Coping during an MRI
For folks with pain syndromes, MRIs are quite common. I recently had one of the lumbar spine and for someone who never had problems before, I found this trip through the tube to be a wee bit of a challenge.
It wasn't the pain I was enduring in my thigh--the reason I underwent testing. It wasn't even the banging and tapping of the machine as it created pictures of my back on film. It was the tightness of the tube around me and the feeling of being closed in.
I realized I had very little space between my face and the top of the tube. I had problems finding room for my arms and suddenly during the 45-minute test I became afraid of getting stuck in the tube. I know this may be a silly thought but it occurred nonetheless and I found the need to take immediate steps to calm my mind and my body down before it became unbearable in that tube.
First of all, I took deliberate steps to focus on breathing since I developed a fear of suffocation. I took slow deliberate breaths and focused on the cool air that was blowing on my hands and arms. I created an image of the cool air moving up and into my nose and I allowed my chest to rise and fall smoothly with each breath. I took time to say some prayers and talk to God -- letting him know I was a wee bit uncomfortable and appreciated His presence with me.
For folks who have had previous spinal injuries or surgeries, the use of a special dye or contrast medium is often used. It is usually injected through an IV. This helps to differentiate new developments from old ones on film. I had a contrast in my IV called Gadolinium dtpa which is a metallic medium that reacts to the magnetism in the test resulting in the enhancement of images on film.
I found myself afraid of having a reaction to it. But I immediately repeated to myself that I had the same contrast before and never had a problem with it so there is no reason why I should begin to have a problem now. I acknowledged to myself the thoughts were a part of my heightened emotion and imagination and that I would be ok.
Finally, the technician announced I had about ten minutes left to the test so I created an image of a clock in my mind and I began ticking off the minutes until the test would be finished and I could come out of the tube. Keeping focused was the key to managing the test.
Hopefully I won't need to have another MRI but if I do, I am thankful to have these relaxation skills I can call upon and use if I have to.
Related Topics: Diagnostic Imaging: Beam Me Up, Dr. McCoy, Take Charge of Your Stress
Technorati Tags: MRI, anxiety, relaxation breathing
It wasn't the pain I was enduring in my thigh--the reason I underwent testing. It wasn't even the banging and tapping of the machine as it created pictures of my back on film. It was the tightness of the tube around me and the feeling of being closed in.
I realized I had very little space between my face and the top of the tube. I had problems finding room for my arms and suddenly during the 45-minute test I became afraid of getting stuck in the tube. I know this may be a silly thought but it occurred nonetheless and I found the need to take immediate steps to calm my mind and my body down before it became unbearable in that tube.
First of all, I took deliberate steps to focus on breathing since I developed a fear of suffocation. I took slow deliberate breaths and focused on the cool air that was blowing on my hands and arms. I created an image of the cool air moving up and into my nose and I allowed my chest to rise and fall smoothly with each breath. I took time to say some prayers and talk to God -- letting him know I was a wee bit uncomfortable and appreciated His presence with me.
For folks who have had previous spinal injuries or surgeries, the use of a special dye or contrast medium is often used. It is usually injected through an IV. This helps to differentiate new developments from old ones on film. I had a contrast in my IV called Gadolinium dtpa which is a metallic medium that reacts to the magnetism in the test resulting in the enhancement of images on film.
I found myself afraid of having a reaction to it. But I immediately repeated to myself that I had the same contrast before and never had a problem with it so there is no reason why I should begin to have a problem now. I acknowledged to myself the thoughts were a part of my heightened emotion and imagination and that I would be ok.
Finally, the technician announced I had about ten minutes left to the test so I created an image of a clock in my mind and I began ticking off the minutes until the test would be finished and I could come out of the tube. Keeping focused was the key to managing the test.
Hopefully I won't need to have another MRI but if I do, I am thankful to have these relaxation skills I can call upon and use if I have to.
