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AIBU?

Scared of MRI scan

75 replies

springtime12 · 06/04/2019 21:59

I have a MRI scan on Monday and as I'm claustrophobic I'm scared. GP has prescribed diazepam as I have anxiety as well, but now I'm scared of taking it as I've not taken it before.

How effects does diazepam have?
Do you have any tips to get thru the MRI?

Ainu to be scared of both the scan and the meds?

OP posts:

Report

Haggisfish · 22/07/2019 11:45

Well done!

Jackie20203 · 22/07/2019 11:06

Hi everyone,

Just finished my MRI. Feeling so proud. I was in for 1 hour. Took two sedatives and the time passed very quickly. They put the radio on the headphones. But frankly I could have done without the radio.... again thanks everyone for amazing tips.

Haggisfish · 16/07/2019 22:24

I closed my eyes before I was put in the scanner and positioned myself so my hand was over my eyes. A sleep mask would have been better, had I thought! I just kept my eyes closed all the time.

SaltedCaramels · 16/07/2019 22:21

I'm quite claustrophobic but shut my eyes and fell asleep!

Jackie20203 · 16/07/2019 22:19

Thanks for all the info everyone. The best would be if the head is out (they have already agreed feet first).

Tara336 · 16/07/2019 22:11

I even had the cannula (bloody hate needles as well) it’s fine they leave it in your arm, do MRI you come out, they put the dye in and you go back in for the with contrast scan. I do always seem to have a migraine after I don’t think it’s the MRI but me tensing up my muscles in there.

ToPlanZ · 16/07/2019 22:05

The Diazepam will definitely help you relax. I felt really really panicky when they first put me in. I'd never felt anxious in a small space before so it was a shock. I found that focusing on the fact that if I pressed the button I could get out really helped. I was in for 45 minutes but after the first few minutes of steady breathing and talking myself down from the initial panic, the time went quickly. Hope it goes well for you and you manage to get through it.

Tara336 · 16/07/2019 22:05

I have to have MRI every year I don’t like it and get claustrophobic. However, last one I took diazepam, wore an eye mask and the radiographer talked to me all way through and it was easiest one yet. If it’s your hip you might go in feet first and head stay outside which will be a lot easier then head first. My DP goes in with me and we can just touch hands or he holds my foot that contact with someone outside scanner helps too. Explain to the radiographer all your fears and they will be wonderful and will chat away to you, if you feel panicky press the button and your put in seconds (I haven’t pressed it as I figure I’d rather just get it over with)

Luckingfovely · 16/07/2019 22:02

You'll be fine. The pills will help loads. I had two MRIs last week, one head first and then one feet first, which was so so much better, I almost fell asleep. Try and not overthink it - it's a quick and ordinary process - and if I can do it with my anxiety, so can you

Jackie20203 · 16/07/2019 21:55

Thanks everyone. I will phone up and ask. I have everything ready.... Valium from the GP.... feet first agreed etc etc.

Last time I had to be scanned I refused to go in and that was it. So this time I want to make sure that I get in... I have to do it

rideawhiteswan · 16/07/2019 21:47

I had a long one over an hour, I felt worse with my eyes shut I liked being able to see out. What helped me the most was the thought that if I wanted to I could have wriggled out despite being completely inside the tube. Because of what was being scanned I couldn't have a sedative unfortunately!

But after the first ten minutes I relaxed and it was fine, honestly.

rhubarbblossom · 16/07/2019 21:47

Cannula is completely fine. It was actually the thought more than anything for me. It is similar to having blood taken? Are you getting a sedative? That helped generally with anxiety about claustrophobia/needles generally.

Oh of course! By definition, a phobia is irrational- you know that- it doesn't make it any easier when you are phobic about things!

I think the best thing is to phone up and ask. Either you are relieved or prepared that way.

I hope it goes well for you. Have something nice in mind to do after (...or the next day if you zonk out for the rest of the day at home after the sedative like me!)

Jackie20203 · 16/07/2019 21:29

They have already agreed feet first!!! I am still going mad. I have to take cannula as well. Does that hurt (except the needle)?

Being claustrophobic is all in the head but you can’t help the feeling so wanted to know if it’s a open bore machine which will help a lot. Anyways...

rhubarbblossom · 16/07/2019 21:23

I haven't, unfortunately. You could phone up and ask.

