but my doc gives me a Valium pill that I take 1/2 hour before the procedure. It makes me more relaxed while in the tube. To pass the time, I pray in my mind or sometimes I make up a story/blog I’m going to write later. The whole process takes about an hour depending on what they are looking at - head, spine, both, etc. You have a button you can push to call the techs if necessary. They can communicate with you while you’re in the tube and usually a tech will say something like “we’ve got about 10 minutes left. You’re doing great.” You’ll do fine.

Thank you for all the responses. Good advice about the Valium. I will ask for something before hand.

I'm not the type to sit still so sitting in a tube for an hour is concerning me so yeah I'll be asking for a little help in that and I will also be playing math games in my head like I used to when I was a child.

Ask them for a blanket because it's very cold in the room. Remove all your jewelry the night before- you'll have to do that anyway when you get there so doing it at home before means you won't have to leave it in a locker when you get there. Finally, ask for a pillow to put under your knees, that keeps the pressure off your spine. The tables are really hard and it can be a long session without being able to move. SICKS. TOES getting cold aren't any fun at all!

SOCKS. DARN AUTO SPELL.

I survived the MRi I had an understanding tech. So told me when it was ok to fidget and scratch an itch in between sets. They saw all kinds of stuff. Don't know why they aren't addressing everything. Instead they are testing further into mini strokes. OFC my insurance is making me wait 14 days before further testing.

Gathering information might take some time. I'd suggest asking about some physical therapy during this time. That's helpful for relaxation overall and specific exercises to improve your health in the interim.

Forgot to tell you "good job" getting through the first MRI.

Did you have any symptoms from the contrast did it make you hot did it make you heart and do you happen to know what's in it

Close your eyes before you go in the MRI machine and don't open them the whole time if if you're claustrophobic. Some do not have the contrast dye and some do.. Did the lumbar puncture hurt what was it like

With or without contrast? If it was without you’ll probably have one with contrast. Next step is lumbar puncture depending on MRI results. My blood pressure has never been higher than the day of my LP, but the procedure wasn’t so bad