Open mri scanner in devon?

TINKERBELL

Hi does anyone know if there is an OPEN MRI SCANNER in Devon or Dorset? My mum is very claustrophobic and has to have an MRI scan. I am having great difficulty finding an open scanner in her area and one that can be booked though the NHS. Does anyone know of one? Many thanks.

violetta

I think there might be one in Cheltenham, if that is close enough?

http://www.cobalthealth.co.uk/

Bennifred

If you can't find an open MRI scanner, could she bear it if she wore an eyemask?
I have a friend who can manage with that, as if she was trying to shut out light, then she doesn't see how close the top of the tube is.

Gingernutty

I don't think there is one TINKERBELL.

Open/wide bore/upright scanners are few and far between to start with and I can find only two that are NHS.

PRIVATE

http://www.uprightmri.co.uk/contact/

http://www.mri-london.com/contact-us/

http://www.cobalthealth.co.uk/contact.aspx

http://www.bournemouthopenuprightmri.co.uk/contact/

http://www.newcastleclinic.co.uk/contact-us.html


NHS

http://www.thewaltoncentre.nhs.uk/Contact.aspx

https://www.poole.nhs.uk/a-z-services/m/mri-scans.aspx - this one isn't "open" so much as wider bore.

ETA : if the reason for the scan is urgent, the recommendation for such a patient is sedation.

boiler_man

The one in Cheltenham looks like it is accessible via the NHS
https://www.nhs.uk/Services/clinics/Facilities/DefaultView.aspx?id=94078

TINKERBELL

Thank you I will look into that.

mossstitchmama

I know it is probably too far, but the mri scanner at Birmingham's Orthopaedic hospital is one of the largest in Europe. I have had to have two scans recently and I was pleasantly surprised. I was worried it would be really claustrophobic, but it was ok.

However, I found it incredibly noisy. I found that far harder to deal with. On the second scan (of my head and neck) I wore ear plugs. I can only liken the noise to either "a Dalek conversion chamber" or "the worst techno band in the world".

iwannanicerlife

I was my nervous before my scan last year. My doctor prescribed a single dose of diazepam which I had to take about 40 minutes before my appointment and also suggested I wore an eye mask. I have to say the eye mask was fabulous - I put it on before I laid down and managed to get through it.

I hope you find a solution for your mum.

barbie_babe

Would they allow your mum to lie in it before she has scan. I was scared about my first MRI scan I shut my eyes and thought about my family all the way through. I knew i had to have scan for them. It was very very hard. Good luck.

Murphybear

I sympathise. I had an MRI in Exeter for frozen shoulder. I had never had one before and once inside threw a complete wobbly and they had to take me out. They were really kind and understanding and I understand this reaction is fairly common.

I was told the only open scanner in Devon is in Torquay but my GP seemed to think the results are not as good. Problem was treated without MRI but they said if I needed another one they could give me a sedative.

lostinrates

mossstitchmama wrote: »

However, I found it incredibly noisy. I found that far harder to deal with. On the second scan (of my head and neck) I wore ear plugs. I can only liken the noise to either "a Dalek conversion chamber" or "the worst techno band in the world".

I actually quite like the noise. I fine I'm able to think of it as one side of the scanner talking to the other as the patterns repeat from different sides. Its also a bit like being on Star Trek, or what ever else one imagines in the moment to get through it. .


The worst bits for me is having the 'Hannibal lector' head cage on ( for head scans ) and moving into the scanner. I am afraid the movement into it makes me quite tearful and a little panicky.

Once in perversely I find it quite lovely, my experience have been they are cosy, spotlessly clean and last time I even drifted off.

For me going in really is the worst bit, the ride 'out' is quite fun.

My recommendation is to wear really comfy knickers that in no way wrinkle or ride up anywhere. Depending on scan, you might be lying there a while unable to wriggle . I also recommend your own stretchy clothes. Bras have metal on them so some thing metal free....a crop top, or you're given opportunity to whip a bra off if you prefer, I prefer to just go in, take of my shoes, wedding ring and coat and get on with it.

I've always been offered a gown but gone prepared in my own clothes and know that makes me more comfortable. Something that protects you from the side of the machine is a good idea....track suit trousers and a long sleeved t perhaps, as I'm told some people find it can get too warm ...the machine.

As one goes back into the machine sometimes something can brush the sides, a not tight in arm, or something. This is very upsetting to me. I ask the team there to let me know if and when I am about to touch the machine as then I'm less likely to panic.



Finally, the people there don't want your mother to suffer . When I have suffered panic going in they have stopped, been kind to me and I have felt 'in control'. Last time someone offered to stay and hold my foot to comfort me.