Related Topics: Diagnostic Imaging: Beam Me Up, Dr. McCoy, Take Charge of Your Stress
Technorati Tags: MRI, anxiety, relaxation breathing
51 Comments:
I had an MRI about 10 years ago due to several injuries to the spine, one being a fracture of the coccyx. I was a bit apprehensive as I slid into the tube, but the soft reasuring voice of the technician was always there to calm me. I cannot stress enough that the technician has much to do with how one feels about the exam.
Being an MS patient, I have had 5 or 6 MRIs within 10 yrs. The technicians I have had are all trained so well that I was put at ease quickly every time. I have had no uncomfortable feelings while in "the tube" as of yet. I know I will have more MRIs during my life and it is comforting to know we have this technology to help in the medical field.
I have had several MRI's with and without contrast. I brought CD's that I found relaxing and the technicial played them during the test. He liked a change of music and I found it much more pleasant.
I wish my first MRI had gone that well. I was told I'd have an open MRI (no tube), but when I got there, they told me they never had open MRI equipment. When I told the technician I was claustrophobic, he just laughed and said "It's not that bad, it'll be over in a few minutes. Just relax!". Yeah, that was a big help. >:-( It was a horrible experience, and I hope I'll never need one again!
Before the first (and only?) MRI, 2 weeks ago, a friend told me what to do if I was claustrophobic. All I knew was that I didn't like things close to my face. She recommended I ask for a washcloth to cover my eyes so I wouldn't 'see' how close the tube top was to my nose! That really allowed me to get through the 25 minutes of scans with all of the accompanimg noise. I sang hymns in my head, made up rap poems to the rhythms of the machine, and laughed at the thought that if I had asked God to be there with me, there wouldn't have been any room! The test was worth the trouble just to get a clear definition of what was causing my pain. Hope they can improve the machine's interior space in the near future.
I had over 7 MRI's on my lumbar spine from Oct.2004 to Nov. 2005. Each time I kept my eyes closed .. even be entering the machine and thought about things that are blue in color, such as the sky with big white clouds or soft blue towels. I made out just fine and the tests usally took 1 1/2 hrs as I have also had 7 back surgeries as well.
If a closed MRI is a problem ask if they have the newer open air ones. This was much easier on me. You just go back and forth between a huge ring and are not in a tube. Earplugs are still helpful for the pounding sounds of the magnets...
I had to have 3 Mri's scheduled before I was able to complete the test.The first one which was completely closed I refused. They told me the second one would be an open MRI,but it was not. The tecnician told me that he had had patients that were put to sleep in order to have the test done and that he had seen several people wake up in the tube and fight to get out only to go back to sleep again.That tecnician did nothing to calm me down and I refused that test also. Finally, after the Doctor decided I should at least have a Cat scan I called to rescheule and I talked to a technician that told me I was welcome to come in and look at their equipment. I was re-scheduled on an MRI machine that was actually open on the sides and I was able to look out a window. So after 3 valium's and my husband sitting in the room ready to push the release button, I was able to drift off to a semi-sleep and had the test completed. I hope I never have to have that done again.
I've had 2 MRIs. The first one was horrible. I said three rosaries while in there, thinking the whole time that I would swell up and never get out of the tube. I had to go on anxiety medication following that because I would get flashbacks of the experience.
The next time I had to have an MRI I said I would only get one in an open unit. That wasn't so bad.
Having a Pitutary tumor means lots of MRIs. I have come to look at them as a time to take a nap, talk to God and basically relax. Put those earplugs in, put your legs up on a raised pillow, take a look in the mirror that they can attach to the helmet, cover up with a warm blanket and slide into the tube. It will be noisey but there is absolutely no pain. The benefits definitely out weigh the discomfort of laying in the tube for 45 minutes.
