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

I had an MRI recently on my whole spine and hips. I had told the rheumatologist that I was claustrophobic and he gave me a Lorazepam tablet. I took it as prescribed, although I was less concerned about it than I expected. I got through the whole hour and ten minutes by listening to the different sounds the machine was making and trying to decide what song they reminded me of. As I moved through the tunnel I could see the back of the lorry (it was a mobile one). I was very ready to get out and nearly flung myself off the table. Ironically I got home and the sedative worked an hour later, so take the sedative at least two hours before if you try again. I don't really want another any time soon.

Diazepam can help 👍 also try desensitising to the noise of the scanner but listening to MRI scanner noises on you tube (yes, there really are videos with the noise!).

Good luck for your next scan OP.

I'm so sorry you had such a bad experience and that the team were unsympathetic 😔

I had an MRI on my cervical spine a few weeks back and struggled massively. Had to come out as soon as the nurse had sent me into the scanner and couldn't tolerate the cage over my face. I think it is difficult for a lot of people.

Thankfully the team I had were amazing and really supportive so I got through it.

Can you rebook your scan and ring ahead, explaining that you are very anxious about it and struggled so much this time? The team should try to help you.

Oh I really feel for you. I cannot tolerate a MRI, I’ve had similar experiences in the past, panic arracks etc. When I had my wrist scanned I was able to lay outside with my arm extended & I recently had to have a urgent pelvic MRI but decided to go private to use the open MRI scanner in Croydon. But your GP can refer to a open scanners if it’s not urgent, I’m just not sure if it’s suitable for all body parts! Also always call and speak to the radiologist, they’re often really helpful and can come up with inventive ideas

They are awful. If it was NHS it's because they seem to be on such a tight turn around. When I had my most recent one I was early for the appointment and they said don't worry won't be long just one before you. Then it was AGES and the woman obviously panicked as as she was leaving she was apologising. Private is better. I'm not claustraphobic either but takes mental focus to make it through I barely open my eyes and just keep thinking if I didn't go through with it then what they are looking for won't be found and could be dangerous. That helps, if you're in for a bad back not so much😀

I have MRIs every 3 months. About 50mins each time. I hate them. One hospital I have them in plays music of your choice, I usually ask for the Beatles & sing along in my head - it helps with the noise & to pass the time. The other hospital, where I have most scans, does not play music.
The only time I really struggled was when I was put into a smaller machine, I'm a large lady & it was tight. I cried all the way through & did ask to be out, but they kept saying I was nearly done - they lied.
Usually the staff are very nice.
If I was you I'd enquire about sedation but also ask for the large machine.

You can do this OP.

Ask whoever ordered the scan to prescribe you lorazepam, you take it 1/2 hour before and it takes the edge off.

Look up box breathing and practice that.

Think of a mantra you can remember and tell yourself when you're in, something simple like 'I am safe' or 'this will end'. This helps your panicking 'fight or flight' bit of your brain get back in touch with your logical bit of your brain.

Ask if you can be rebooked to a newer scanner, if it's a major hospital they'll have more than one and the newer ones are like being shunted through a giant polo mint rather than being in a tunnel.

Tell the operator you're scared before you go in, it should remind them to be kinder- even though from their end this is everyday, from your end it's scary.

Though it sounds like the operator was unhelpful, ultimately you and them and whoever ordered the scan all want the same thing, for you to get it done. So they should work with you so you can do your bit and they do theirs.

Bless you. For me, having an MRI is was being buried alive in a still-running fridge.

It's a stressful situation already because you wouldn't be there if everything was hunky dory.

It's perfectly normal to panic. I'm sure I read somewhere that Princess Diana had to have one and yelled her head off.

It's horrible that the staff weren't kinder to you-maybe you caught a bad lot. My mum, at an advanced age and with Alzheimer's had to have one and they could not have been kinder.

I haven't had one but have had some unpleasant procedures and the staff were, again, lovely.

You were unlucky. Next time you won't be and don't worry, it's perfectly normal to react as you did in an abnormal situation. Don't beat yourself up about it and please don't let it put you off trying again.

I have also had a panic attack in an MRI machine and had to stop. I wasn't even all the way in. Didn't know I was claustrophobic. They told me it happens all the time and not to worry. I managed it the next time with a diazepam from the GP, earplugs, an eye mask and slow breathing. Ask your GP if there's anything they can give you to help if you really have to have it done.

My mother was never claustrophobic until she had an MRI in her 50s. She had travelled the world by air for work etc. After that she found it difficult to get on a plane - had to take something and even then it was hard, tunnels were a nightmare etc. It took years for her to get a bit better.

When I had to have one I told them I was claustrophobic and I took something to take the edge off before I had it. No way was I going to risk what happened to her.

