Any mri radiographers around ?

[Bassetfeet]

I have one for lumber spine at the end of the month . Have had some lovely support from the Back Pain thread and advice .
But I am panicking still and getting worse . It isn't the claustrophobia so much as I find it nigh on impossible to lie flat on my back . I struggle to breathe and my throat tightens up . Truly don't want to waste a valuable appointment that if I fail someone else could have . But I must get a backbone and do it . Could I lie on my side ?

I am so embarrassed by this.. Daft thing is I had a head mri with contrast ten years ago and it was no problem . Different person then sadly . Crying daily with fear .

[Thumbwitch]

Not one, but wonder if you can lie on your front instead? Or is that impossible for you as well?

[Bassetfeet]

I can lie on my front ok Thumbwitch. Just so cannot lie flat on my back .
Panic sets in despite all the breathing properly and mind distraction.

[throckenholt]

why don't you ring the hospital and explain and check what is possible ? At least then you will know for sure, and can stop worrying.

[Bassetfeet]

Yes Throcken I will . Best I know scenario and can practice how long etc .
Thank you and Thumb for reply .

[throckenholt]

Good luck - I hope it helps to make you feel better soon.

[Thumbwitch]

Yes, ringing them = good idea, and in the meantime, try Rescue Remedy, even if you think it's all woo, it does still work to reduce panic and anxiety. It worked on my Dad and he's one of the least "believing" type people I know!

[Berrie]

I had a sedative from the GP the second time I had an MRI and took every pain killer I could.
First time I had to lie on back for two 20 minute bursts. It was agony and I panicked terribly. I had to say my 7x table over and over!

[natdee]

This might be a little late but I'm an MRI radiographer. If your are having a lumber spine scan you can go into the scanner feet first meaning your head will be near the entrance to the tube. your knees can be raised, as can your head (on several pillows) so you will not be entirely flat. you can also ask your gp for oral sedatives. ask the MRI department for an early appointment as you won't have to sit waiting to go to the hospital.

If you are feeling anxious ask if you can go and have a look at the scanner before your appointment. I see you have had a head scan before and I can assure you a lumber scan is much more comfortable than a head scan. you can also have music (you can take your own cd) and if you have a relative or friend you would like to come in with you (providing they fill out a safety questionare) they could hold your hand during the scan.

Please don't ever feel like you are wasting anyone's time. It's your appointment slot. remember you are in control. you can stop at any time. even one set of pictures is a step closer to a diagnosis even if you can't manage the whole scan.

If you do find it all a bit too much then there are alternatives. wider bore scanners and open scanners.

I hope you manage to get a scan and a diagnosis

[Bassetfeet]

Thank you natdee your words are hugely comforting.
I am going on Thursday after having had to cancel the last appt [in time to be reappointed].

Being able to have pillows under my head has alleviated my main fear . I feel as if I am choking if flat due to breathing problems .

I hope my radiographers are as lovely as you ...and patient ! my appt this time is 8.40 so no time to get myself in a sweat . thank you .
and all who posted here

[natdee]

Let us know how it goes

[Bassetfeet]

Just updating . The scan went fine as all you lovely people reassured me.
I was highly anxious re lying flat but they gave me two pillows and a wedge under my legs.

Super kind radiographers who spoke to me regularly . Opted for classical music cd and The Ode to Joy and 1812 overture was perfect upbeat conducting in your head therapy !

Thank you.

[natdee]

glad to hear all went well :) us radiographers are a good bunch (most of the time) x