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

squidge60

why not talk to your doc and see if he/she can give you something to relax you or maybe something from a healthfood shop.

catz747

My doc is useless but I may go and see if I can get something myself from the health food shop

melancholly

catz747 wrote: »

I'm having an MRI on Thursday & I have anxiety - not looking forward to it - any preparation things I can do?

try not to worry about it - it will be noisy and small - but you have room to move (although you should keep still!) and there are holes at each end and you'll have a panic button to press if you feel in any way scared. once you get used to the noise, the most annoying thing will probably be that you're cold (scanners are always freezing!) so it may be worth asking for a blanket (i always do - it also feels a bit nicer to be in there and tucked up, for me anyway!). the radiographers will have dealt with lots of nervous people and they're often excellent at putting you at ease and making it as comfortable for you as possible. good luck!

angel81uk

First of all catz, don't panic! I know it's easier said than done at the moment but try and face this in a practical manner. If you don't know what the scanner looks like take a quick look on google so you know what you're going to be facing.

Take yourself into town and pick up some Bach Rescue Remedy, then go to the nearest travel agents and pick up a load of holiday brochures for fantastic, exotic locations. No you're not going to book a ticket and run away before the scan! Use the brochures as a tool to take your mind of it. Whenever you feel yourself getting anxious before thursday pick up the brochures and have a flick through and start planning the trip of a lifetime that you'd book if money was no object.

Take the brochures with you on the day of the scan and read them whilst you're waiting. Then when it comes to lying down ready for the scan close your eyes and carry on planning your dream holiday. Think about it right down to the tiny details. Imagine what the scenery looks like, how blue the sea is, what sounds you might be able to hear, what the food might taste like, how the warm sun will feel on your skin and try to imagine you're there.

If at all possible I'd say take a trip to the hospital before thursday and find out exactly where you will be going, take a look at the waiting room too if possible. Hospitals can be a confusing maze at times and if you're worried about a procedure it's easy to get lost and get yourself more worked up. If you can go in advance you'll know the route you need to take and you'll be more familiar with your surroundings which will help you feel more comfortable. Also find out if you can take a CD in with you. When I had my scan they had a list of CD's you could pick from to listen to through headphones, so if you can, take pick one of your favourites from home and take it with you.

Also, promise yourself a reward for having the scan. At the moment you've not got much motivation for going in and having it done. Promise yourself something nice, your favourite box of chocolates, a nice meal out or some pampering goodies and go out after the scan and buy them. If nothing else it will give you something else to think about whilst you're having the scan done.

Good luck with it, I'm sure you'll be fine.

Savvy_Sue

angel81uk wrote: »

Also, promise yourself a reward for having the scan. At the moment you've not got much motivation for going in and having it done. Promise yourself something nice, your favourite box of chocolates, a nice meal out or some pampering goodies and go out after the scan and buy them. If nothing else it will give you something else to think about whilst you're having the scan done.

If you are driving yourself, I would also recommend treating yourself to a tea / coffee / hot chocolate and a treat in the hospital canteen afterwards. OK, so these are not the most atmospheric places in the world, but I find after lying still it helps me get back into the real world, IYSWIM.

I have my brain scanned every year, and I swear I dozed off during my last one! :rotfl: Positive I could not do it with my eyes open though, so those visualisation tips from angel81 are useful.

catz747

Thanks for all your advice, I'm feeling a bit better about it, hot chocolate is just the thing I need in these situations. Also I ran out of Bachs so that reminded me to get some more.

Fortunately someone is driving me, it's about 40 miles away. I can drive ok but sitting too long hurts so at least I can fidget in the passenger seat :rotfl:

Those tunnels look a bit frightening, I know a few things to do to keep the panic at bay and breathing so I reckon I'll be ok. I'll keep reminding myself that I can't afford to not get myself through it due to the cost and the daily pain and then I should be able to get the right treatment - wooohooo

belfastgirl23

Good luck! I agree with having something in mind to think about (even if it is doing your next shopping list!). And also keep in mind that you CAN leave any time you want, you are choosing to be there....helps you feel more in control.

Hope it all goes okay...

MRSTITTLEMOUSE

I had to have an MRI a while back walked into the scan room,looked at the scanner and thought no problem.Once I got in there I panicked big time.They brought me out and I tried again with the same result.The doctor was'nt phased at all.In fact he said that it seemed more patients could'nt than could do the scan.I have to admit I am claustraphobic,but I was also terrified of the dentist.I received hypnotherapy for this and go no problem for treatment without discomfort,but that scanner no way could I ever contemplate.I was offered to be sedated at a later date and agreed, but after thinking about it I thought about what would happen if I woke up drowsy and confused inside the thing.
Having said that I know several people who have had them and could'nt understand my problem.They all seem to say the same thing,close your eyes and don't open them till you come out.Some even fall asleep.
One thing everyone has said is that the staff are always sympathetic and understand if you can't do it,so I guess anyone who needs one should try if nothing else.

shelly

catz747 wrote: »

Fortunately someone is driving me, it's about 40 miles away. I can drive ok but sitting too long hurts so at least I can fidget in the passenger seat :rotfl:

I'm guessing that if sitting too long causes you pain then lying still flat on your back might too? I have back problems and my scan took about 45 mins and when I sat up I was in alot of pain. I had to stretch my back out for awhile before it subsided so you might want to take some pain killers before you go.

catz747

I can lie on my back as long as my legs are closer to me than a 90 degree angle, I.e. so that my knees are tucked up or over the arm of the sofa, as soon as I move my legs down and therefore my pelvis, it hurts. It's been up and down today, I think I move about a while then have to lie down for ages, then feel ok and start moving around again :doh:

Doctors tomorrow!!