I have one a year, and while all the comments about relaxing are important, some of us require more. I have learned to tell them I will need a valium in advance so they order a couple and give one to me when I arrive, I also put something over my face, and I know they require that I have a driver. I know that I can tolerate it with those precautions, so I don't stress. Also check with your ordering doc to see if he will accept an open mri - my neurosurgeon laughed at mine (said they are not nearly as precise) and sent me back so I paid twice. Now that was stressful! Good luck to everyone -
I have one a year, and while all the comments about relaxing are important, some of us require more. I have learned to tell them I will need a valium in advance so they order a couple and give one to me when I arrive, I also put something over my face, and I know they require that I have a driver. I know that I can tolerate it with those precautions, so I don't stress. Also check with your ordering doc to see if he will accept an open mri - my neurosurgeon laughed at mine (said they are not nearly as precise) and sent me back so I paid twice. Now that was stressful! Good luck to everyone -
I neede an MRI two years ago and had no idea what to expect. The moment I saw the tube I paniced. The technician was very rude, no comfort whatsoever, so I turned around and left. I am glad I did. I told the receptionist about it, and she rescheduled me with a different technician, promising that she knows him well and this should have never happened to me. The second time was much better, the technician was very understanding, telling me there was nothing to fear, he was near by and all I had to do was push a button. My best friend made fun of me, telling me that people do this every day and I was being silly. I am glad to know now I was not alone. Thanks for your site.
I've had two MRIs in the past. The technicians always put a cloth over my eyes without me having to ask. Earplugs were given to me, too, though I can't say the procedure bothered me. What does bother me is that I have a pacemaker now, and no matter how much I might need an MRI, I can't have one. The magnetism heats up the leads in the pacemaker and can do great harm. An MRI is a valuable diagnostic tool.
I've had 2 MRI's the most recent was in June. The doctor that ordered the MRI told me to ask the technician for a face cloth to put over my eyes and it was remarkable the difference it made. Even if I opened my eyes I couldn't see that tube around me. I also said prayers and was fortunate to have a technician that talked to me most of the time I was having the test.
I have had 25 MRI with contrast over the past 13 years. I always start out with prayer In the name of Jesus Christand scripture Psalm 91.they used to allow Cd and I would bring in Worship music which used to be great. Now I just take the hand of Jesus and feel Him hug me through the procedure. I also take a cloth over my eyes as I enjoy the presence and peace of the Lord Jesus.
I live in rural Canada and I'm sure all MRI machines are the same. And if you are over wieght, makes it that much harder. So 4 months ago was I to have a MRI on my head, at 2am, and had to drive to a city about 1 hour away. So I got to the hospital and after 20 minutes of trying the tech. decided I wouldn't fit far enough in the tube. So what a waste!
Then I saw my family doctor and told him the whole story. And was rebooked for another MRI with an open machine. But the nearest open MRI was 2 1/2 hrs. away.
So 2 weeks ago I went for my second try in the open style MRI. I still wasn't sure of what to execpt. I fit in the open style okay but wasn't told by anyone that my head was put into a device that held it completely still. With this cover and four pins that pushed against my head to hold it. And OH by the way, it was going to take 45mins. Even with it being the open style, it was still very loud. And even with ear plugs it was very annoying.
Why doctors don't tell you about how loud and annoying the sound from the magnets is because the doctor him or her self has never had an MRI. So they don't know!
When ever I am having a MRI, I take a AC/DC or Chili Peppers CD. The technicians pipe in for me. When I hand them the CD I chuckle at the looks on their faces. Listening to music I like is relaxing and passes the time.
I have major problems with tight spaces and was very apprehensive. The technician provided mirrored goggles which allowed me to see behind me (actally above my head since I was laying down) where the MRI center had a lovely garden designed just for this purpose. I made it through without a problem.
I have had 4 MRIS in the past 3 years, my latest one was in a new GE brand one. Even though I was all the way inside I was very relaxed because of the air blowing through it. Also, it had a green line that was lit up going all the way down the length of the tube. That really seemed to help, it did not seem so dark.
