MRI Sedation...

Another possibility is scheduling your MRI at an "open" MRI if there is one in your area and it is suitable for your scan. Modern open MRIs can be high field MRIs with good resolution, unless your procedure requires a 3T scanner.

If you do use sedation, make sure you have arranged for someone else to drive you home.

I did not have an MRI, but my RO prescribed Ativan to prepare me for my fiducial marker implant procedure (implanted through the perineum, no sedation). They prescribed 5 tabs but told me to wait until I arrived at the clinic to receive instructions from the doctor there as to how many tablets to take. I am about 5'8" tall, 155 lbs., and they had me take two tablets. It didn't do much for the actual pain, but I sure didn't care that it happened. . .

gibson00 said...
Unfortunately we don't have any open MRI machines here (East coast Canada). And if we did, there would probably be a 2 year wait to get into it!!!
This MRI is -without contrast, so that plus my willingness to drive 3 hours away, meant I got in within 6 weeks. But they also want one done with contrast, and they've told me it will be a 10-12 month wait...

Incredible about those waits! I can't say I have ever had any wait worth mentioning for needed tests, even though I live in the poorest state in the Union, and even since I've been on Medicare.

As far as that Ativan, I'd say your docs advice is probably as good as any. Since he gave you 5, maybe you could take 1 in advance as a test, to see how you react? If you feel you are heavily sedated, probably best not take 2. OTOH, if you do that test, you probably won't be amped up like you might be when it is time to get in the MRI. So maybe take 1 an hour before, and then if 30 minutes before you feel you are still really on edge, take 1 more? But I would not take 2 until I had at least some idea what 1 did to me. People vary greatly in their response to sedatives.

Post Edited (BillyBob@388) : 9/5/2017 9:00:07 PM (GMT-6)

What dose was prescribed and what instructions were given to you? I would prefer not to second guess your physician.

I take .5 of Xanax when I have to lay still like that. I also keep my eyes closed so I don't see the machine 5" from my nose. That helps. I have napped for a couple of hours in my car in the parking lot before driving home.

Nick

I also just close my eyes and feel like I'm in my sleeping bag dreaming. I will say one time I did feel claustrophobic and I think it was because every aid, nurse, and doctor keep asking me if I was claustrophobic and after awhile I think I started to believe them.

Me too....but...I've done a bunch . It's a mind game. ...ask them for the option....of leaving your arms and hands above your head. you should be able to feel the edge of the outside of the tube with your hands in that position. that way....your mind knows....that if you had to....you could pull yourself out. knowing you have control is everything.

also...get a layout of the room....where the machine is....windows...etc.....simple as it sounds....it can keep give your mind some context for reality as you lay there.

also...during the MRI....do not be afraid to initiate communication to the tech. Just asking them if they can hear you....gives you more control...you know you can talk! Don't wait for them!

they'll also tell you to "don't move". which just adds to the stress.....but, don't worry about moving or adjusting from time to time....small adjustments. taking deep breaths will make you move..... don't worry about that...take a deep breath to relax if you have to. It's not like you're laying in cement. What you're after is moving just enough to stay comfortable.

fear is always......well....scary. But you'll do fine.