Couldn't even last 10 seconds, I freaked out. *content warning regarding MRI scans* title edited by MNHQ

I sympathise with you 100% OP. I’m not claustrophobic at all….or at least I didn’t think I was. The MRI really freaked me out though. I kept worrying they’d forget about me and I’d be left in there forever!
Could you call the hospital/clinic and explain and ask to re book? Perhaps now you know what to expect you can prepare yourself.
It’s not a nice feeling, I know but the HCP over see these procedures/tests everyday and you’re in very safe hands 💐

Now you know what it is like you could do visualisation and practice breathing and counting to focus your mind.

Ask them how long you'll be in there and start practicing and visualising for that length of time.

It's horrible but hopefully you can get to grips with it.

That sounds horrible. And awful the staff were not kind. DS(12) had to have an MRI recently on his head as he had had major surgery on his ear and they needed to check he was making progress. He was fine with it all.

I do think that the staff go above and beyond with children to reassure them. It’s really unfortunate they didn’t do the same with you.

I was allowed to go into the room with DS and sit beside him and hold his ankle. I was talking to him throughout (a mix of low level chat about his upcoming birthday and reading a bit from Harry Potter). It was very noisy but he could hear my murmurings and said it was helpful. He kept his eyes shut throughout. They also have the option of sedation with young children so I don’t see why it could not be available for you if necessary.

I would phone the unit or your consultant’s secretary on Monday and ask about having someone with you and/or sedation. They need to find a way to help you. It’s the staff not you who should be feeling embarrassed.

I hope you manage to find a resolution.

I have one tomorrow for my ankle. Had one years ago for my back and hated it . They had to redo cause I was trembling too much. I'm hoping tomorrow they only put me in from the waist down but I'm not holding my breath . My ma had to donit in an open one as she has terrible claustrophobia

I've had one (and will be having another in a few weeks) but I think I had an eye mask or some sort of cover? I do remember them warning me about the noise, but when it got going I remember thinking I'd paid to see bands that were worse.

Could you maybe ask for a mild sedative if you have to do it again (and take an eye mask with you)?

There are open MRI scanners for people who struggle.

I had one 20 years ago, all fine. Had one last year and quickly realised I needed to start some breathing techniques as could feel myself feeling a bit panicky. Was in there about an hour. Was fine in the end but I can see how people struggle with them.

I've had MRI scans and though I wasn't bothered by the sense of confinement, I did find the noise hard to handle. I think they could do a better job of preparing people. Maybe a video showing exactly what the procedure involves? You can also ask for sedation if you try again. Do be prepared for the noise though and maybe take your own wax earplugs. The foam ones they give you are useless.

Sorry you had that experience - the claustrophobia is terrible with a MRI. I always close my eyes before I go into the tube and don't open them until I'm out otherwise I couldn't cope.
Do you have a phone number on your invitation to the MRI? Phone them and ask for another appointment. Also ask if they can offer any help for your claustrophobia.

I'm not usually cloustrophobic either but I understand why it's triggering. I've been in one and it's was even a speciality one for babies so much quieter then normal apparently. It's still felt very strange and some of the noises and vibration of my body was freaky.

Oh crap that sounds so hard. Similar has happened to me, not in a MRI but have had sudden and unexpected panic which was shocking and embarrassing.

I think what happened to you is pretty common and so all you need to do is contact them and explain what happened. I think they do have larger machines which might not be as clostrophobic so worth asking which machine was used on you.

Did you go in head first or feet first. Sometimes having most of you body outside can help if you struggled with headfirst.

They have method to get patients through this. Perhaps an eye mask would help? Are there other scanning techniques or tests they could use for diagnosis?