How can I stay in a MRI machine for 30minutes?? Very scary?

Question

I have to get an mri of my head and neck. They locked my head in to the machine and put another about an inch away from my eyes. Then slowly put me in the tunnel. I get muscle spasms,dizzy and blurred vision at times that is why I need it. But there is no way I can be in it 2x's for 30minutes. I will pass out. The offered to sedate me but It won't work. I have to sleep with a light on already in case I wake up dizzy.

Answer 1

I understand your fear, though the fear of it (of anything) is usually a lot worse than the thing itself. I've experienced claustrophobia, myself, though it has gotten better over the years.

You say sedation won't work. Why? Are you saying you've tried and it has no effect on you, for some reason? I feel fairly sure it would help.

As a couple others have said, there's also "open MRI." Google that phrase (or just click here) http://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&channel=s&hl=en&q=%22open+mri%22&btnG=Google+Search
and then maybe add your state or town to the search to refine it for your location. There are several near me.

You know, you can talk yourself into lots of physical reactions, both unpleasant and pleasant. That's not a criticism; it's a fact. As another person said, taking deep breaths is helpful. It's not some superficial thing, either; it really relaxes the body. And replacing some of your self-talk can help greatly, too -- "I *can* do this." I don't know what works best for you, but if you make it into a game, such as imagining that you bet your friend(s) that you can go in this scary-looking machine for 30 minutes, your perspective changes completely. Or you might keep in mind that if you were doing something *fun* for that time, it would seem so short! Watching a TV sitcom, for example, or having a lunch break at work, or whatever.

Listening to music you love could also be very helpful -- or to a comedy recording, or sound effects (ocean waves or rain or whatever). If for some reason you can't wear some small headphones and have an mp3--or other--player, you can ask the technician if they're willing to plug in your player to their system, to pipe the sound in that way. That's a perfectly reasonable request. A tech should be able to figure out how to pull the wire to his/her audio player and plug in yours, but to make it even easier for them you could ask ahead of time which medium to bring, or arrive with a couple different formats -- CD, cassette, mp3 player -- so there's a greater chance they can use what you have.

Saying things like "an inch away from my eyes" is ok to describe it to us, but for you it could have a negative meaning. You might remind yourself that it's not really something being so close that bothers you; you probably sleep with a blanket or two wrapped tightly around you. Hugs probably make you feel good. It's probably more the *idea* that you're trapped or something. But you're not. Remind yourself you're going in there to help yourself... your mission is to figure out why you get muscle spasms and dizziness and blurred vision -- how annoying! Keep in *mind* how annoying those things are, and how badly you want to stop them. You're doing this to put an end to that stuff. Reminding yourself that *you're* doing this is a powerful way to reclaim a sense of power. Even remind yourself, "I'm glad they were smart enough to put something against my head to keep it from moving -- I don't want the picture to come out all blurry."

Another poster also said have someone hold your hand, and I think that's a great idea. I don't know if you can talk to them in that arrangement, but knowing a loved one is there will be helpful.

You could also go in there thinking about a joke or a funny scene from a movie, or talk show moment that makes you laugh uncontrollably. There are many ways to think more positively, and THAT REALLY WORKS. I was at the dentist's office the other day and almost couldn't keep from laughing when he said "tell me if this hurts because that's not my intention..." and I imagined telling him I promise not to punch him in the gut as long as he doesn't hurt me. (He didn't, by the way, and neither did I.)

Also keep in mind that you are in a place where professional people are doing something to help you, and they've seen people react to the idea of that gadget. They're not going to let anything bad happen to you, and they understand your feelings. You're in good hands. To them it's not scary at all -- it's probably pretty boring, as would a computer be to an office worker, a refrigerator to an appliance repairman, or a big noisy assembly machine to a factory worker... just tools, nothing scary.

On top of everything else, you might even think about the nice-looking doctor or nurse.

You *can* do this, my friend. And you *want* to fix your problem, whether that means the open or standard MRI, and with or without sedation. Feel free to let me or us know how it went.