I've had 4 MRI'S, the first 3 were 45mins. The last one was 2 1/2hrs., complete spine and neck, I thought I would die. When they did my brain, I was ok, they had a mirror in this MRI, I could see people walking around the room, it wasn't to bad, but the 2 1/2hr. one was terrible They didn't have any mirror.I hope I never have to have another one that long, but, know I do at least have to have a 45 min. one,as I am having tumor taken off my spine, and they will have to do one in future to be sure tumor hasn't come back.
i had an mri, and i was so scared i couldnt go in there with it being so tight, i have claustrophobia the tech's finally put me in feet first and it worked
I've had three MRIs, each at a different facility, and they were all different. One machine was quiet compared with the other two and the headphones they gave me seemed to fit tighter on my ears. So, I actually heard the music and not so much the banging sounds. The other two were loud, the music sounded like it was coming from a tin can, and the earphones were too loose to do any good. My physician also told me that the open MRIs are not as accurate as the others, so that was not an option for me. The best way to get through it is to go there tired and sleepy, listen to soothing music, and try to have a good nap, or rest till it's over. I know... easier said than done! I keep my eyes closed, breathe slowly, pray, try to concentrate on the music and keep in mind that I have a panic button in my hand that will get me out of there fast, if I need it. Good luck everyone.
I have had numerous MRIs. I am obese and develop claustrophobia with a fear of being stuck in the tube. I start relaxing, keep my eyes closed and visualize myself on a beach with my toes in the water. I pretend the noise is the crashing of the surf. The cool air is a breeze from the ocean. I have even gone to sleep occasionally.
If I open my eyes, the illusion is gone, of course! I think I will adapt the idea of using a washcloth over my face next time.
Holy, i've had several that lasted just under 1 hour. I've had all those same thoughts too ie: suffocating, chlosterphobia ... ITS REALLY ALL IN YOUR HEAD sO just get over it, the quicker u do, the faster the procedure.
sO much complaining, geeez ..
I have had two mri's in the past year for a back injury. The first wasn't so bad. I explained to the tech I had freaked out during a brain scan a few years back and he was very kind, talking to me during the tests when he could,getting me earplugs, turning a small fan on to blow fresh air on my face....
I wish the second one had been at the same place. I again explained the previous problem and was ignored. That tech didn't even assist me off and on the table,which was very difficult with a lower back injury. It would be nice if all techs were taught to be more sympathetic. I wish my insurance covered the open mri's but it doesn't.
I went in for my first MRI. I knew ahead of time that I was fearful of the closed tube. When I got there, my technician was wonderful, tender, and reassuring. Unfortunately for me, that was not enough. He slowly moved me into the tube and as it narrowed, I felt claustrophobic for the first time in my life. I am a very logical and understand it is just all in my head. I felt very foolish as the technician walked me back to the waiting room, but he assured me that it happens to alot of people. I am going again today to try with Lorazapan. I am going to ask for a cloth to go over my eyes. That is a great suggestion!
I tried having an mri 2 weeks ago. It was the closed one. I didn't think I would be fearful. What brought on my fear was post nasal drip and feeling like I was going to choke. I coughed to clear my throat opened my eyes and forget it. I had to get out of there so they took me out. I calmed down and tried again but the fear was there and when I tried again this time I felt like I would puke. So 2 weeks later I tried again (yesterday). This time in an open mri. I took Lorazepam an hour before and it did nothing as far as I could tell. I did tell the tech about my sinus problem and they did put 3 little pads under my head to raise it up. It helped some and I did manage to let them take one picture but again the closing up of my throat. I kept my eyes shut so I don't know how open this mri really is from an insider view. Well anyway every time they take you out they have to start all over. I asked how long all together and was told 40 minutes. No way. The thought of not being able to breathe has always bothered me. I had taken claritan 2 hours earlier and used my flonase about an hour before, but I've never had good luck in clearing up my sinus issues. When they clear up then I'm too dry and and I have sinus headaches. My mri is for my lumbar region. I think I might try again. I have to call the doctor and go in for a discussion.