Diazepam (actually I had lorazepam but basically... a benzo!) and the mirror and I was fine despite being terrified at the thought in advance. The staff (NHS) were extremely kind and reassuring, I had a button where I could speak with them and they promised to whiz me straight out if I changed my mind. I didn't.

Instead, I felt beautifully tipsy with my sedative, the noises were a bit space age, as were the goggles, I imagined I was on some sort of funfair ride and actually... quite enjoyed it?!! They even gave me a cannula for contrast midway... I am also a needlephobe... and with the sedative, it didn't bother me either!

With hip, I think there is an option potentially to ask to go in feet first? So your head is nearest the exit?

Jackie20203 · 16/07/2019 21:17

I will ask for the mirror definitely.

Has anyone seen the machine at BMI Hampshire?

JamesBlonde1 · 16/07/2019 21:10

You are me OP but without the diazepam. Put me in and I said get me out straight away.

Next they tried this hat thing with a mirror on it. You can try it on before you go in the machine.

I was in 15 minutes and could see them doing their work in the room. I focused on them and the clock I could see. It was easier to focus and watch them and know that if I'd have closed my eyes I'd have visioned myself in the machine and demanded to be out.

The staff were amazing and reassured me throughout. Try the mirror.

I was elated with my bravery when I came out.

Somersetlady · 16/07/2019 20:57

Take your own music. I've had a few and although i hate them they are over and you don't think about them again.
Practise some deep breathing. I actually had to ask to be pulled out last time and then they started again so no one will force you to be in there.

Maybe take something stronger if you can get your hands on it from a doctor this week?

Jackie20203 · 16/07/2019 20:55

Did you have yours in BMI Hampshire clinic? If yes what is the machine like?

PookieDo · 16/07/2019 20:53

I found it was the noise that was really so annoying and loud, it was the noise I was focused on not the small space. I really struggled to get into the machine due to a ruptured disc but they so very nice to me

Jackie20203 · 16/07/2019 20:49

Hi,

I have a MRI scan next week of the hip area. I will have to be in the machine for 45 mins. I am extremely claustrophobic.

I wonder if anyone had a hip area scan in BMI (Hampshire Clinic) recently and can tell me what kind of machine is there? Is it open bore or closed bore? Roughly how long is the tube? Any information would be highly appreciated. I am very very stressed.

Help please

Anon10 · 08/04/2019 08:21

Is it today? I’ve had several including a few head scans and some others too. I am quite anxious and claustrophobic too. I didn’t take anything and I coped ok. Was breastfeeding the last two scans I had so couldn’t take anything anyway.
The head scans are the worst and I’ve had a few of those. Ive had some lower ones too. Hip should be much more manageable. Your head won’t be in most likely for a hip. You will go in feet first. Tell them you are anxious. Evert your gaze upwards so you are looking out of the aperture. Don’t look down the tunnel. Deep breathing. Meditation. Mindfulness. Distraction. Plan something in your head. YOU CAN DO THIS! Good luck!
Also if you ever need one again, ask for a large bore scanner. Lots of NHS trusts have a large bore scanner somewhere (not an open one as such, but they are a good 10cm-15cm wider, shorter and brighter, and that can make all the difference!)

Haphazardhacker · 07/04/2019 21:50

I went for one and they asked me what radio I wanted. I said radio 2 please. They forgot and I didn’t get anything, yes it made odd noises but it wasn’t proper loud and to be honest I found it relaxing to get to lie down.

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Chloemol · 07/04/2019 15:12

When I had mine the hospiTal had a picture on the wall you you can see via a mirror and can focus on that they also talk to you. But if it is that bad, and it can wait ask to be referred to London, not sure where but they have a mri scanner where you sit in the middle and it scans round you just for this purpose

SlightAggrandising · 07/04/2019 13:58

Just to point out. Not all hospitals let you have music or have mirrors so you can see out. My experience is of head MRI and the experience varies widely.

I cannot stress enough how important it is to me to close my eyes and play mind games with myself.

MadameAnchou · 07/04/2019 13:27

OMG, Babynut, I'd have had a panic attack, too. Really could not shut my eyes, either, that would make it worse for me. I've had one, but it was long ago before I experienced trauma that gave me PTSD.

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