M.R.I scan????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

Question

hey!
im having an mri scan soon need some deatils plz im terrifed is it clostropic thanks :-)

thanks all who ansewered i ave scan now but u all helped it was hell though lol

Answer 1

As has been reported before, it can be very anxiety producing if you get claustrophobic. In that case, discuss sedation with your doctor, this can vary from an anti-anxiety tablet prior to the procedure, to full concious sedation provided by an anaesthetist, dependent on your functional needs. For most MRIs an open sided MRI is available. They also may have smaller and larger MRI scanner tubes available, if it is a large facillity (used to scan larger patients).

If you require an enclosed scan in a narrow tube scanner, it is similar to being placed in a small metal trash bin, and having someone bang on the outside with a hammer for about 45 minutes.

The first time is bothersome. I have now had over 35 MRIs myself, and normally, just turn down the music headphones, take some earplugs, and take a short nap.

Cheers.

Answer 2

I have had so many MRI's they are just routine now. They do have "open" MRI's available if you are really that claustrophobic, however, just be aware that they will slide you into this tube, they should also give you a panic button to hold onto so that they can talk to you if you are frightened. They will tell you that you will hear a loud noise, well there are a bunch of different loud noises you will hear. The best thing to do is RELAX, Close your eyes, and think of something else.
It is not that bad I promise, the only thing is, if the room is too cold, ask for extra blankets. Don't forget, there is not reason to loOK, close your eyes, sometimes they will give you headphones to listen to music while they are doing it, however I have found that the noise that the machine makes drowns out the music, however, I promise you that you will be ok.
Let us know how it goes and if you have further questions please feel free to email me.
Blessings and Merry Christmas

Answer 3

It can be but depending on the area that is going to be scanned you can ask the doctor send you to a facility that has what they call open MRI. What that means is that the top part that usually makes the machine enclosed is not there. This is very good for those that are afraid of tight spaces.

If the area being scanned is the abdomen that must be done with an enclosed MRI (I just found this out myself earlier this year) so the suggestion (and the tech mentioned this too) is to ask your doctor for something to help calm the anxiety that will be felt.

But first, if you can try for the open MRI machine.

If you have other questions for me please feel free to e-mail or IM me off site any time.

Answer 4

I am a bit claustrophobic myself and have had MRI'S. I would like to assure you that you will do just fine. There is no need to be terrified and you will find that you are "terrified" for nothing. It is a waste of your precious energy. Not to discount your feelings, but as you may have learned by now, feelings can lie to us. I would assume you have been imagining yourself in this big machine feeling trapped and scared. Right? You have imagined yourself panicked. Right? Now imagine this; You are peaceful and safe and very relaxed as if you are 'getting' to rest after a very long day of physical labor. Ah, just to get off of my feet, what a relief. Breath in very deep and let your breath out very slow. Keep breathing and picture yourself kicking back enjoying the rest. You might even practice at home. I promise the terror is only in your mind. An MRI is a cinch and I KNOW you have what it takes to get ready and get there, go through the procedure and come out of that place smiling and relaxed. When that fear threatens you, just tell it to shut up, it's a liar. You mind is a very powerful tool. Just as we can think our way into panic we can think our way in to peace. I'm with you as you wage war against fear. It is trespassing on your peace of mind. Evict it. Peace to you.

Answer 5

I had an MRI last week and it was okay.
They one I was in was like a giant donut, you have to remove all metal like watches and rings etc, (leave them at home or with who ever is with you)

I was placed on a bench with my feet facing the opening, i was wearing my underpants, socks and a gown.
they raised me up and moved me in slowly up to my chest.
my head was still outside.
it is a bit noisy (sounds like electrical interference) lots of buzzing and humming
I was wearing head phones (provided by hospital) and listening to music.
the Dr spoke to me through the head phones too.

My pelvis was scanned, they placed a frame on my hips before I went in this was okay
there is fresh air blowing to make it feel less enclosed.
I held a remote button, if I was unhappy I just press the button and they would stop the process.
my arms were up with my hands behind my head (holding the button) outside of the scanner

the first scan was to set up the machine it lasted 1 to 2 minutes
The next scan moved me in the machine about 2 inches and lasted 5 minutes. To keep track of time I figured it would take about 2 songs (as played in my head set)
The next scan again I moved in a few inches and I was told this will be 8 minutes (I figured this will take about 3 songs) I was right and it helped to pass the time.

and that was it, so don’t worry, its not painful just a bit noisy.
just close your eyes, listen to the music and imagine you are somewhere else (like on a beach or somewhere nice)

Answer 6

I suffer from claustrophobia and I didn't have a problem when I had an MRI scan. There is music playing and in fact, because you can still see 'outside' it doesn't feel that bad.
It is not worth worrying about, it only lasts for approx 20 min's anyway.

Answer 7

If you are bad with claustrophobia then a lot of the bigger hospitals have open MRI scanners which are much lest freaky. I would ask your GP for some chill pills (Diazepan) and you can waft in and out of the MRI with a don't give a sh*t feeling! Usually they are happy to do this.... don't drive yourself mind you!

Answer 8

First of all, the MRI scanner is very very noisy, they will give you ear plugs, before you go into the machine. If you suffer from claustrophobia, you will find it horrendous. Recently I was sheduled to have one, but before they even started the machine up, I was pressing the panic button and they had to get me out. I was offered intravenous sedation for another appointment, but I still couldn`t go into the machine. Even knowing how necessary it is to have this scan, I still can`t make myself go into the machine. Having severe claustrophobia is a most dread-full thing.

Answer 9

Yes, I'm afraid it is a bit claustrophobic, but having said that, you will find the staff very sympathetic if you explain that you are very nervous. They will give you headphones and play music for you through them because the machine does "clang" about a bit. They will allow someone to be with you if you wish. I was absolutely terrified when I had one done, and one of the staff came in with me and just kept her hand on my shoulder which was comforting. Don't want to scare you though, it doesn't hurt. The real problem is the claustro aspect. Good luck.

Answer 10

yo don't worry it's a better way of seeing your bones if you talk to the staff in the M.R.I I'm sure they will talk to you though the M.R.I. I work in a hospital myself as a postman i did ask a friend in x-ray what its all about when we got ours some time ago its just a better type of x-ray ok