I've had this done before but I am getting nerves. Trying to figure out how to relax. Anyone feel the same?
2006-06-26 17:19:26 · 10 answers · asked by frenchy 2 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
I had one last week & also am claustophobic. The x-ray center asked me this when they called to get my insurance info. Said they could give me a Xanax to relax me, but I would need to sign a consent form and have someone there to drive me home. The doctor who ordered the test had given me a prescription for Librium so I used that instead. I recommend someone driving you home if you use this or Valium. It's a lot safer in case you get sleepy while driving.
Every place where I've had an MRI has a selection of CDs they can play for you while you're having the test. You can bring your own if you have a favorite that would distract or relax you. You wear headphones while you're in the chamber.
One of the best things to do is to close your eyes once you lie down on the table and keep them closed during the procedure. The tech will tell you how long each portion of the test will take so you don't feel you're in limbo. Some techs are nice enough to talk to you while the test is going on--asking how you are, etc. You might want to ask if they could do this for you.
Be up front with them that you're nervous--they see it all the time and they are usually very understanding.
Good luck--hope the back problem isn't serious.
2006-06-26 17:28:25 · answer #1 · answered by goldie 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If there is a doctor and hospital as part of the facility, you could ask for something like versed to calm you, but you will have to have someone with you to take you home. Otherwise, you might be able to take Ativan orally a few hrs before. Whatever You do, be sure you tell your doctor about your concern. Also , when You go into the machine close your eyes and DO NOT OPEN them.
2006-06-26 17:27:42 · answer #2 · answered by cat38skip 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just breathe deeply and think of something nice. Imagine you are somewhere else, like the beach listening to the sound of the surf breaking on the shore. Or in the Mountains listening to the wind sough through the trees. It will be over soon, and by the way, it is spelled claustrophobic.
2006-06-26 17:25:09 · answer #3 · answered by Crowfeather 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am clostraphobis also. My doctor set me up with a doc that only gives MRI's in an open machine. You should just tell your doc to give you some phone #'s of an open MRI center. There's alot out there. I tried the closed MRI! IT WAS HORRIBLE!
2006-06-26 17:26:56 · answer #4 · answered by nikkigcutie78 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's common for claustrophobics to get an anti-anxieyt med before getting in the MRI machine. Just ask your doc.
2006-06-26 17:25:35 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nowadays they have places where MRI's are done in more open spaces where the average human does not feel claustrophobic.
2006-06-26 21:12:48 · answer #6 · answered by rkbaqaya 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask your doctor for some medicine to relax you.
2006-06-26 17:23:55 · answer #7 · answered by radtek2112 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
WELL FROM MY EXPERIENCE WHAT I DID WAS TO THINK OF SOMETHING PLEASANT CLOSE MY EYES AND TRY TO MAKE MYSELF GO IN A PEACEFUL WAY AND I RELAXED UNTIL I ALMOST FELL ASLEEP BEFORE I KNEW IT I WAS FINISHED
2006-06-26 17:31:15 · answer #8 · answered by ANNMARIE R 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
see if you can go somewhere that has an open one, or maybe the place you are having it done at has one.
2006-06-26 17:23:50 · answer #9 · answered by patclem2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't panic?
2006-06-26 19:30:05 · answer #10 · answered by Linda E 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