Cant' do Open MRI-What are other options?

[happily single]

Thanks for all the recomendations to try medication. But I can tell you no amount of drugs (other than total sedation) will help me forget that I have a cage strapped so close to my face that when I exhale I can feel it and that tons of magets are only 1 inch from my face. I was literally sick to my stomach. I did have an MRI done at the same location 6 years ago of my arm/shoulder and was fine. They kept warning me they changed the machine a few years ago and boy was this one smaller.

I will search around for another MRI center. I do want/need to have this done but I cannot even remotely understand how people would willingly get into these things

 

[loganpaulsmom]

Take it from me.. YOU CAN DO IT.. I just had to have one done.. I was hysterically crying.. I was able to take 2 anxiety meds.. I got in there and the operator asked me if I wanted my face covered.. I said yes.. I kept my eyes closed the entire time and I WAS TOTALLY FINE.. It was a huge fear of mine ,but I conquered it and I know if I have to do one again, I would be ok..
Little did I know that very soon after that I would have 3 surgeries in 3 weeks the last being a 4.5 hour surgery to remove part of my liver.. In comparison, an MRI is a walk in the park..If I can do, I am telling you anyone can.. I am afraid of everything.

 

[lovetoscrap]

Thanks for all the recomendations to try medication. But I can tell you no amount of drugs (other than total sedation) will help me forget that I have a cage strapped so close to my face that when I exhale I can feel it and that tons of magets are only 1 inch from my face. I was literally sick to my stomach. I did have an MRI done at the same location 6 years ago of my arm/shoulder and was fine. They kept warning me they changed the machine a few years ago and boy was this one smaller.
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Have you ever had a vailum? If you haven't you might be surprised at just how well it works! I had an in office surgical procedure on my foot which was only supposed to use a local. I am terrified of needles and I was completely freaked out that they were going to cut into me while I was fully awake. When the dr walked in I had a full panic attack and started throwing up (FUN!). There was no way they were going to be to do anything. They gave me a vailum and I was totally convinced that there was no way it would work. By about a half hour later I was so relaxed and happy he probably could have cut my foot off and I wouldn't have cared.

I would suggest finding the most open one that you can but do ask your dr for something to help relax you. I am guessing that no matter how open it is you will have a cage around your head to keep you still. And see if they can cover your eyes or don't open them. Be sure you have someone that can take you to and from the appointment and don't make any plans for the rest of the day.

 

[danalee]

I really feel for ya...I am having one Monday, and I too hate, hate, hate them!
I did an open one before but the surgen I have now dosent like them?? He says there to "grainy" to read...whatever dude he's a good doctor but the bedside manner of a rattlesnake...but thats another post

I will be taking a valium and the ear phones help me alot if I can think about anything but where I am... it still makes me but I have to do it

Good luck to you and I hope you find something that works for you

 

[JessicaR]

Thanks for all the recomendations to try medication. But I can tell you no amount of drugs (other than total sedation) will help me forget that I have a cage strapped so close to my face that when I exhale I can feel it and that tons of magets are only 1 inch from my face. I was literally sick to my stomach. I did have an MRI done at the same location 6 years ago of my arm/shoulder and was fine. They kept warning me they changed the machine a few years ago and boy was this one smaller.

I will search around for another MRI center. I do want/need to have this done but I cannot even remotely understand how people would willingly get into these things

You can discuss this with your Doctor and they can order the MRI be done under IV sedation. Many children and those that are in severe pain and cant remain still have scans this way. It's also an option for the claustrophobic and anxious patient.

 

[7165red]

I had a open MRI and it wasn't bad at all. I brought my own music and my husband was in the room wioth me. If you can't do take the medication.

 

[happily single]

Hate to say it but I want iv sedation. I just don't see any other way. I have used anxiety meds in the past to help me sleep. Normally I'm a lite weight when it comes to meds, but seriously I have never ever had a panic attack until Thursday and I had 2!! (the closed MRI and then the open MRI).

Between laying on a small table, loosing your ability to hear due to the ear phones, having the cage over your face(which they did agree to not use) and the magnets right over your face, stuffed into a small tube with birds chirping, I assume to mask the actual noise, you are totally senseless and helpless... No way