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Original poster

Inflamed optical nerves and brain MRI with iv sedation

22 replies

Darkandstormynight · 19/09/2014 20:33

I was in a for a routine eye exam today when my physician found I had inflamed optical nerves. He prescribed a brain MRI and it's going to be done in two weeks.

I am beyond a wreck! I am clausterphobic, and have bailed out of an MRI once. I had one done 12 years ago (not brain) for something else and thought I was going to go insane.

My physician set up the MRI with iv sedation...has anyone had this and is it truly going to help me? I'm also worrying about the optical nerve issue...I guess I'm just looking for some hand holding. Thanks so much.

OP posts:
elevenfifteen · 19/09/2014 20:49

So sorry for your worry Flowers. My father is claustrophobic, and he found a private clinic in London who had a open scanner. I think it cost around £200 but he said it was worth every penny, so maybe if that is an option it would be helpful to you?

Original poster
Darkandstormynight · 19/09/2014 21:48

Thank you :)

OP posts:
BelleateSebastian · 19/09/2014 22:02

MRI scans aren't always those claustrophobic tunnels, try not to panic IV sedation will ensure you couldn't give a hoot what they are doing! I had swelling of my optic nerves (pappiloedema) it was something pretty benign which I had to take tablets for for a few years, try not to imagine the worst op Smile

BelleateSebastian · 19/09/2014 22:03

Are you overweight op?

Original poster
Darkandstormynight · 20/09/2014 06:20

Thank you BellaateSebastion, I appreciate your good outcome story, I really do. I am 5' 3" and about 118 lbs. I'm not where I want to be but not overweight chart wise.

OP posts:
BelleateSebastian · 20/09/2014 07:51

That rules out what I was diagnosed with then op (IIH) .. Good luck, I remember that feeling of abject fear x

lougle · 20/09/2014 08:04

They'll probably give you midazolam, which will make you quite dozey and content. When it wears off, you won't have a memory of a time in the tunnel.

It's good stuff. I've seen a below knee amputation on a man who was unable to have a general anaesthetic -spinal block and midazolam. He had no memory of being awake during the operation.

Jamrollypolly · 22/09/2014 10:29

Hi

I also had a swollen optic nerves and had a Mri. I closed my eyes during the Mri and listened to the music to help me. In my case they think I have an optic nerve head drussion.

Sending a hand to hold.

Original poster
Darkandstormynight · 22/09/2014 16:30

Thanks everyone!

OP posts:
Januaryjojo1 · 22/09/2014 18:13

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Twotallladies · 22/09/2014 18:27

I took diazepam tablets for a brain MRI. It was fine, really. I'm curious why it's going to be given by IV ?

Original poster
Darkandstormynight · 24/09/2014 23:47

Hi Twotallladies, it will be given by IV since they can control the dosage better. I have generalized anxiety and am claustrophobic, the claustrophobia caused by my last MRI 12 years ago!

I was 'supposed' to have an follow up MRI 11 years ago and couldn't go through with it, despite taking the valium prescribed. I find they give you such minute amounts that really it wasn't even enough to Get me to the hospital.

This way they can start me off and increase the dosage quickly as needed.

OP posts:
Twotallladies · 25/09/2014 07:33

That makes sense. I am sure you will be fine. All the best. X

BelleateSebastian · 25/09/2014 08:09

Have you got a date through yet op?

Original poster
Darkandstormynight · 26/09/2014 21:04

Yes, it is next Thursday. I've been prepping myself every day, first just lying in the dark (I never lie on my back), and forcing myself to keep my eyes shut! It is not easy for me to do for 45 minutes!

I know it sounds crazy but today I worked up to 'simulating' an enclosed space (the sides were open so I could breathe!), I probably got most of my head and neck in and timed myself for 45 minutes...I lasted about 40 minutes! So I am going to work on that over the weekend and next week up until Thursday.

OP posts:
574ejones · 26/09/2014 22:15

Ask if you can also have an eye mask. I was dreading mine after hating a previous MRI and the nurse suggested a mask, and it was a much more positive experience for that. I just tried to concentrate on enjoying the music and it was soon over. You also get a panic button to press if you feel you need a break. Good luck, hope it goes well for you.

BelleateSebastian · 01/10/2014 21:26

Good luck for tomorrow Dark ... you will be fine xx

Jamrollypolly · 01/10/2014 22:08

Belle ate Sebastian if you don't mind sharing what was your diagnosis?

BelleateSebastian · 02/10/2014 07:24

Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension, had it for a long time but in remission now Grin

Jamrollypolly · 02/10/2014 21:24

That's what they thought I had but I didn't get head aches so they have ruled it out for the moment. Did you get really painful headaches? Did you have a lumbar puncture (sp)? Sorry I hope you don't mind me asking.

Jamrollypolly · 02/10/2014 21:25

Op I hope everything went well.

BelleateSebastian · 03/10/2014 17:29

Hey Jamrollypolly yes, I did headaches, not hugely severe and only about 3-4 times per week I did had a lumbar puncture to relieve the pressure.

they thought I had a drusion as my headaches weren't really severe.

How did you get on Dark?

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