Answer 2

I am claustrophobic and many years ago I had to have an MRI of the head periodically. Even though I am a nurse, I was breaking out in a cold sweat just thinking about being in there. I finally read a book on breaking phobias (I wish I could remember the name). It recommended this tip. I know it will seem too simple to work, but all I can tell you is it worked for me. Here's what you do:

Find some time where you can totally relax and not get interrupted. Close your eyes and envision the situation that scares you. In this case, see the MRI room, the tech helping you on the table, seeing the hole of the machine, the table gliding into the hole, the noises, etc. Play the entire situation all the way through in vivid color and detail. Then play the entire scene through BACKWARDS, again in full color, sound, and detail.

Next envision yourself sitting in a movie theater looking up at a giant screen. Play the exact same scene through on the screen. But this time you are watching yourself on the screen. Play it through, then play it through again backwards.

Next envision yourself in the projection booth of the movie theater watching yourself in the theater watching you in the movie on the screen. Play it through again backwards.

And finally...while still in the projection booth watch yourself watching the movie...but this time it is in black and white...not vivid color. Play it through again backwards in black and white.

I did this almost every day for about a week before the MRI. I sailed through all the rest of my MRIs without a problem.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Have you ever had one before?? When I was 30 I had a stroke, so I was in those things ALL the time...they couldn't figure out why it happened to me...They are noisy and not fun...it doesn't hurt though....just try to take some deep breaths to calm your self...To me, the noise it makes sounds like horses, or someone beating on drums, so I would just try to think of that, or make up stupid songs to the beat to get my mind off it...I close my eyes going into it, because I don't like to think about being in a "tunnel" .... Do they offer the open MRI's?? If not, maybe they can recommend someone close that does...won't be as scary??
Well, good luck to you, it will be over before you know it...
Hope everything is okay with you as well...
~make sure you ask for some warm blankets....I always did, because I get cold when I am nervous!!~

Answer 4

Keep your eyes closed and focus on breathing very slowing in an out. I am extremely claustrophobic when it comes to MRIs and had a panic attack the first time I went in. Focus on your breathing and if they put headphones on you, listen to the music.

Imagine that you are laying in a hammock on a balmy summer day either in the shade of some great trees, or on a tropical beach with beautiful scenery.

I know it seems like a long time, but if you focus on other things instead of where you really are, you should be able to get through it.

You can also see if its possible to get an open MRI.

Good luck. I hope they find out what's causing your problem

Answer 5

When I had MRI/MRA both last summer the one I was in was not an open machine. Yes, it was loud at times and not the most pleasant of experiences. This particular machine had piped in music and the technician talked to me informing me of what would occur next and for how long. That took away the element of surprise that can be unnerving. I would recommend that you talk to your physician about your concerns and if possible, to the MRI staff to better prepare yourself. Oh, btw, it was not totally dark in there. I closed my eyes, in fact, because I preferred to try to rest as much as possible. It is not as bad as it may seem. I always feel better if I know what I'm walking into.

Answer 6

Ask if you can instead use an open MRI. Originally designed for folks who couldn't fit into the narrow MRI machine, it's an option that is available. It may not be as accurate in some instances. I had the open one because of claustrophobia problems, which I never had before the brain problem which necessitated the MRI.

Answer 7

you should call and talk to the people doing the MRI and maybe you all can come up with a solution,.,.i have been in those things a couple times and i hate small spaces'but i kept telling myself ;ok don;t panic' your gonna be just fine,.,with the people talking thru the speaker at your ear it wasn;t all that bad,next time[ if there will be a next time's i;m having surgery soon having surgery] i;ll make them give me a Valium or whatever they give to relax,.,.good luck always

Answer 8

Take the sedation. It will help. You wont pass out. Explain how horrified you are of the prospect and they might give you a bit more sedation. ask for versed.

Kim

Answer 9

just close your eyes from the very beginning. or chance a open MRI so that you don't have to be put into a tunnel

Answer 10

Maybe you could bring somebody with you to stand outside the machine and hold your hand and talk to you. This might keep you distracted enough to not think about it. And take deep breaths and just try to relax your body. Good luck!