I had a horrible experience when I went for an MRI a couple of days ago. First, I had to have an MRI of the brain, then lumbar spine. The tech was mad because I sat in patient registration too long, and that threw the schedule off. The tech took me in, and srarted to put me in the MRI machine. Unfortunately, when I put my arms to the side, I got truly stuck in the machine. He pulled me out, which dislocated my shoulder. I put my shoulder back in, and he put me back in the tube. Again, with my hands to my side, I got stuck, but this time, he kept pushing me in harder and harder. It popped my shoulder out again, and when he pulled me out, we both heard an audible pop. He tried a third time, and jammed me even further into the machine. He had to pull me out, and I felt an intense pain in my shoulder. My arm and hand were swollen, also. Management just blew me off, but three days later, I am still hurting.
I think the key to having a successful MRI is the technician. I had a MRI of my lower back. The technician I had was very rude, and uncaring. When I informed him I was having pain in my back, he rudly said we could schedule this for another day. I will never go to this place again. All technicians should be trained to be calming and reasuring. No one having a MRI should go through what I did.
It is true that the technician makes all the difference. I have had several MRI's and had some so so techs there. What I did was listen to the noise the MRI machine was making and imagined that the pounding noise was good looking shirtless men jackhammering in the street. And one of the noises was like a washing machine. I imagined having time to get the laundry done. Sounds silly but it worked. I had another MRI today and was really uptight about it because when I lie back flat on my back I get leg and back cramps. They surprised me with an open MRI and as it was not so bad. I sit here in extreme pain from tenseing myself up and lying there for a 1/2 hour flat on my back though. By the time I meditated enough to feel relaxed it was time to leave. I know I needed this and was glad to have it overwith. You can do it, just relax and remember it is usually over within a half hour.
Sine this test became popular with Dr's I've had more MRI'S then any one person should have to endure in their life time {at least 10}, and there is one thing that I have come to realize, at least about myself. I can't remember my age when I had my first one. However I can tell you this much. I weighed at least 70 lbs less at my first compared to my last one. I'm a bigger then average person to start with. I stand 75" tall. At my first one my weight was in the range of 175 - 185lbs.. At my last one my weight was 245lbs. Unfortunately I have very little control over this. Between meds. and forced inactivity the only way to lose weight is eat nothing but salads and water, or eat nothing at all. Anyway, getting back to my MRT'S. As my weight increased the extra space around me in the MRI tube decreased, and I started to become somewhat claustraphobic. At my last MRI as I listened to the technician go through the supposedly comforting speech about how everything will be alright and the techs are right outside ths window, and they could hear everything I say, And of course all I had to do was squeeze the little rubber ball in my hand and it would alert them to whatever it was that I needed and they would come right in and get me out so there was no reason for me to panic. Also I'm such a veteran to this experience. Well as they started to slide the table into the tube, the sweat started along with the panic. When the table stopped, the music started, and I felt this strange coolness around my nose and mouth. I then made the biggest mistake that I could have made, I opened my eyes. Never, in all of my MRI'S was the top of the tube at the end of my nose, and I don't have a big nose. Well I did exactly what the tehnician told me I was supposed to do if I needed someone, I squeezed the rubber ball,I mean I crushed that sucker in the palm of my hand, and she did exactly what she told me they would do she came in and began sliding me out. When I was out and she asked me what the problem was I began to feel a little embarrased, you know because of my age, size and the number of MRI'S that I've been through in the past, I jokingly told her that I was only testing her to see if she was as fast as she said she was. She laughed and I smiled and she told me that okay now I was to lay still because they were going to slide me in again and begin the 35 minute test. After I was in again still in a panic, still sweating profusely, and forcing my eyes closed as tight as I could, the technician said over the intercom that OK now this first test will be x number of minutes, I thought my God, I'm not going to make it, then before you know it she came back over the intercom and told me what a good job I was doing and that the first was finished