I went for an MRI Scan today and couldn't do it!

dora37

I feel a right numpty - I had an operation on a frozen shoulder 2 years ago and whilst it is vastly improved the last bit has still not righted itself, so the consultant sent me for an MRI scan, which I had to wait a few weeks for an appointment.

Well, I went today and all I had to do was lie on a bed and be in a tube....and I couldn't do it - it just felt so claustrophobic, so I had to come out immediately.

I have had 3 children without pain relief, major dental work last year (root canals, extraction and dental implants) without any problem and all I had to do today was lie on a bed for 20 mins and I couldn't do it :mad:

Rikki

I don't think I would be able to do it either.

Its strange how we can find somethings a complete doddle and others just send us into a blind panic.

belfastgirl23

The very thought of something like that would make me break out in a cold sweat and I think I'd need valium (really!) before I could do it. Bet you weren't the first...

superpacman1972

I had my first MRI last week.

Although it is quite cramped inside, the machine I went in had a fan blowing cool air, and I put some headphones on listening to my music of choice, closed my eyes and wen't somewhere else in my mind. Took 30mins in total and strangely found it quite relaxing.

Although I can see why people would respond like you did, there really is nothing to fear. Although, I guess the similar feeling of being inside a coffin might be offputting, I'm assure you that your fears are irrational (no help, I know as you probably know this already).

Of course getting over these fears are the key and easier said than done. Did the radiologist give you any advice?

I suppose if you can't face it, you could opt for alternative imaging such as an X-ray but this is likely not to show up as much detail as an MRI and provides exposure to gamma radiation.

Bewitched2761

had the same thing happen to me 2 yrs ago when I went for an MRI, completely panicked when they put me in the tube.
Thankfully I was last on the list and the radiologist suggested another go with a blindfold! wasnt brilliant but managed far better and they managed to do the scan.
Not something Id like to repeat in a hurry.

queensway_boy

Put a sleeping mask on and listen to some music if you can

Tam_Lin

I managed it but towards the end I had to seriously fight the panic. I was too hot in there which didn't help.

olive84

I had one last year and I know exactly how you feel. Luckily I could go in feet first, but if I'd had to go in head first I would have prob done the same as you! Have you ever tried any breathing techniques or hypnotherapy to calm down? I suffer from panic attacks and it sounds stupid but you can make yourself feel a lot calmer with the right breathing. Also there are things you can do, like imagine yourself somewhere really peaceful and try and drift off, that sound like new age rubbish but actually really work for some people.

tipsychick

You can have the scan done in an open MRI scanner. No need to go in a tube at all! The images are just done out in the open.

They're available on the NHS but I don't know which hospitals. There's definitely an open scanner in Harley Street though, if you can afford to have it done privately.

Here's a link to one, with a picture:

http://www.lodestone.co.uk/centresnorthdurham.htm

Vashti

I sympathise. I once had to have a head scan of my sinuses, where I had to lean forward and rest my chin on a board with my head inside a closed contraption and stay completely still for about fifteen minutes, the woman said 'don't swallow, or move' and all I wanted to do was swallow and move...if she hadn't said it I would have been fine. I ended up being so fixated on not swallowing I choked and had a coughing fit and had to go through it all again and I couldn't do it. My heart was thumping like an express train and I got really panicky.

I felt like a complete !!!!, but how are you supposed to not swallow for fifteen minutes?

Pink_butterfly_3

My mum has them regularly due to cancer and she gets on with them fine.

However, I detest claustrophobic spaces and would hate every second. I even got a bit panicky when I went in one of those tanning booth things! I don't blame you for not wanting to have it done, i'm not sure if I would be able to do it either!