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Panicking while getting an MRI - advice please!

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Posted 12/28/2012 6:47 AM (GMT 0)
Hello everyone,

I'm new to the forums. My name's Jesse and I have OCD/panic attacks from time to time.

about ten months ago, I slipped and fell on my head pretty hard. Since then, I've been experiencing numerous problems on the left side of my head/throat. I've finally went to the doctor and they recommended an MRI. I'm doing all of this while on vacation in Malaysia, for insurance purposes.

To make the story short, I panicked in the MRI machine and couldn't get it done as I kept moving, jerking my head, etc.... After a few minutes in there, when I thought I was doing okay, my whole body got numb, like when your leg falls asleep. It was very scary. Anyone have something similar happen?

What are some ways that I can cope with being in an MRI machine. I have to get this done and can't let this panicking stop me.

Thanks for all of your input!

Cheers,

Jesse
Posted 12/28/2012 3:27 PM (GMT 0)
I can relate. Those things are scary enough without an anxiety disorder. Do you know any breathing exercises or relaxation techniques? I think tis would be a situation where some deep breathing exercise would really help. You might have to practice a it first, but I think it will go a long way in helping you through this and other stressful times.
Posted 12/28/2012 3:55 PM (GMT 0)
I don't really know any breathing techniques.... other than breathing in through the nose and releasing through the mouth. Thanks for the input thought.
Posted 12/28/2012 4:35 PM (GMT 0)
I don't have anxiety usually, but I do have claustrophobia that seems to get worse as I get older. MRI's freak me out if they're studying anything above my knees. Push me into that tight tube, I know if I move much in any direction I'm going to encounter closed space, and I start to freak.

My last MRI was done after three doses of Zanex, and I still had to request a break just before we finished because I started to panic. I was doing my visualization and hanging in there until the tech said "You're doing great, only five more minutes to go." It broke my concentration and I had to have her pull me out for a minute to let me get under control again.

I may just refuse any more shoulder MRI's unless they send me to an open MRI machine.
Posted 12/28/2012 5:32 PM (GMT 0)
Jesse

Hello and welcome to HealingWell. I have had several MRIs and I understand  how being in the enclosed space can cause you to panic.

Couple of suggestions - perhaps you could ask your Dr. for a mild sedative to take prior to the scan. Judy mentioned she tried this.  A quick acting sedative with a short half life would most likely work best for you and you can talk with your Dr. re what he feels would be a good choice.

Perhaps you can look into the open-sided MRI.  The open MRI design eliminates claustrophobia.

From our resources you may want to look at these links to help you learn some breathing techniques.

Self Help sites with breathing/relaxation exercises instructions

Panic attack relief exercises:

http://www.healthyplace.com/

http://www.stress-relief-exercises.com/

http://www.ehow.com/video_4405003_breathing-exercises-panic-attacks.html

http://www.psybersquare.com/anxiety/panic_relax_I

Again a warm welcome and I hope you keep on talking with us as we are here to help.

Kindly,

Kitt

Posted 12/28/2012 8:09 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for the replies!
Posted 12/28/2012 8:47 PM (GMT 0)
You are very welcome and don't hesitate to keep picking our brains as brainstorming with others often helps us look outside the box for the perfect answer.

I hope your Friday is a good one.

Kitt

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