Cancelled today's MRI scan

[Bassetfeet]

Feel like the most useless pathetic woman . They said the appt will be used thank goodness.
Just cannot lie flat without my throat closing up and feeling as if I am choking . Tried dummy runs at home . Have been in floods of tears all day.
My sons are very angry with me .
I just couldn't do it . Just couldn't . My own health I know .
Son just put phone down on me .

Op - I really feel for you but you can do this - even if you need a bit of 'help'. Has anyone suggested to you that you get some kind of sedation - this could range from a couple of diazepam tablets to relax you and make you feel calm to full sedation- you're not the only one who gets freaked out by the idea of this. Ring the hospital and they can help you.

I asked to be prescribed Diazepam before mine. I think it helped.

Sympathy for scan, which is not very nice, but I wonder if you could have a relaxant before scan starts? I seem to remember being offered one myself, but didn't want to stay in hospital overnight, so didn't get one.

Maybe it would be more helpful to talk to a friend or different relative, as sons don't seem helpful or understanding. Good luck anyway.

Thank you for such comforting words and advice .
I did have some Valium prescribed but the appt was at 6 pm so I just lost it today waiting . Don't know if it would have made any difference . I was so so upset and distressed

Just had text from son saying how disappointed he is with me .

Ask for an early morning appointment and to be sedated. You may have to push for it but it is perfectly possible.

It sounds as if the dummy runs just served to make you feel more upset, rather than more prepared. Did you take valium for the dummy runs?
Please rebook, ask for an early appointment and take everything they can offer to help you get through it. It will just be a few minutes of your life, nothing bad will happen, and it could be really useful. Good luck

I remember my first MRI, It was sprung on me though I went in thinking that I would be just seeing my consultant for me back and suddenly she said "I think you need an MRI, the next available appointment is in 15 mins if you want to wait?". So off I went and got into a robe by the time I had finished filling out the questionnaire it was time to get in the scanner.

I hate small spaces and I didn't even have time to think about it which really helped. I'm sure if you speak to the department they will have ways of dealing with this. I had headphones with music and I had a little thing in my hand for getting their attention if I needed it. They spoke through the headphones occasionally to ask if I was OK but I kept my eyes shut the whole time.

my back* hehe me sounds very funny though! me old back!

Thank you all so much for kind helpful replies . X

I have clinically diagnosed claustrophobia and I managed an MRI scan with Valium. Take the tablets, you will be able to do it I promise!

You have all my sympathies OP, I had an MRI and it was very stressful and I hated it and I'm a radiographer. Your sons need a lesson in empathy, they are making me quite cross right now!

On another thread someone mentioned this lot Upright MRI and once I'd got over my embarassment at not knowing about it before I decided if I ever needed another one I would try my hardest to get one like this! Good luck and don't you dare feel like you let anyone down, you did your best and that's all that counts.

I know how you feel ,I also can't breathe if I lay flat ( well I can but psychologically I cannot) . Diazepam didn't do me any good because I don't need to relax I need to be unconscious to have an MRI in a normal scanner . Ask your consultant if they can get you funding for an open scanner or a bariatric scanner ,it will be a longer wait but is perfectly feasible .

have you done one before?

It may not be as bad as you think. I have and a few, it was mainly a bit noisy (which I did not expect) but not scary. My worry was much worse than how bad it actually was (not bad).

What is it for?

Can someone come in with you? Can GP give you some Valium?

Don't feel bad. You would have done it if you could, and next time you might be in a better place.

Self hypnosis might help more than dry runs. Look out for a download online, at least one company does one especially for scans.

Consider EFT too - sounds woo but there's a growing evidence base.

What's the anger from your sons all about? Are they afraid for you? Their criticism strikes me as unhelpful.

It is for lumber spine Chandon . Not even a long one.

I hade one a few years ago for head and neck scan fine. Now I am beyond quivering wreck .

All your advice and comforting words have helped hugely Another text of disgust from DS
Feel utterly shite but he has good point

When someone has severe anxiety, criticism is unwelcome and unhelpful. Also likely to make things worse!

Your sons have had their say ...and if they've nothing constructive to add, suggest they wrap it up now.

Let it go from your mind. Another day may be better, and another day you might look for more help. Not tonight, just try to relax tonight, Basset.

Oh dear OP, try to relax about it now there's no point getting upset about something that can't be changed now. I have had quite a few MRI scans of my hips (so broadly the same area of the body I guess) and never has my head had to actually go into the scanner. Is that the bit that worries you?

Just offering sympathy ,please don't beat yourself up on top of all the anxiety .

TrackrBird is spot on about criticism ,personally I think not justified . And very unhelpful .

+

I am letting go now tonight . Another appt booked so,hopefully will manage it.
Thank you for replies ..helped so much with the kindness .

Thank you so much . My latest text says get a backbone mother .
Ah as if I like this hell

Your words and concern have given me huge boost . I am listening to all advice and comforted by words of those who know .

get a backbone 'mother. He's not really helping,is he? .

Sorry you has such an awful day. Agree with others to ask about other options. And hope you have some better RL support.xx

I had a lumbar mri, it was fine.

It really helped analyse my slipped disc, and subsequent treatment.

Your son is worried about you, he is expressing it in an unhelpful manner, but he cares about you. Take in the sentiment, and not the wording, if you can.

I have a few MRI scans and have issues with enclosed spaces (I have to have an aisle seat on an airplane), for back and stomach area issues I ask to go in feet first so my head never enters the machine, somehow this stops me from panicking and I can manage it.

I did once have a head scan, was feeling really ill and there was no choice, the health care assistant on that day definitely deserved a medal, talking me into the machine and then staying with me throughout the whole process. To be fair I don't think I could have my head done again without sedation.

Why are your sons of all people being so nasty?

I recently had my lumbar spine done. You turn the other way so only your legs & hips go in. My legs were bent over & I had a pillow for my head & it was quite relaxing. I wasn't in there very long.