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 poor thing. I'm sure they can come up with a way to help you if you ring them and chat about it. Good luck.

I have them regularly, and luckily don't mind them. I say my tables and recite poetry to pass the time. My husband pretends he's piloting a spaceship - maybe doing something like that would help?

Why shouldn't you open your eyes? I've never had one, but did a quick Google search. Is it because the scanner is very close to your face?

Oh, reading the experiences sounds very scary. If I wasn't physically immobilised and could get out I think I'd be ok, but if I was immobile, I really don't think I'd want to be in an MRI scanner.

OP surely they have this often and can work with you to suggest ways of having a successful one? Hope you get the help and support you need.

My first MRI, I ran out of the hospital the moment I was dressed afterwards leaving my handbag, phone, car keys in the changing room, my mum had to go back in for them while I was throwing up in the car park. I've since had 3 more at a different hospital where I explained I was claustrophobic & the staff allocated me to the largest scanner & gave me diazapan to take an hour before the scan. I've survived one scan that took 90 minutes, I fell asleep listening to my favourite music.

I had one ages ago and just about went through it, it's very difficult. Staff were not very friendly in my case either. Back then (almost 10 years ago) they had told me that if I couldn't do it, I had to go to my GP to get sedatives and come back again. Good luck.

Speak to your GP, see if you can get something to relax you.

I have had a few MRI scans and I find them incredibly difficult so I really sympathise with you.
I am the toughest old boot going and everyone I know thinks that it’s hysterical that I am like it but it scared me witless.
What I do now, is I ask how long will each scan be and then in my head I count; so they swap plates between scans and the radiographer will say ‘this one will be 10 minutes’ so I count down the 10 minutes which gives me something to focus on.
I also take my husband; again I am a super independent person which adds to my friends’ amusement, but I know that I have a complete meltdown he would just calmly get me out of there and I’d be fine. It’s always a fight - but they give in eventually - and he just holds my ankle while I’m in there and says ‘you’re doing very well love’ - as he knows that drives me mad - and but that with having tightly closed eyes some how gets me through it.
Good luck though - you can do this but it really isn’t easy.

ILoveToCleanSaidNooneEver If you're claustrophobic (and mine is quite mild) being in a confined space with something quite close to your face is very distressing. I opened my eyes as they slid me in, then kept them firmly shut for the whole procedure. And my claustrophobia is confined to not liking packed buses and lifts, so I feel seriously sorry for anyone with the full-blown condition.

Sorry this happened OP but if it’s any consolation at all lots of people have a similar reaction when having an MRI.

i have previously been prescribed diazepam when I had one but last time I took an eye mask and practised breathing techniques beforehand so that I was familiar with how to calm the panic during the exam. The staff weren’t that nice to me either when I was crying but one lovely staff member offered to hold my hand all the way through which helped. I had to have my arm up by my head and out the machine for her to hold it but it definitely helped.

I hope you’re ok

I had to have one every year for about 8 years (cancer related) and yes, it’s not the most pleasant experience. It’s a lot noisier than I expected. I shut my eyes and imagined I was in episode of Star Trek. I actually find having my boobs squeezed to the point of excruciating pain by scanning machine at yearly checkup far worse.

Sorry you have had this experience.

However I have found this thread really useful as waiting on a date for an MRI. Reading everyone's experiences gives me an idea of what to expect.

I don’t think you should just forget about it OP. Clearly it was urgent as you’ve only been waiting a day or two. I’ve had several MRI’s after a recent breast cancer diagnosis (another tomorrow as it happens). I get claustrophobic, so I know exactly where you’re coming from.

I would book an appointment with your GP and explain what happened. I guarantee you it won’t be the first time they’ve come across it. Ask if it would be possible for you to be sedated for your next one - even if it’s only mildly so, to take the edge off the panic. It may mean you have to be dropped off and collected because you won’t be fit to drive after, and the appointment may be longer, while they make sure that you’re OK when it’s finished, but it’s absolutely possible for them to give sedation to those who really struggle.

I don't know if this is a daft question (and apologies if someone has already said it!) But why don't they put everyone in feet first, and have the head and shoulders hanging out?

Obviously if they are doing the head and shoulders area that's different, but if what they're scanning is below the shoulders, why are they not putting people in feet first? It seems that lots of people struggle with claustrophobia when it comes to MRIs. If peoples head and shoulders were hanging out, then way less people would struggle surely...?

