Claustrophobia and MRI scan

I’ve had two in recent years, all fine as I kept my eyes tightly shut.

I've had several MRI scans, with no problems as I kept my eyes closed. Once, I had my own music playing and it was fine. However, the last one I had I made the mistake of opening my eyes and seeing the roof of the thing 6 inches away. I pressed the panic button and was brought out. They tried talking to me but there was no way I could go back inside until they went and found my husband. He held my hand the whole time, squeezing down the last 10 seconds of each pass. He'd never appreciated the trauma of MRI until that moment, or the noise!

My first MRI in 2011 the emergency squeeze alarm came apart in my hand and the radiologist didnt hear me whimpering and crying for help for another hald hour. The second MRI in 2019 was of my brain but I was more prepared as knew they put a cage on your head so I asked for valium from my gp and my daughter came into the room with me . So much better the second time as i knew she was there!

dogsmother Glad it all went well. I didn't get a choice of music, but I would have chosen rock as well.

My head has never been in; only up to my chest and the panic was awful. I had my eyes closed and played a tennis match in my head! I’d never be able to go all the way in.

Okay, I chose rock music because I am contrary and didn’t want to have anything trying to calm me. I was given ear plugs to put in before the headphones for the music. I was positioned and I closed my eyes before I was rolled in to the machine.
I opened them once and because agitated for a little while had a word with myself and relaxed again. It was very, very loud despite the music. It was a cross between a building site and a war zone!
So. Eyes closed and consider music choices.
I glad I chose what I did it gave me something to think about and fight with.

About two years ago I had a scan of my heart. I really feel for anyone who is claustrophobic. The nurse who cared for me throughout explained everything so clearly and kindly that I felt very reassured.

Half way through, I was brought out of the scanner for dye to be injected and a 20 minute wait ensued before they manoeuvred me back in. During that time, I fell asleep!!

Discovered that I was claustophobic when I had my first MRI scan many years ago. I was pressing the panic button even before they had fully sent me into the tunnel. Can not describe that feeling of total panic.

I have tried it all, -eyes tightly closed, (wearing a mask makes it even worse), thinking pleasant thoughts, breathing exercises, myown music disc. - none of that works for me.

I was advised to ask me GP for a pill which I take an hour before any such scan. Usually need to be at the clinic when I take it. With this relaxatant, I am able to keep my eyes closed and get through any such scan. Where possible go into machine feet first. Problem is that it takes the whole day for that tablet to work itself out of my system.

Even with this pill, I can remember one MRI scan which was just finishing and they told m they would shortly be bringing me back out, and I put my hand up to brush away a hair I could feel on my forehead. My hand touched the top of the machine and the claustophobic panic immediately kicked in.

I have been told that some privae clinics use a different type of MRI scanner, one in which one sits up and is open at the top. I suppose, one day these will become the norm. but in the meantime, Diazapan for me if I need one of these scans.

They're not widely available in the NHS but there are open MRI scanners, suitable for those who are obese or claustrophobic.

I'm very claustrophobic and would be seeking one of these!

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

I always take a tranquilliser beforehand.

Have you considered a sleep mask? This sort of thing. You can bluetooth them to your phone, and play either music or hypnosis tracks, or you could even get your husband or someone else whose voice might soothe you to record something that would calm you down. If you had a way of letting yourself know how long you'd been in there it might help, too - either by working out at what point in the music/track you are half way or by getting the person recording encouragement to add in that you only have ten minutes to go.

Good luck with it. I haven't had an MRI, but I can't imagine enjoying it. I love my sleep headphones though, and would take them if I needed to have one.

Our 10 year old granddaughter had to have a brain MRI last year. Her verdict “It was very relaxing”. Not sure what to say about that!

Funnily, despite being claustrophobic - and very medical/dental phobic too - I'm fine with MRIs. I choose my favourite music and just close my eyes.

When I was admitted for five days and had loads of tests, the MRI was the most memorable! It seemed to rattle and shake and was very noisy! Seemed like a Heath Robinson invention.

Can you choose your own music to listen to? That might help.

I've had many MRI.

I ask my husband to drive, no real reason apart from calming.

I take a tiny treat with, to visualize eating after.

I wear loose - leggings, loose jumper, soft slipper type shoes (not attractive jeans, fitted top, leather shoes). Comfortable. No ring, earrings, glasses (I don't like to worry to keep up with my things, worry isn't calm to me).

I memorize, in advance, repeat silently, eyes shut, without pausing.

I can’t go in one. I have had two on my knees and only go in up to my chest and I sweat, cry and generally have a breakdown. As ridiculous as it sounds I couldn’t go in if my life depended on it. I know nothing is going to happen to me but as it starts to move me in something irrational happens and all reason disappears. It may be something from childhood but I can’t overcome it.

I’m normally very good and quite tough really. Needles, operations, dentists don’t bother me but an MRI?? No can’t do it.

I kept my eyes closed, I asked that they keep in touch-which they didn’t -so I mentally walked every step of my favourite walk in Menorca. Worked a treat!

I'll remember that NotSpaghetti should the need ever arise.

I had quite a long session, which was a challenge. I shut my eyes and played mental games working through the alphabet e.g. Girls' Names - Ann, Bridget, Caroline / Towns - Aberdeen, Bournemouth, Cardiff - and so on. That, and relaxation exercises involving controlled breathing while focussing on different parts of the body.

Weirdly, I quite like them. In an odd way. Certainly have no problems with them.

However my mother was a great fan of closing her eyes and counting down from 1000. Used to say it worked a treat.

I would request an open MRI scanner and be prepared to travel to one.

I hope I never have to have one. My claustrophobia is so bad I couldn't even wear a mask during the pandemic, and it seems to get worse as I get older.

Oh no!
I’m heading off for one in an hour……I will report back.