and they were ready to start the the second test and it would be just so many minutes. I mean I was really in bad shape now, if there were ever a person who felt they were buried alive it was me. Not only was the top of the tube at the end of my nose, my shoulders and hips felt as though they were being squeezed into a sausage casing When she came back over the intercom to tell me that the second test was finished, I told her that I was finished, I wanted out, she immediately tried all of the reassurance talk known to man. I insisted that I wanted out. She told me they couldn't let me out. That was the wrong thing to say. I asked what she meant that they couldn't allow me to come out. She tried to explain to me that if I came out and If I were to move, the test would be over, (I think that's exactly what I was trying to tell her). I then told her, listen lady don't tell me that I can't get out of here, if I want out, the hell with ruining the test, I was going to wiggle and squirm my way out of here somehow. She then panicked and tried to get me to be still while she slid the table out, she said she wanted me to be still because they didn't want me to get hurt. After I was out she told me, as if I gave a D----, that the test was incomplete and I would have to talk to my DR about what he wanted do next. I asked her if she ever saw how they dug the tunnels for subways, she said that she has seen the movies of how they dug the subways. I told her that unless they were trapped they weren't in as close a quarters as an MRI is. She just gave me a half a smile. All I cared about at that time is that I was out of there and on my way home. Sice this is the first time that I couldn't complete the test I had to come to the conclusion that the snug fit in the MRI tube was 100% due to my additional weight I've put on over the years. I really feel sorry for the people that are bigger then I am.
If you keep your eyes closed, its not a big deal. I found that I wanted to go to sleep but the noise was annoying. The experience was quicker and easier than I anticipated.
lBeing a woman who has lost over 263 lbs, and in desperate need of a tummy tuck, my MRI experience was horrible. Although I was pumped with 25 mgs of Valium, and feeling quite ok, once I was in the tube, I felt like I was going to get stuck, there was no room for wiggles, so like everyone else I went into a panic state. They pulled me out, and I calmed down again, and they put be in the tube again, this time was worse, I went into a stronger panic, thinking that I was going to get stuck, and could not breathe, they pulled me out, fed me oxygen, I was in a hyper vent state, crying, shaking, and almost passing out, they figured that maybe an open MRI would be the case. DUH! I told my doctor that I needed to be asleep. The tube was so close my elbows have a bruise on them from the tube. With all the technology in present day medicine, I would think that they would make an MRI big enough to fit larger persons, since studies have shown that 69% of americans are overweight. No brainer there folks. So, I am going for the open MRI next week, wish me luck and I hope they have industrial strength valium on hand...
OMG went for first MRI yesterday.Needed shoulder and left arm done.After being strapped in-shades of an old asylum movie-they put a rag over my eyes.I felt like they were tending a dead body.As soon as they said "ok here we go" I began to panic,I think I lasted maybe 5 secs. almost mashed that rubber ball to death. Now I am going to try an open one with a dozen valium and a shot of bourbon. Wish me luck I'll come back and let y'all know how I do!!!
Just did a breast MRI. Different because you're face down in the tube. Hmmm is there enough air? First time they slid me in it was instant anxiety. Felt like I couldn't breathe. Natural sound was deadened by the tube around me. Had to get out.
Second time they had a fan blowing right near my face, piped in Aretha music, and...I took 1 mg of Ativan. Wow. Like a breeze. No problem. Felt the cold contrast dye through the IV but no stress, and done before I knew it. Now why don't they think of that stuff before you have anxiety?! Personally, if I were going to do an MRI for the first time, I'd just ask for it right out of the gate.
I am so claustrophobic and and MRI was the absolute dread of my life. I am 75years old and the caught me!! I was terrified.
I read and listened to all the advice. I did two things that saved my life. I bought a sleep mask and had my Dr. send me a "Big" Xanax. I called a couple of times to ask questions, and to make certain they knew of my problem. They told me to wait to take the Xanax until I got there to make sure the timing would be correct. Leave nothing to chance remind every one of your problem every step of the way. I kept my reminder comments on the light side so there were not upleasant encounters. You will have to have a driver if you take the Xanax.