OP pls don't feel this is only you-I am generally very calm & can cope with most things but the MRI was wierd-I had to say Nope this is not going to happen-sorry. The nurse was very understanding, she removed the pillow behind my head so there was a bit more room and held my hand & talked me through it as much as she could. Perhaps try again, knowing it is for a short time...good luck. I tried to imagine that I was actually in a very safe place, in a hospital, with professional looking after me, its probably the safest place I'll be all day!

Oh God, I wish I hadn't read this thread now. I'm horribly claustrophobic, I get panicked if a jumper gets stuck over my head whilst taking it off. I know, I know, but can't help it. As for the poor lady who had her head screwed down, that is horrific. I would have to be knocked out completely I think, just hope I never need one. You have my deepest empathy and sympathy, OP.

You are not alone with this, its reasonably common and you don't know until you get in there, how you will react so no need to be embarrassed, the clinical staff will have seen this many times before.

I have had tons of MRI's and it can be difficult and that uncontrollable emotion is stoked by the concern of what the outcome will be.

You can have a mild sedative to relax you or you could ask for one of the big open scanners but there maybe a longer waiting list.

Its difficult to get to speak to your GP/Specialist (well it is for me) so I would just ring the Patient Liaison Dept (PALS) at your hospital and explain, just as you have here, what happened and they can help you address it.

Same thing happened to me during a brain scan. They let me out so I could calm down. On the 2nd go I kept my eyes close and transported myself mentally to a lovely beach. Thankfully this worked together with slowing my breathing down. For me I was mainly panicked about staying in one position for so long not being able to move. If you are 25 min into the scan and you move, they have to start the whole thing over again

That’s a brilliant idea.

I had an MRI while slightly sedated ( I’d been given sedation for another procedure that the doctor couldn’t do so was taken for an MRI instead) Would you be able to have some sedation?
Since had another MRI and I just concentrated on my breathing and kept counting down from 10 to 1, then started again.
You gave my sympathy, they’re very unpleasant.

As soon as I read your title I thought of myself in the mri scanner. Same experience...never been claustrophobic before but suddenly felt 'nooooooooo!' And just shouted God no no no! Thankfully my person was much nicer than yours and offered me different options tul I found one I thought I could tolerate. I just completely disassociated and concentrated on breathing and repeating prayers I hadn't said fir years and don't believe in but the words are automatic.
I have to have another on a year so will be more prepared.
I'm sorry the professional was so unprofessional.

It's not a great experience I agree.
It's the noise that gets me inside the scanner and whatever they give you to put in your ears never seems to work.
The first one I had I did feel a bit panicky, but subsequent ones haven't been so bad. Maybe now you know what to expect OP, the next one won't seem as awful.

A black (blackout) eye mask helps as you can't open your eyes!

What a horrible experience for you OP! Given how common it is to feel claustrophobic in them you think they would be better at helping patients cope. I had an MRI and the machine had a sort of periscope arrangement so I could see out, could see the technician at the controls. It made all the difference, I would not have been able to cope otherwise too. 💐

I have to close my eyes before going in. If I open them and see the surface just above my face I go mad it's horrible

I’m so sorry and know exactly how you feel.

im definitely not claustrophobic but freaked out too. Booked second appt with music on and some mild sedative prescribed by doctor. Still couldn’t do it.

in the end I had to travel 2 hours to an open scanner….. I still cried when they opened the door to the room but knew I had to do it. The lady was sooo lovely to me that once i lay down she kept talking to me the whole time and got me through it.

For those asking why, if there's a newer option of an "open" scanner available, why they aren't all replaced by them - MRI scanners are ridiculously expensive, so they can't be replaced until the old one has reached the end of it's life, and in some cash strapped areas they can be kept going well past that.

An investment in one of the new wide bore or open scanners costs well into 7 figures, plus any building upgrade works that need to accompany it, plus staff training etc, so you can see why they keep the old ones running as long as possible.

I've had a few MRI scans over the years for shoulder and lower back. Firstly, I'm a large lass and my shoulders barely fit in the older ones so anyone bigger or fatter than me (and there are plenty out there) I can't see them even fitting in one of the older scanners. But also I still can't understand why I've had to go in head first to have my lower back scanned?

I was in a scanner this time last Saturday, head and C Spine for me as well. I can empathise with you, it is horrific. Especially if you have a head coil (below) as you can't tilt your head like people are suggesting and it doesn't matter how wide the scanner is as you can't see it, as you are effectively wearing a welding mask that is then screwed down to the table so short of removing your head you can't get out. It was marginally better than the one I had during lockdown as I had to wear a face mask as well and truly thought I was suffocating. I go with the "nothing to see here" mantra and never open my eyes. Breathing exercises are the key, I count in for 5 and out for 5 and repeat. I take beta blockers anyway and these help me, plus lavender spray, maybe rescue remedy might help you? I nearly cried as after about 15 mins they decided my head was clamped too tightly so took me out and started again. Good luck OK as others have said call and rebook. and explain your anxiety