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MRI scan i don't think i can do it

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Posted 8/27/2009 10:38 AM (GMT 0)
i everyone hope you are doing ok. I have recieved an appointment to have a MRI scan and i'm really freaking out as i get claustophobic in confined spaces ( this stems from when i was 4 and got stuck in a lift/elevator for 4 hours!!!)  i can't use public toilets if they don't have a window somewhere in there.  i spoke to the hospital this morning and told them my issue they have asked me if i want to go and look at the machine which is nice of them but looking at it and going into it is 2 different things i asked if i could be knocked out but they said they won't  do that but will give me a sedative i really don't think i can do it. shakehead is a CAT scan the same thing are you closed in? Any info or advise you could give me will be very welcome, thanks so much  Bev x
Posted 8/27/2009 10:59 AM (GMT 0)
Bev, my memory of the MRI chamber is that it is a tube. Your head is near (or even sticking out) of one end, and your feet are at the other. It is not like being stuck in a metal box. I remember getting a little spooked once, and then realising that my head was near an opening, and then immediately feeling happier.

I know that people can get claustrophobic during MRIs, and sympathise with you in your distress. All I can suggest is that you give it a go, take that sedative, and see what happens.

I think the reason they can't knock you out is that you need to hold your breath at certain points during the scan, so you do need to be conscious enough to hear and obey their instructions.

If it's any help, I got really comfortable during my last one, and just about dozed off...

Ivy.
Posted 8/27/2009 12:13 PM (GMT 0)

Hey lass....I do suggest you go look at it.  I don't know if you have them where you are, but we have some "open" MRI machines around here.  They are even more open then the prior machines.  Even with that, I had the regular MRI machine and was Ok with the head being open like Ivy said

The other thing was they had piped in sound.  I could bring my own music that played while I laid there.  I just had to pick something that would not make my toes tap.  That made the whole thing go even faster.  For an MRI of my full back and upper legs, it went very quickly.

I know it won't be easy, but this test is the best to find many things.  Take care.

Posted 8/27/2009 1:13 PM (GMT 0)
Bev I myself am claustraphobic too, and what I do is keep my eyes closed the WHOLE TIME. I keep repeating to myself that I am fine, and just continue keeping my eyes closed. This test is needed to see whats going on in there, and is one of the best tests. I too suggest you take the sedative and take the advice here, and get the MRI.

Hugs
Gail*Nanners*
Posted 8/27/2009 1:34 PM (GMT 0)
Hi thanks for all your replies i think i will go and have a look . how long does it take to have this test? As far as i know i think its to check how the fistula is doing and also to make sure i'm all healed up before my next chapter begins!!!! thanks again. Bevx  

Posted 8/27/2009 1:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hi lass, I'm an MRI tech. I would recommend that you ask them to schedule you with sedation. We use xanax for sedation & it works pretty well. Are you having your abdomen done? Most times with an abdomen, you go in feet first so there's a good chance your head will be sticking out of the other end. Don't worry about being nervous or embarrassed, your tech will be very used to that & able to help you through it. You can ask to have a washcloth put over your eyes, which helps a lot. When I get very nervous people, I talk to them every couple of minutes to make sure they're doing ok so you can ask for that if you think it would help. You can also bring someone with you to sit near the scanner & hold your hand or foot, depending on what is sticking out of the machine. Just be sure to choose someone that doesn't have a pacemaker, any metal in their body or a history of having metal removed from their eyes or they won't be allowed in. Most of all, just remember that this is something you need, you won't be stuck in there, there's always a way out. I've even had people crawl out instead of squeezing the call button!
Posted 8/27/2009 1:50 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,
I've had two MRIs so far, and going back for a third next week. Have you ever had one?
They do give you a "panic button" in the event you feel like you can't handle it- they will pull you out.
Mine take about 30 minutes max, I think. They give you headphones and usually a blanket, it can get cold in there.
The machine is loud. I literally just try to take deep breaths, and think of good relaxing things, the beach or my dogs. It is a very conscious "I'm okay, and I'm safe, and I'm going to relax" mantra. :) The last one I did much better, and almost fell asleep at the end. After so many completely conscious sigmoidoscopies I had to keep reminding myself that this does not hurt and no one is going up my rear :)
They will ask you to hold your breath for some of the images, and the tech will count and tell you how long to hold and when to breathe. I know alot of people need to take a valium or something tho, so don't feel bad if you need to. My CT scan was more like a donut, and you lie on a table- that was really scary for me, it was the first imaging I ever had done. The MRI is a tunnel and when I looked behind me, I realized like some others said, that my head was almost out the back side. Sending good thoughts your way!
Posted 8/27/2009 1:55 PM (GMT 0)
I had an abdominal MRI last year. My head was sticking out, only my legs and gut were in the tube. IIRC, it took about 30 minutes. You can do it!
Posted 8/27/2009 3:27 PM (GMT 0)
I too asked to be sedated...they agreed. Once I got there they asked me if I wanted to try it with just an oral pill to calm, so I tried it...I made it. Mine was to look for fistulas also, so I was only in the tube up to my chest. And I knew that I could get out at any time which was a huge comfort. I also had a button to call them, and they were just on the other side of the door, and would immediately come in...they were so nice about it which helped.
Posted 8/27/2009 4:12 PM (GMT 0)
about the temperature, it is usually cold in the room & there's a fan inside the scanner that blows on you. I would recommend asking for a blanket instead of asking for the fan off. Moving air & having it on the cold side vs the warm side will help with your claustrophobia as well. A positive attitude is the biggest thing. If someone tells me up front "I can't do this", I know that no amount of coaxing on my part is going to get them through it. Just remember, you CAN do it!
Posted 8/27/2009 11:39 PM (GMT 0)

Maybe you can ask how long your MRI is expected to take? I had two MRI’s one day apart, and the first was a pelvis MRI to check m y fistula, and it only took 15 minutes! I was in and out so fast! The 2nd was a bowel MRI and it took much longer, about 45 mins. If it’s for your pelvis it might be a quick one.

 

Also, as the others have said, you are given a panic button to squeeze if things get hairy for you….. and your head will probably be poking out of the hole at the top, so the only thing in a confined space is your body, and even that has room to move, its not like a coffin!

 

Hope all goes well, I’m sure it will be less scary than you anticipated, just remember, its all in the mindset!

Posted 8/28/2009 9:05 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you! so much for the encouragement and support i'm going next tuesday to have a look. I'm going to ask if my Dad can sit near me when i go to have it done in a few weeks  (he is a very calm man) thanks again everyone i'm really grateful i'll let you know how it goes. Bev x

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