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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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:
Maddy70 · 28/09/2024 18:22

arinya · 28/09/2024 16:52

There are open MRI scanners for people who struggle.

This. Also ask for sedation (take some valium before hand )

HowcanIhelp123 · 28/09/2024 18:26

It's hard.

They should be kinder, it was difficult for you. But they're not because they're going to get it in the neck for it. Essentially you were a no show.

NHS so broken you probably waited months for that appointment, they're being told to reduce the waiting lists, maybe even put on an extra clinic to try get through some. By not going through with it they have to find you a new appointment, extending time you've been waiting, lengthening the list.

I hope you get seen soon OP and all is well. But their reaction to you isn't personal.

GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 28/09/2024 18:26

mathanxiety · 28/09/2024 17:16

If it has the same effect - a sense of panic, terror, or needing to get out immediately - then a quibble about whether it's claustrophobia or something else isn't really relevant.

Show quote history

Well no, I’m just interested as to what the distinction might be! Some people clearly have panic in one situation and some in another and it would be useful for me to understand more about it.

Pingpongglitch · 28/09/2024 18:27

You could have been a bit more descriptive in the thread title. I would never have clicked on it. Thank you so much for the panic attack. Very bloody kind of you.

Enigma52 · 28/09/2024 18:33

Pingpongglitch · 28/09/2024 18:27

You could have been a bit more descriptive in the thread title. I would never have clicked on it. Thank you so much for the panic attack. Very bloody kind of you.

?? What does all that mean?

OP had a horrid experience; now she's wondering whether she will have to go through it again.

SammyScrounge · 28/09/2024 18:34

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.

This is good advice. I closed my eyes and didn't open them until I was back out. It was easy.

Original poster
MammaKel · 28/09/2024 18:35

Hi Everyone,

I've calmed down a bit now and read all your comments. I'm glad to hear I'm not alone but so sorry people have felt the same.

It was an urgent MRI so I've only been waiting a day or so which maybe made it worse for the staff, I do feel terrible about it.

I'm gonna speak to the GP about a sedative or what my options are as I imagine I'm going to need another one.

For the people upset about my title, please feel free to report it. I wasn't thinking and I apologise for any upset.

OP posts:
sydsmum · 28/09/2024 18:36

I too had a head MRI. I would never have considered myself claustrophobic beforehand, but that procedure ruined me for life! I was told by the nurse to request sedatives if I ever need another one, and possibly an open scanner.

LaBelleSauvage123 · 28/09/2024 18:39

I’ve had three on my heart and have felt panicky in all of them. The one I had on my knee was fine as my head was sticking out of the top. During the last heart one they pulled me out after a few minutes to check the positioning of something and I told them I didn’t think I could go in again. They were very kind - the nurse took the pillow away from my head so I could tilt it back and see the outside world and then she stood at the end of the tube so I could see her too. That made the whole experience much more bearable, but I don’t know if you could do it with a cage.

Keepingittogetherstepbystep · 28/09/2024 18:43

Was it at the hospital or was it a mobile unit.

If it was a mobile unit then ring the hospital, explain and ask for a hospital based appointment. The NHS's own staff are far better with dealing with issues with the tunnel.

I was allowed to leave my jeans on😠 in a mobile unit and they refused to help my disabled mum causing her neck problem to flare up

Hope you manage to get a new appointment sorted quickly.

RoseAylingEllisFanClub · 28/09/2024 18:46

I had to have a head MRI before my cochlear implant. It was a lengthy one and of course, with the reason for the implant, there was no way I was going to be able to listen to music or talk to anyone. I just had to put up with it as a necessary step for something I knew would change my life.

Longest 30 minutes of my life, but the staff were kind, and angled a mirror so I could see them at work through the window in the room behind, so at least that reduced the feeling of disconnection. My husband peeped through the window and said he could just tell from the look of my toes just how little I was enjoying the whole experience.

What got me through it was holding on to the outcome (yea or nay to the CI) and thinking of the French phrase ‘un mauvais quart d’heure’ (a bad quarter of an hour)

Just knowing that a name for it exists makes me feel better, whether it’s the dentist’s chair or an MRI. It’s only 15 minutes or (30, two bad quarters of an hour!) and helps reduce the stress to manageable proportions.

It really wasn’t fun, but I think the pp who said it wasn’t just claustrophobia had a point - it’s that feeling of not being connected to the world around you as well as being hemmed in. I felt so adrift and would have felt more so without that mirror because I didn’t even have auditory stimulus.

(I will never be able to have another MRI. Once the CI is in place they’re contraindicated. Strangely, I’m at peace with that!)

Danceswithweasels · 28/09/2024 18:48

I was in a scanner this time last Saturday, head and C Spine for me as well. I can empathise with you, it is horrific. Especially if you have a head coil (below) as you can't tilt your head like people are suggesting and it doesn't matter how wide the scanner is as you can't see it, as you are effectively wearing a welding mask that is then screwed down to the table so short of removing your head you can't get out. It was marginally better than the one I had during lockdown as I had to wear a face mask as well and truly thought I was suffocating. I go with the "nothing to see here" mantra and never open my eyes. Breathing exercises are the key, I count in for 5 and out for 5 and repeat. I take beta blockers anyway and these help me, plus lavender spray, maybe rescue remedy might help you? I nearly cried as after about 15 mins they decided my head was clamped too tightly so took me out and started again. Good luck OK as others have said call and rebook. and explain your anxiety

Allergictoironing · 28/09/2024 18:49

For those asking why, if there's a newer option of an "open" scanner available, why they aren't all replaced by them - MRI scanners are ridiculously expensive, so they can't be replaced until the old one has reached the end of it's life, and in some cash strapped areas they can be kept going well past that.

