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?

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!).

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.

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.

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 ...

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 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.

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

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

Gosh how horrible for you. When I've had scans, the staff have been aware that this kind of reaction can happen and repeatedly said that if I squeezed the button they would first speak to me and then take me out if I wanted. Knowing this was helpful. I got through it by keeping my eyes closed and listening to the music played into head phones. I hope you get offered another scan and can manage it better now you know what to expect.

Yeah, never ever open your eyes. Your body reacted, there's nothing you could have done about it. Don't be so hard on yourself.

I had my first ever one this week. It took 3 attempts to do it. I kept my eyes closed but it was horrible.

I had one a year ago.

Like another poster, I’ve given birth without any pain relief, I’m a trooper at the dentist , I’ve had surgery, I go for smears of my “tilted” (can’t be found) cervix

But I only barely made it through it. I was a trembling mess. It was horrific. I surprised myself because I’m usually so calm in any medical situation. The hardest part was the person doing it was in no way sympathetic, and at one point even told me that I needed to get a grip, when I told her that I was nervous I’m still sorry that I didn’t report her for her attitude.

It’s such an unnatural situation, and you are not an idiot

You're not an utter idiot, OP. If it happens, it happens. I hope you're feeling a bit better now - if not, then have a think about what would comfort you, & just do that. I had an equally horrible experience the only time I tried to do an MRI, & when I got home I showered & washed my hair & then got bundled up in a big chenille dressing gown I'd never used before, & zoned out until I felt ready to face the world again.

Mine was made worse by the staff appearing very hostile, glaring at patients, not talking or explaining anything, etc. I was already nervous & that set me up to fail, I think. Whatever. I never want to do an MRI again.

I would say though that I've done several CT scans since then (had some great advice here about CT scans) & they were completely different to the MRI & much easier, so if you ever have to do one, don't let your MRI experience put you off.

Now, make some hot chocolate or whatever you fancy, & snuggle down for a bit...

Don’t be ashamed Op, it’s so common!
I used to pride myself on not being scared of much, I’m fine with heights, public speaking, spiders! I’ve done loads of adventure sports, love sailing, skiing, mountain biking, climbing.

I was in a simulator ride in Disney, not scary at all and very suddenly had a massive panic attack about the enclosed space and was desperate to get out, I was trapped from another 5 minutes, It was horrific.

I’m slightly better now but when your body sends that horrible panic feeling it’s just awful. I’m a logical person, but I’ve had to really work hard to get it under control so I can fly, go on trains etc. I had an MRI recently and I felt I could wiggle out if needed (I’m quite small), so I just about coped!

But you’ve nothing to be ashamed of, it’s a terrible feeling. It’s something deeper in your brain that goes beyond the logic and it is so tough to control sometimes.

I disagree with PP who said it's not claustrophobic- the roof was literally about 2 inches above my face if I remember rightly. I had expected to be in a fairly sizeable tunnel not so at all.
The noise was incredible and I just closed my eyes as I went in and counted the seconds. Twenty minutes later I was out and opened them again. It was bloody awful and I completely get your feelings OP. I think they will give you a sedative if you're so affected, next time.

I had exactly the same thing. They booked me another appointment and gave me diazepam beforehand. Made me not care about anything!

Oh also another poster recommended the Dare book by Barry Mcdonaugh, and that is truly the best book I’ve ever read for phobias/panic attacks, it’s genuinely made life easier for me with enclosed spaces.

Had one a few weeks ago. Not a pleasant experience. I made it through but it was like being in a metal bin hit by a hammer. I can completely understand why you didn't want to go ahead with it.

I've had numerous MRI scans and they aren't pleasant. My head scan was 50 minutes long! During that time, I zoned out. Planned my meals for the week, chewed on gum and gritted my teeth with the noise.

Full sympathy to you OP, maybe try a beta blocker next time? Staff should be kind, it's not a nice experience.

I have to keep my eyes open. The panic is far, far worse with my eyes shut and means that I can't actually keep them shut. My problem is linked to PTSD but I find it almost impossible to lie there and not be able to run away. I am hyper vigilant and so closing my eyes would make it a thousand times worse

My friend asked his gp for some diazepam specifically for this and was given some

I had been told this could happen before I had my first one so practised some breathing exercises and all was well.

I suggested this to the DH when he needed one but he said it wasn't necessary. So my lovely DH all 6 foot something and normally very calm and civilised started shrieking in absolute despair before he'd even gone all the way in the thing.

This is why on Monday I'm going to the hospital with him to help him get through the whole thing. Fourth time lucky perhaps???