Magnetic resonance imaging uses magnetism to align hydrogen atoms in the body in and out of phase. When they fall back into their natural alignment the difference is measured as a radio-frequency. This is used to build up a layered image of the body from the inside.

I was injected with a contrasting agent into the shoulder. I was given an anesthetic shot first before the contrasting fluid was injected. It made my shoulder very heavy and I was warned off using the arm in a strenuous manner for twenty-four hours. It is still a bit sore even now - the next morning.

The mark is pretty small but it did leave a bruise. The confined area of the MRI is very small and was enough to make me uncomfortable. I did not like it very much. Air conditioning is blown across you so that you know there is fresh air constantly. However I was put in a shoulder brace, a head brace and then my left shoulder was jammed against the left side of the MRI container to try and minimise movement.

I was glad when it was over.
Cam Riley: South Sea Republic. Freedom, liberty, equity and an Australian Republic.