An investment in one of the new wide bore or open scanners costs well into 7 figures, plus any building upgrade works that need to accompany it, plus staff training etc, so you can see why they keep the old ones running as long as possible.

I've had a few MRI scans over the years for shoulder and lower back. Firstly, I'm a large lass and my shoulders barely fit in the older ones so anyone bigger or fatter than me (and there are plenty out there) I can't see them even fitting in one of the older scanners. But also I still can't understand why I've had to go in head first to have my lower back scanned?

Somersetmumma28 · 28/09/2024 18:52

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?

I’m so sorry and know exactly how you feel.

im definitely not claustrophobic but freaked out too. Booked second appt with music on and some mild sedative prescribed by doctor. Still couldn’t do it.

in the end I had to travel 2 hours to an open scanner….. I still cried when they opened the door to the room but knew I had to do it. The lady was sooo lovely to me that once i lay down she kept talking to me the whole time and got me through it.

LivelyMintViper · 28/09/2024 18:58

I have to close my eyes before going in. If I open them and see the surface just above my face I go mad it's horrible

Pudmyboy · 28/09/2024 19:02

What a horrible experience for you OP! Given how common it is to feel claustrophobic in them you think they would be better at helping patients cope. I had an MRI and the machine had a sort of periscope arrangement so I could see out, could see the technician at the controls. It made all the difference, I would not have been able to cope otherwise too. 💐

halava · 28/09/2024 19:05

A black (blackout) eye mask helps as you can't open your eyes!

fetchacloth · 28/09/2024 19:06

It's not a great experience I agree.
It's the noise that gets me inside the scanner and whatever they give you to put in your ears never seems to work.
The first one I had I did feel a bit panicky, but subsequent ones haven't been so bad. Maybe now you know what to expect OP, the next one won't seem as awful.

Awumminnscotland · 28/09/2024 19:15

As soon as I read your title I thought of myself in the mri scanner. Same experience...never been claustrophobic before but suddenly felt 'nooooooooo!' And just shouted God no no no! Thankfully my person was much nicer than yours and offered me different options tul I found one I thought I could tolerate. I just completely disassociated and concentrated on breathing and repeating prayers I hadn't said fir years and don't believe in but the words are automatic.
I have to have another on a year so will be more prepared.
I'm sorry the professional was so unprofessional.

Allthehorsesintheworld · 28/09/2024 19:15

I had an MRI while slightly sedated ( I’d been given sedation for another procedure that the doctor couldn’t do so was taken for an MRI instead) Would you be able to have some sedation?
Since had another MRI and I just concentrated on my breathing and kept counting down from 10 to 1, then started again.
You gave my sympathy, they’re very unpleasant.

Allthehorsesintheworld · 28/09/2024 19:16

halava · 28/09/2024 19:05

A black (blackout) eye mask helps as you can't open your eyes!

That’s a brilliant idea.

Lourdes12 · 28/09/2024 19:24

Same thing happened to me during a brain scan. They let me out so I could calm down. On the 2nd go I kept my eyes close and transported myself mentally to a lovely beach. Thankfully this worked together with slowing my breathing down. For me I was mainly panicked about staying in one position for so long not being able to move. If you are 25 min into the scan and you move, they have to start the whole thing over again

PrettyPickle · 28/09/2024 19:24

You are not alone with this, its reasonably common and you don't know until you get in there, how you will react so no need to be embarrassed, the clinical staff will have seen this many times before.

I have had tons of MRI's and it can be difficult and that uncontrollable emotion is stoked by the concern of what the outcome will be.

You can have a mild sedative to relax you or you could ask for one of the big open scanners but there maybe a longer waiting list.

Its difficult to get to speak to your GP/Specialist (well it is for me) so I would just ring the Patient Liaison Dept (PALS) at your hospital and explain, just as you have here, what happened and they can help you address it.

FizzingAda · 28/09/2024 19:30

Oh God, I wish I hadn't read this thread now. I'm horribly claustrophobic, I get panicked if a jumper gets stuck over my head whilst taking it off. I know, I know, but can't help it. As for the poor lady who had her head screwed down, that is horrific. I would have to be knocked out completely I think, just hope I never need one. You have my deepest empathy and sympathy, OP.

happydappy2 · 28/09/2024 19:33

OP pls don't feel this is only you-I am generally very calm & can cope with most things but the MRI was wierd-I had to say Nope this is not going to happen-sorry. The nurse was very understanding, she removed the pillow behind my head so there was a bit more room and held my hand & talked me through it as much as she could. Perhaps try again, knowing it is for a short time...good luck. I tried to imagine that I was actually in a very safe place, in a hospital, with professional looking after me, its probably the safest place I'll be all day!