Claustrophobia and MRI scan

Here's the image:

You can ask your clinician to apply for NHS funding to have an open or upright scan.
It's awarded on a case-by-case basis.

Wow! Thanks for that NotSpaghetti. I was somewhat bemused when the doctor came along and said that she was just popping this fatty capsule into my breast. I forgot to ask what exactly it was because I'd had so many other things poked into my breast by that stage, my mind was whirring. I was warned that my breast might turn blue from the dye, but that didn't happen.

I was referred for a scan a few years ago. Despite taking calming medication before I climbed into the machine I still panicked. Just as the lid came down I leaped out screaming and ran off down the corridor. Fortunately I haven’t had to have one since but I would only consider it if I was fully sedated.

Zoejory

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 like them too. Warm & snug & I'm deaf so the noise is just a gentle hum - very relaxing.

I had to have an mri of my brain so had a cage over my head - I freaked out when I was in the scanner and said I couldn’t go through with it. They made another appointment for me to come in early and take tranquillisers ( presumably diazepam) . I wore an eye mask and the nurse sat by my legs and I think held my hand and I was ok.I wouldn’t have another one without sedation.

I freaked a bit on my first one, surprisingly as not claustrophobic. But had a few seconds of pounding heart, hyperventilating.
Felt so ill for the last one that it was a relief to lie down. Long walk to unit.

I am the worst person ever for anything medical. My doctor gave me a small dose diazepam pill. I took half hour before test, wore earplugs and a mask and as had been recommended on another thread, I asked the staff to talk to me when they could.
I was in 30 mins with a cage. I was completely OK! I would not be afraid the next time.

I have the most awful fear of being enclosed. I had a MRI scan years ago for my shoulder( torn rotor cuff) my husband was let in with me and they gave me headphones playing a favourite CD. I hated it but was reassured by the fact my husband was there and I was given a panic button if I wanted it to stop. Hope it goes ok for you.

I always say it is like being in a washing machine! I do find meditation helps .... I concentrate on my breathing.

I've just been referred for an MRI scan and after reading this thread I'm quite worried now. I recently had a CT scan and was fine with that, but I didn't realise an MRI could take so long! My usual strategy for coping with unpleasant procedures is to close my eyes and think of happier things, but not sure I could do that for 40 or 90 minutes.

Don't forget that most of the people on this thread have had negative experiences of MRI scans Happysexagenarian. Many people aren't bothered by them.

i had an MRI scan today - and a CT scan. I nearly fell asleep during the MRI scan. My eyes automatically close when I lie on my back, so I was unaware of anything around me.

The same with the CT scan. Lay down, closed my eyes and rather than sleep listened to the noises the machine was making and their different rhythms, then i got bored and started planning menus.

happy, MRI scans truly don’t bother me. Yes they are noisy, yes I have to lie still but a panic button would always get me out if needed (never has been and I’ve had five so far). Staff can talk to me and also hear me, they have been unfailingly kind. It’s an unusual experience but for the vast majority manageable. Please don’t worry, talk to the staff about any fears, all can be well.

Happysexegenarian I have had 3 MRI scans at various times for various reasons, and none has lasted more than 30 minutes. yesterday was 20 minutes. It all depends on how much they want to scan.

Just lie back shut your eyes and find something to think of. As my eyes automatically shut when I lie down, like a doll, I just drift into a mousy twilight and listen to the various noises the machine makes. They are many and vared and one sounded like a voice saying boom, boom, boom.

Alternatively think of something specific. When I got bored with the sounds I took the opportunity to plan next week's menus.

The main thing not to do, is keep thinking about it reading the stories of those who did not like the experience and worrying about it.

Personally, I would sooner have an MRI scan than go to the dentist - painful injection, numb mouth, dentist with drill doing things in your mouth, unable to eat for hours afterwards until the anaesthetic wears off. Compared with lying on a bed on your back for 30 minutes, no pain, no discomfort and no after effects.

GagaJo So now we know....

Definitely preferable to the dentist Monica.