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Original poster

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

236 replies

MammaKel · 28/09/2024 16:35

Hi All,

I had an MRI scan today and I've never had one before but didn't consider myself claustrophobic so thought I'd be okay..

Led down on the bed, fine, put headphones on, fine, put cage thing over my head, fine ... got put into the MRI machine, made the mistake of opening my eyes and it was not fine I was shouting to be let out, crying, squeezing the thing they give you over and over and just I don't know what happened, complete and utter terror took over.

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

I feel like a utter idiot now, whilst still crying but I genuinely couldn't do it, panic and fear just took over.

It was needed for my head but does anyone know what happens now? Do I just hope I don't have anything wrong with me or will I eventually have to do it?

OP posts:
Cerialkiller · 28/09/2024 16:41

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?

Cerialkiller · 28/09/2024 16:45

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.

corlan · 28/09/2024 16:45

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.

MimiGC · 28/09/2024 16:48

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.

arinya · 28/09/2024 16:51

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.

arinya · 28/09/2024 16:52

There are open MRI scanners for people who struggle.

SocksAndTheCity · 28/09/2024 16:54

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)?

dublino · 28/09/2024 16:55

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

LadyMacbethWasMisunderstood · 28/09/2024 16:57

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.

bergamotorange · 28/09/2024 16:57

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.

GoodnightJude1 · 28/09/2024 16:59

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 💐

MrsEmmelinePankhurst · 28/09/2024 16:59

If you can get to Bournemouth, there’s an
open MRI scanner at the chiropractic college - clinics.hsu.ac.uk/services/clinical-imaging/mri/

Brobdingnagian · 28/09/2024 17:00

@MammaKel I am very claustrophobic and when I needed a head one they just put my head in the tunnel bit, so my feet were sticking out. If you get a date for another one, ask them to do that. You don’t need to go into the whole machine. I’ve had my lower back done by going in feet first so my head was sticking out. I really couldn’t ever go in the whole thing.

Luio · 28/09/2024 17:00

Young children are given a sedative. I don’t know if adults are ever given that option.

MrsBennetsPoorNerves · 28/09/2024 17:00

I wouldn't describe myself as claustrophobic but I absolutely hated being in the MRI scanner. Felt really panicky. Talk to them and hopefully they will offer some solutions.

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 28/09/2024 17:02

I am not fussed about anything normally but I will need hard drugs to get me through another MRI! I am planning on speaking to my GP if I ever need one again.

DustyLee123 · 28/09/2024 17:03

A friend of mine gets something from the GP. And she said that a male radiographer held her hand the entire time, she was having her hip scanned

Tutorpuzzle · 28/09/2024 17:05

I have, only recently for some reason, started having that claustrophobic/sheer panic feeling at the dentist. Weirdly, if I get up and walk round it subsides and I feel fine when I get back in the chair. But I realise you can’t do this with an MRI!

My dentist has said beta blockers work for some people as a temporary measure, so I’m going to see the gp to try and get hold of some before my next visit. That might work for you?

Whatever you do, I’m really sympathetic. That panicked feeling is awful, and it’s very bad you weren’t treated better.

Skyrainlight · 28/09/2024 17:06

I would freak out too. My mom had one (not in this country though) and had to be sedated to get through it. I'm surprised they didn't offer you that option, I thought it was quite common.

GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 28/09/2024 17:07

I think it’s something other than claustrophobia that people get.

I am insanely claustrophobic- always have been since a child - but I was totally fine with it. Which is really weird when I absolutely cannot sit in a plane/ train/ theatre etc seat without direct aisle access.

If I’m in a slow moving crowd I can’t cope at all, but this didn’t affect me.

So maybe those who say they’re not claustrophobic but hated this, it’s because it’s not claustrophobia that was affecting you - maybe it’s eg to do with having something above your head, or the noise etc?

8misskitty8 · 28/09/2024 17:07

My daughter had a brain MRI when she was 11. It was done in the children’s hospital, their scanner has a wider tunnel.
The technician told me that they also scan adults who are claustrophobic or larger in size in that hospital. Unless urgent, adult Patients have to wait a little longer though.

Boobygravy · 28/09/2024 17:08

My gp prescribed low dose valium.
I took one about an hour prior and kept my eyes firmly shut.
When they took me out I thought I'd had
5 minutes, no I'd been in there almost 30 minutes.
Never open your eyes.

saraclara · 28/09/2024 17:08

After a really awful experience the first time I had an MRI, the second time I needed one (also head) I phoned ahead to the hospital. The woman I spoke to was really helpful, and said that one of their scanners was much better for people with claustrophobia than the others, and rebooked me so that I could have that one. It was vastly better, my friend was allowed to accompany me, he could just reach to hold my fingers, and I could see out into the room a little.

In the end I felt daft having asked him to come, because I'd have been fine in my own, it was so much more open.

So yes, I'd call them, explain, and see if they can provide a more open one, or refer you to a different hospital that has one.

GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 28/09/2024 17:09

Further - I could have just wiggled out of the MRI thing, as it’s just an archway around you. So I wouldn’t call this claustrophobic as you could easily get out.

notnorman · 28/09/2024 17:09

I had to have one on my heart where they give you an injection of a drug which makes your heart speed up and feels like you're about to have a heart attack/die.

0/10. Don't recommend 🙈😑