MRI scans

Hello CassieJ I had one on my back some time ago I don't like confined spaces but I really wanted to find out what was wrong with my back and get it treated so its deep breathing exercises, doing some mental arithmetic, making dinner party lists in my head, dreaming up my Desert Island discs and other distraction techniques. It was soon over. Don't feel embarrassed that you didn't have it today just make up your mind that you are going to do it. Perhaps a low dose of Diazepam would help.

Close your eyes the whole time. I counted down VERY slowly from 100, and it was over!
PS I am also bad in confined spaces .

I have had more MRI scans than I can remember (lost count) and whilst I wouldn't say I found them easy, I think I have got used to the claustrophobia and the incessant banging.

Teetime is right CassieJ you need to try and focus on something else whilst you are in there. I make lists and pretend I am spending lottery winnings and all sorts of silly things to pass the time. I'm not sure where you are in the country but I know there are some open MRI scanners around (mostly private) but your consultant can refer you to one of those on the NHS if you have a real problem with the closed type or if you are severely overweight. I haven't been on the open one myself but have spoken to people who have and they say its much easier/better. The one in our hospital is really old fashioned and doesn't even have music (most have) which really helps pass the time.

Mine was a full body scan and it took ages, I wore a sleep mask and had Beethoven played through the headphones. It wasn't stuffy, I could feel the air conditioning on my face.

OP did you actually go in then ask to be taken out? I was very apprehensive the first time but once I was in found it was ok. With slow deep breaths and an unfamiliar radio station by the time I came out I was almost asleep. Don't worry about the varying noises, they're all normal I was told the time I squeezed the buzzer as I thought the machine had stuck! ?

Elrel, yes I went into the machine and then asked to be taken out. That is when I realised I couldn't go through with it. The noise doesn't bother me, it's the tightness of it. I felt too close to the roof of the machine.
I will see my GP and see what she can suggest and hopefully try again

Bit off the wall here, but my daughter was afraid of flying, and had a single session of hypnotherapy - it had incredibly successful results; strikes me that this situation, which is very specific, might respond really well to that sort of therapy.

Mines a brain scan harri they search and search and never seem to find it .

I had a scan in the 'doughnut' and got through it OK but the thought of an MRI is scary as I too don't like confined spaces like that. I understand that there is a scanner that goes from side to side so you're never fully enclosed but I don't think my hospital has one like that. Does anyone know of one like this?

I really feel for you Cassiej I too am very claustrophobic and have decided for the time being not to have an MRI scan.
No thinking of lists or beautiful thoughts would work for me which I'm ashamed to admit to. I can't even go in public toilets if it's a full door (no gap at the top or bottom) as I'm terrified of the door lock breaking ! Crazy I know and a real drag.
I think devongirl has a good suggestion re hypnotherapy Cassiej, I just might try that. A low dose of diazepam is the other option. Good luck.

I thoroughly recommend getting a tranquilliser from your GP, I too am claustrophobic but was able to convince myself to keep my eyes closed the whole time and think pleasant thoughts while I was in the scanner, I've now had 3, the last unaided but I still kept my eyes shut!

Cassie - Good idea to see your GP about it, hope something helpful is suggested. All the best ?

An open MRI scanner is similar to a standard one, but just has a slit in the top so you can see out a tiny bit.

I have had a number of MRIs. I do hate the noise, but like the others I try to take my mind off it , usually by seeing how high I can count in Italian or French. I keep losing count and have to start all over again, so time passes quite quickly.
Other times I try to work out the pattern of the different noises and guess how long it will be before the next loud part.
I think it is the fear of the unknown, rather than the MRI itself that scares many people. During the last one I had a few months ago, the radiographer kept asking if I was OK, as I was concentrating so much on counting backwards in French, I was hardly moving.

One of the times I had an MRI, the fire alarm went off and my husband told me afterwards that the place had been full of firemen. I was oblivious to all the commotion, which fortunately turned out to be a false alarm.

Some scans are really quite quick. I find all that stuff from ante natal class helpful. No use in childbirth! But useful 40 years on for scans and dentist.!!

I had the same problem as you Cassie and couldn't continue a MRI due to claustrophobia. I got a valium from the doc and took it an hour before hand. I also spoke to the lovely lady doing the scan the day before and she was very supportive and kept talking too me and made the whole thing as quick and easy as possible. I walked out smiling, might have been the drugs!! P.s. it might be worth asking your doctor if a CAT scan would be possible as they are much bigger and open at both sides. Best of luck

Thank you Izzywizzy, you totally get what I mean. There is no amount of thinking beautiful thoughts etc would help. It is the thought of being in a confined space for 40 minutes that scares me.
I can't even stay on a train or a bus if there is a huge amount of people as I feel too closed in.
I have an appointment with my GP next week so shall see what they suggest.

There are upright MRI scanners in some nhs hospitals and you can ask for a referral to one of those.you sit or stand inside with your head out.