I am claustrophobic, and the Dr has given me a Valium to calm me...how well will it work?
2007-06-06 10:31:10 · 8 answers · asked by CJ 4 in Health ➔ Other - Health
I work on an Open MRI unit. For brain and neck studies, people with claustrophobia still have problems. With a Valium, many can get through the study. I think the name of the game is to try to make yourself as comfortable as possible for the study.
You don't say what body part you are having scanned. Depending on the scanner and the body part, you may be able to keep some of your street clothes on, and others will require a gown. To be safe, I would wear a sweat suit (no metal on your body), to be sure I could avoid a gown. Hospital gowns do not leave much to the imagination, and they do not keep you warm. It is hard to be comfortable when your butt is hanging out of a gown and you are shivering!
Call the facility where you are scheduled and find out what kind of audio/video system they have, if any. Some facilities can pipe in a cassette tape, some a CD, some can tune into a local radio station, and some can do all three. Some facilities have an elaborate system of mirror which allow you to watch a video or DVD or even TV stations. If you know ahead of time which system this facility uses, you can be prepared.
Bring a support person with you who can sit in the room with you. This is especially helpful with an Open unit, as these units are very quiet, so you can talk back and forth as many types of exams are being performed. Also, with an open unit, a support person can hold your hand or read a book to you.
You can always try to deprive yourself of sleep prior to the study so that you can possibly sleep through the exam.
Remember, the MRI machine itself is stationary....meaning, once you get in the machine, NOTHING moves. The space will not get smaller (it is impossible), the walls won't close in etc. Also remember that you are having this test to try to diagnose a problem or condition you have, and the information could greatly improve your quality of life! You can do it! Best wishes.....
2007-06-06 12:52:40 · answer #1 · answered by Lissacal 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just had an MRI about a month ago. I am not claustrophobic but the MRI really bugged me out. I had to have the tech pull me out the first time they put me in (but I did not have Valium). What worked for me was counting. The tech (there is a speaker and microphone in the MRI) would tell me how long each session would last and I would count down the seconds. I also had to keep my eyes closed the entire time. Good luck!
2007-06-06 10:41:28 · answer #2 · answered by punxy_girl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It should make you too sleepy to care - personally I would rather meditate and picture myself on a beach or some other wide open space resting and listening to the sounds around me. I hate being medicated it makes me feel out of control. If you can lie real still and picture things that calm you it would be better than the Valium. Good Luck!
2007-06-06 10:35:21 · answer #3 · answered by Walking on Sunshine 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am like you...only I get anxiety instead of claustrphobia. I have taken Valium and Ativan (not at the same time) and the effects should really relax you. It will feel as if you dont have a care in the world. I will also close my eyes and take deep breaths. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. I also sing softly to myself to take my mind off whatever is going on. Good Luck to you and I hope your results are happy ones.
2007-06-06 11:26:28 · answer #4 · answered by starlet_rach 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Realize that your claustrophobia is unwarranted. There is no conceivable reason you need to worry about being in the MRI. It will not explode, collapse, constrict, harm you, squeeze you, malfunction, etc. It is a super expensive machine designed to do nearly miraculous things, but first and foremost to not fail structurally.
Use the occasion to not take the Valium, and just calm yourself with the realization that it is not rationally imaginable for you to be harmed in that situation, even though your personal space is less than you'd prefer.
2007-06-06 10:46:23 · answer #5 · answered by Dave M 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I can empathize with you. The Valium will help
but what I did was close my eyes and I kept
them closed 'til it was over. I pretended I was
in a hammock under a shade tree and was
taking a nap. It works!! Don't worry 'cause the
Valium will make you drowzy and they might
have to wake you after it's over. I hope so.
2007-06-06 10:46:18 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depending on the dosage and ur size you will be just fine.
The MRI doesn't take long.
The medicine will help you through the test.
Hope it comes out good, for whatever ur goin' in there to check.
2007-06-06 10:34:57 · answer #7 · answered by Marie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
think about the big space, and what will come out of the mri
2007-06-06 10:34:22 · answer #8 · answered by Sexy dude 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just close your eyes the whole time you're in there.
2007-06-06 10:33:54 · answer #9 · answered by Vikki 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