I put the mask on when I entered the room, I never saw the machine, I chose raucous Country Music and concentrated on the breathing instructions. I made it. I am so releived. Hope this will help some poor soul.
I have MS which requires MRIs quite frequently. I've had about 7 so far and have always done fine until this week. They have a new 3 tesla MRI which they said was larger. It seemed much smaller to me and I've had MRIs at 3 different locations. I was having brain, cervical, and thoracic MRIs. When she put me all the way in for the back MRIs the fan was blowing right in my face so she had to turn it off. Near the end of the procedure - over an hour - I began to panic which I've never done before. I asked the technician twice how much longer and got no answer. Apparently she had left the room. At this point I lost and proceeeded to kick my way out. That got her attention, she acted annoyed because some of the pictures were going to have to be repeated. The patient should never be left alone! I'm not sure that I will ever allow another MRI and certainly not at that facility
Try doing a google search for the phrase:
sex in the MRI
you'll come up with an article from pharyngula of scienceblogs
read it and think about it on your next mri
(seriously though, the facecloth and deep breathing is best)
went for my 5th or 6th MRI of my brain today. Iam always a nervous wreck even after taking valium or xanax so my doctor tried me on .5 Mg of Ativan. I ended up taking both .5 mg pills and they finally calmed me down so I wouldn't have a panic attack during the MRI. Everything ween smoothly this time and when I heard the noises I just tried to envision stock cars racing around a track, men working with jackhammers and large woodpeckers. It really helped. The technician also talked to me alot and put a pillow under my knees and feet so that my back was comfortable. Hope this helps someone else who is bothered by the noise. (I was in an open MRI)
I tried to have a tube mri, that didn't work I had the cloth over my eyes John cougar melloncamp in my ears, ya know how your body has involuntary twitches .... well mine did, while I had my arms cross my chest and touched the tube that was it.I let the tech know that I wanted out and she never responded so i began scooting out , she finally decided that something was wrong and finished removing me laughing the whole time, she comment to me "Honey for someone who can barely walk ya sure can scoot", I wanted to slam her in the machine yes I have clausterphobia and don't be the a__ to tell me its all in your head dear. I came home and that evening I got in bed,I couldn't stand the covers on me, I slept sitting on the couch. rescheduled for an open mri, Oh what breeze. the noise in annoying , but ya have that in everyday life. I highly recommend an open mri to anyone big or small.
i just had an MRI yesterday and i have to tell you i purposely didnt look into any blogs about it first because i am extremely claustrophobic but also a control freak it is the lack of being able to get out not the closeness that gets to me so i stiffened up my resolve i knew i had to do something to diagnose the problem in order to stop or learn to deal with this severe back pain i have been having for weeks now. anyway i went in after telling them my issue and asking their word to take me out if i asked no questions asked no lag in time. i know me i surely would have destroyed the machine to get out on my own if i had to lol anyway i got their promise and went in closed my eyes listened to the music and reminded myself the entire time you chose to do this and you can end it with a simple call to the technicians and then continue to endure unexplained pain or you can hunker down take what comes and do what you have to do. anyway i made it no panic concentrated on breathing opened my eyes a couple times and realized my folly in that lol and when it was over i felt proud of myself that i had done what for me i feared was impossible. ooh and by the way i now know what it is bulging discs l4 and l4 and severe arthritis particularly on the left side. so life goes on and with injections of steroids scheduled and physical therapy i hope to gain the strentgh and resolve to get thru this with some degree of dignity and control my advise to those about to undergo this is you are in control you make the choices and then have the resolve to see it thru
First of all, thank you to all the other posters who shared their experiences.
I've been having lower back pain with radiating tingling and numbness down to my toes and my MD scheduled an MRI.
I think the anticipation was worse than the actual 'event'.
The keys for me were:
1) find a comfortable place to put your hands. My technician said I couldn't fold them over my chest, but was ok with me tucking them under my butt. That worked well and helped keep me from moving.
