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

You can have someone in the rolm with you holding your leg if you would find that helpful.

I knew what the subject of you freaking out was going to be as soon as I saw the thread title! I've heard so many people say the same. I've had 2 MRIs and I must be weird because I quite enjoyed them 😄

You poor thing, just sending a very unmumsnetty hug to you @MammaKel .

I’ve had one and although I managed, it wasn’t nice at all.

I had an MRI and felt the same. I did make it through but I had to take a break and they had to start over.

They're horrendous and I think panic attacks are very common (hence them giving everyone ‘the button’). It’s extremely unnatural situation- very cramped, very loud, ‘trapped’ and being told to stay silent and still. Complete loss of control. I have had a few on various parts, even on my knee I found it hard. If you’re not claustrophobic, it is something you can train yourself to ‘cope’ with. I found the book Dare by Barry McDonagh extremely helpful when it came to dealing with panic attacks and used his techniques to deal with claustrophobia.

I had one earlier this year and I had to practice lots of deep breathing and mind over matter otherwise I would have shouted to get out. I absolutely had to go through with it because it was to find out if cancer had spread to other areas. I believe it's possible for adults to ask for sedatives which I would definitely do if I had to have another.

mine was at 7.30 (routine appt) in the morning had no time to work myself up. I was there early and in by about 7.20 and out by 8am

I've had a lot of them. They're not fun. My leg also starts twitching, like small myoclonic jerks, which is not helpful when they're trying to scan your knee ...

I’ve been having MRIs of my brain, and occasionally upper spine, for the last 16 years. The first time was unbelievably difficult and it was sheer willpower that got me through. I couldn’t face waiting any longer for results and the terror of that was even worse than the terror of the MRI. [My Consultant told me one of the serious possibilities was a brain tumour and I was determined to find out definitively as quickly as possible.]

Since then I’ve learned coping strategies to the extent I can occasionally fall asleep in the scanner despite the confinement and noise.

Talk to whoever referred you, or your GP. They will be able to prescribe a mild sedative to help you. As others have said, you may also be able to go to a different scanner which is slightly more open and certainly staffed by people more sympathetic to your concerns which are absolutely not unusual.

Good luck.

This is really common OP but the nurses etc should have been kind. We see lots of this in clinic and I agree with all the suggestions for a) speaking with the booking dr or your own GP for something to help. And b)- which is the only thing that works for me- DO NOT open your eyes. I lie there and tune into the knocks and my breathing and just try and exist. Don’t let your thoughts wander to where you are (I know this is easier said than done). Otherwise I would also panic.

You have my sympathies, OP. My 13yr has had two of his head/spine in the last few months, and he was a star. It didn’t bother him. Me, however, won’t cope if I ever needed one.

My Mum advised me to keep my eyes closed if I ever had one, but I don’t like the sense of feeling out of control/not knowing what is going on around me. I think I would want to keep my eyes open, so I am aware of what is around me, and I can work at getting in the right mindset (if that makes sense!).

I had to have one of my brain when I was 38weeks pregnant. Just lying on my back was agony on my hips and I only managed half the scan before they had to get me out because I was freaking out.

All my family and friends know even if I appear to be in a coma never to let them do a head mri without giving me Valium or something.

I had an MRI this week. I’ve had them before but only lower body. This was for my head, I have cancer. I’m not a nervous person at all. I’m not generally claustrophobic. Honestly, it was terrifying. I went in all billy big balls and didn’t close my eyes and lasted 20 seconds and they had to bring me back out and completely unstrap me so I could get off the table.

I’m also a hypnotherapist though and second try, what I did was basically close my eyes before I went in and I took myself through a guided relaxation and basically put myself into a hypnotic state. It was fine, as long as I kept myself in that state and kept my eyes closed. No way I could have done it otherwise.

I’d recommend hypnotherapy if it’s something you’re going to need to do again/regularly like me. I’ve truly never been so grateful for the skill set I have. You would be able to have someone make you a relaxation track to listen to if they’ll let you listen to something. Mine said you could listen to the radio or a CD (😂) if you wanted.

I did the same thing of making the mistake of opening my eyes. I’m sorry they weren’t nice to you, it must happen all the time - it really is like being in a coffin! You should be able to see out either the top or bottom if you move your head which will make you feel safer, but you can’t move during the scan so the trick is to absolutely not open your eyes. I would suggest hypnotherapy either in person or through an app and then try again. Sometimes they will let you play your own music (usually on a CD) so I would take in a hypnotherapy recording and listen to that. I’m not “woo” at all but hypnotherapy is great for phobias, bad experiences and relaxation

Sorry MNHQ.