I think they are anxiety provoking and if you aren't well prepared it can be difficult but it's one if those things that it's better to manage than avoid. Sedatives have their own risk which I wouldn't be happy with - respiratory suppression etc and since you are enclosed you are not under direct vision so I'd rather be awake. I have long MRIs and MRAs with lots of different sequencing so usually have to keep eyes closed keep very still so they can get the best pictures and keep in mind the noises are expected. My son is a music producer and the noise is similar to when he was learning the skill as a teenager which came in handy.

The hospital has called me tonight and we're going to try again but with sedation so I will update my expirence (hopefully it's better) - this post wasn't created to discourage anyone from them.

They are obviously important but unfortunately I had a bad experience but hopefully the next one is more positive.

Good luck, OP, & I hope things go better for you next time. Hope you get a good outcome, too.

I've found your thread very helpful.

You're gonna be absolutely fine. Your in control remember, you have that buzzer if you need it. As radiographers we watch our patients throughout their full scan. No one is left unattended so to speak. I would recommend just closing your eyes before the head coil (equipment that clicks in) is attached and just keep them closed. Your scan is actually made up of several smaller scans each a few minutes long. Sometimes what I do is speak to the patient between each scan and say "next scan 3 mins long" etc. If you wish you can ask for this. You will notice a big difference with the sedation. Good luck, would love an update of how easy you're gonna find it now 😉 x

I did the same except I tired to climb out and almost ended up on the floor!
I asked my Gp to re refer me and give me something for nerves,and got 6mg of Valium.
The day before my next one was due I went to the department and the receptionist called the radiographer to talk to me,she was doing it the next day so went through the last panic.
on the day I got my own eye mask and got all the metal bits off,and she gave me the headphones,and promised she’d tell me when it started and how long it would be at regular intervals and she did! And I did it!
I took all the Valium and a nytol and with help got through it.
The best of luck,it can be done, get all the help you can.

Ps, I refused the head cage.

You cannot scan the brain without the head coil I'm afraid. You can possibly get away with it if they're scanning your neck. Would love to see the images of a brain with no head coil 🤣

I think this is really helpful information. I’ve had regular MRI scans over the last few years, and the biggest difference I’ve noticed for the last few are the automated voices telling you that the next scan will start and for how long.

I’ve not needed sedation yet, because most of them have been for a spinal disability, so on my back, and the occasional head scans but the last two, including one yesterday were to monitor a breast tumour for which I’m being treated with hormones to shrink it before surgery.

The scans involved lying on my stomach, head down on a padded rest and arms outstretched, with boobies in - for want of a better description - two buckets !! I was very high up in the scanner and it was by far the most uncomfortable and claustrophobic scan I’ve had. It lasted just over an hour, and the panic was just under the surface throughout. I couldn’t have got through it without the support of the radiographers - they were wonderful, and so kind.

I never open my eyes .. I've had 3/4 and keep my eyes shut .. I'm pretty good at disassociating though

I had to have a head one years ago I'm claustrophobic but thought I'd be ok, unfortunately temptation got the better of me and I opened my eyes - big mistake I was shocked at how close it was to my face which made me completely panic and then hated every single minute of it. I had to have another a couple of years ago I said I was claustrophobic and the doc said I could have a PET scan instead, my arms had to be stapped down across my body that was even worse, I had a bad experience as a teen and can't cope with being restricted now because of it, so I can't win!! So yes I really feel for you, but if you ask your doc you can get prescribed a sedative for it xx

You are not completely enclosed, and every MRI scanner I've worked in (in a 20+ year career) has had a viewing camera at the far end specifically so we can monitor the patient. We also talk to patients between scans, checking they are ok, telling them how long the next scan is etc.

We can only put you in feet first if we are scanning your lower body. We do put as many people in feet first as we possibly can, for exactly this reason. The area being scanned has to be in the middle of the 'tunnel'. We are very aware that a lot of people find MRI scans unpleasant for lots of reasons, and we actually try our best to reduce the stress of our patients.

As @MotherOfDragon86 says you can't do a head scan without this on. Also, all ours have a periscope mirror on the head coil that allows you to see out if you do open your eyes, so even if we are scanning your neck it can be helpful for the patient, even if you think you don't want it because it'll be close to your face.