2) CLOSE YOUR EYES. I knew I'd be backing into this tube on a moving conveyor, but as soon as I closed my eyes, I went to the beach, played a quick round of golf, thought about a project around the house, etc - VISUALIZE where you want to be and you're not inside an MRI machine.
Good luck to all
I went for my very first mri today, and i hope to never have to do that again!!!!i had 4 panic attacks and could barely get through the procedure.. finally the technician placed goggles on my face that had tv in them and right as i was having another panic attack it was over.I have to say it helped, but I know for sure that I will not be back for another no matter what..
im 17 and i jut recently had my second mri. [my first was when i was 6 months old.] but i realized i had gotten myself all worked up for nothing. the only issue i had was that it was long boring and loud. and soon as i got used to the beeping it changed.
but to cope with my boredom and the headache i got from the beeping, i just sat and thought about random things, or made a song to the tune of the beeping. haha it sound dumb, but just getting my mind on other things really helped pass the time.
I am going to my MRI in a half hour and MOST of your caomments have helped me not to feel that rush of anxiety - THANK U
Never had an MRI. What if you have to scratch an itch???
I tried to have an MRI of my head two weeks ago and could not do it. I thought it was going to be easy and had no apprehensions going into the test. However, the first try in the tube they gave me earplugs and then put on the headphones before they snapped the coil onto the bed which their was barely enough room to see out of. I made it in and went into full-on panic attack and was pulled out. After calming down as much as I could I went for my second attempt in the tube. This time the tech suggested not using the headphones because they do take up a lot of room in the coil ... I thought great that's a good idea, oh how wrong I was, now the tech pushed these hard plastic pads into the sides of my face. I asked why she did that and she told me to keep me still. I finaly calmed myself down and allowed the tech to put me in the tube. This time I only made halfway in before the panic attack came on and I started pulling on the coil to get it off my head which freaked the techs and they used some kind of emergency relese to get me out instead of that conveyour. I'm scheduled again to have it this week but the doc perscribed 4mg of Ativan via iv, which I hope works since I already take Ativan tabs on a daily basis. I'm also going to try the washcloth over the eyes since it seems that has been key to the majority here.
Also I've found that some places use the term "open MRI" incorrectly/misleading ... the hospital I went to said they have and open MRI meaning to them its open on both ends of the tube ... they also have one that's not open its up against a wall or something. A true open MRI to me is the one that doesn't have sides.
I was supposed to have an MRI today on my brain. I had one a few years ago and it was awful. The tech was mean and rude to me, I turned him in to my Dr. and he was fired. This time the tech was nice but I could tell she was in a hurry. I told her I was clostraphobic and she said "did you tell your DR?" I told her yes and she said " well he didn't listen to you." They had me scheduled for a 20 minute closed MRI and I decided to try it with the cloth over my eyes. I actually got in there ans she almost got started and then I told her I couldn't do it. We headed for the open one. When she strapped that headgear on me and started me in, I told her if my husband was there I might could do it. She went and got him and let him in, still no go. They scheduled me to go to the hospital and get sedated on Friday. I hope that works. I won't be completely to sleep. I fear that also.
The best thing I have found that helps me, is the touch of another human being. My father goes into the room with me, and holds onto my leg-I have been able to have 2 closed MRI's in the new Esprit machines without any meds, and I am very cluastaphobic and also suffer from severe panic attacks.
Don't underestimate the power of touch-the techs should really promote more of this for people, because it really does help.
I am extremely claustrophobic and have had 2 MRI's in a closed machine. Each time my neurologist prescribed Valium. The first time it helphed, but when I had the 2nd MRI it didn't help at all. When the technician put that "cage" on my head, I screamed bloody murder! The tech gave me music - didn't work. I screamed out again! Then I asked for more drugs. He came back with a small cup with a yellowish liquid and said "drink this any lie down!" I don't know what it was, didn't ask, but it sure did the trick. I was able to endure an hour and a half procedure in that death trap! If a doctor is on-site, they can authorize additional meds to calm you.
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