My post was deleted because I mentioned an abbreviation for anxiolitic drugs which I was given to enable me - on the third attempt to get an MRI. I'm sure you all know the usual ones. It's the only way for many and the medical profession should be OK with prescribing for a one off event like MRI since if they can complete the test it saves them so much time and expense, and helps the patient too.

EDIT, thanks MNHQ, I see you have reinstated the post. I meant no harm anyway.

I had a foot one recently and they only put me in as far as my waist. I was in agony afterwards though as it was a foot and ankle one. They did ankle first and then straight on to foot. If I ever had to do that again I would ask to be released in the middle to stretch my joints.

I had another for my lower back and I went in head first for that one. I started to open my eyes and shut them again really quickly when I realised how confined it was. However, once I was fully in they put a mirror above my head that pointed out to the room so all I could see was the ceiling and top of the walls in the back of the room.

I would definitely be asking what they can do so it doesn't feel so confined. They told me to keep my eyes closed until I was fully in and they had put the mirror in. I should have listened as even the second or two of seeing how confined it was stressed me out no end.

I'm not claustrophobic at all but having had a head MRI I completely get why they could make.someone claustrophobic. I kept my eyes shut as it was a bit panic inducing. I was ok but can tell care why they could give someone a panic attack!

I am quite claustrophobic OP, and feared reacting like you did. I was in ages, because they couldn't get the images they needed. I was shocked at how tiny the space was. I just had to disappear inside my head but listen to the breathing instructions at the same time. The clanging doesn't help. I'd lived with episodes of agonising pain for so long, I was basically afraid not to complete it. I hope you're OK next time OP -explore sedation.

"They let me out, weren't particularly nice about it but I just put my shoes on and left crying"

How unprofessional of these staff! I understand you 100% and I am no health worker. I once had an MRI brain scan and the experience was so awful I said to myself that I would never have one again, no matter how ill I felt. So I completely get you.

Don't let this get to you. Put it out of your mind, then return to it after a bit of time. Have a nice cup of tea, do something nice to take your mind off things.

Just ask for sedation or an open MRI scanner. Or as @Boobygravy says a one off low Valium dose.

As PP’s have said, I’m not claustrophobic but the noise got to me a bit and the length of time. I kept wondering how/why it took so long. Had one earlier this year and got to have one again soon. The only thing I don’t like is this time I have to be there early (9.15!).

Benzos are the only way. No one should have to think they will be "brave" if they know they will struggle. This is 2024 and you can get xanax or equivalent ( decent dose please!) for tests like this. There are probably more people terrified and panicked by MRI than aren't. It is an awful experience but has to be done.

Reader, I got the xanax - 5mg I think, and while I was still a bit freaky, I managed to get through it without damaging an expensive piece of NHS kit by kicking down the dome that trapped me.

Oh it's the worst. I had to get out, they proceeded to tell me how much I had cost them. I had an ultrasound instead. There was no need for them to have out me in headfirst when they were scanning my reproductive organs.

I can’t manage them at all. Back in the day I actually had to have one under a general anaesthetic!
I was referred here to trial an ‘open’
scanner. A bit of travelling involved but it was well worth it.
The lady in before me had come from Birmingham.
We had to fill out a little survey about why we were there and our previous experiences.
She had been working in a butcher’s when some thieves came in and stuck her in the meat freezer store at the back. So I felt like an amateur as there was no way I could match that!
I would describe it as bit like being on a sunbed without the heat. And it’s designed so you can see out. Also
could use a buzzer myself to get out. Which really helps.
The fact that these scanners have been designed means you are alone. I have learned that you really have to fight your corner though to get what you need.
https://www.thewaltoncentre.nhs.uk/departments-and-services/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri/416790

They gave my mum diazepam and she was away with the fairies. She even sang, and she usually hates them.

I completely freaked out last year in a CT scan ended up yelling,it took all my willpower to stay in it..4 years ago I had one very quick and was fine,head. I am extremely claustrophobic. Last year it was full body, the IV tissued, the radiographers came out and we're fiddling with it. Saying if they couldn't get it started I would have to go back to the Dr, have the venflon re sighted and start again.