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

[MammaKel]

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?

The only time they spoke to me was to tell me to keep my hand very still. (Which took some doing, as I give blood; and they ask you to keep moving your fingers. So it was an ingrained habit when lying down!_

I took my headphones off before I had my MRI on my leg, they make my ears get uncomfortably hot. It didn't occur to me that someone would talk to me through the earphones. I assumed they were so the noise didn't disturb me!

I had a scan in a large bore machine brilliant tube was much wider I even opened my eyes

If you think how often you lie down and how often you give blood, and how much voluntary control we have over our hands, I'm slightly bemused by the I couldn't keep my hand still because I give blood comment ....

It's the noise for me. I was genuinely like WTF is going on? Do I evacuate?

Yes, it was the noise that got me. It was loud but also the frequency got me, I could feel it. And the heat as well. It was around 2000/2001 when I had it and I dot think there was the option for music to play or them to speak to you. I hope never to have one again.

I’m so sorry you had this experience. I’m severely claustrophobic but have had to have several MRIs. Some tips - ask for an eye mask and ear plugs and put them on before you go in. Keep telling yourself you are in control, with the panic button, and that it will all be done in about half an hour and you will be out in the fresh air again. Try visualisation, go for your favourite walk in your head and really concentrate on it. If you are reasonable with numbers, start counting backwards from 10,000 in 7s (or similar) as soon as you go in. And trust the radiographers, they really want to help you and won’t judge you at all. Good luck 💐

When I worked at a GP we had to do a special referral for a patient to a standing MRI he was too claustrophobic for the laying down one. Took about 12 months but he got his appointment.

For people reading this who are discouraged and need them please don't be. While not invalidating people's experiences, I've had many NHS MRIs on my brain and various limbs and I find them totally fine. They've also proved invaluable in terms of diagnosis.

Are you able to be sedated?

I’ve just had a new MRI appt and it’s prompted me to ask how you are getting on @MammaKel. Did you manage to re-book it? I hope all is OK.