Have you ever had a MRI Scan?

[Charlotte ~08]

in a "closed" scanner similar to this one?

Claustrophobia and Panic Attacks comes to mind just looking at the photos.

 

[TJ's Mom]

I've had a few. I vote for closing your eyes before you go in and keep them closed. I do ok when I am on my stomach but hate it on my back. They can do medication for you if you want.

 

[binny]

I tried. I really did but when they got me all the way in there and my nose touched the top I pushed the button.

I posted here about it a few months ago, several other people have had the same experience.

 

[Barb D]

I've had a lot of them. And CT scans, too. I'm very claustrophobic, but as long as I close my eyes BEFORE they roll me in and KEEP THEM CLOSED I'm OK. I also find it helps to find a song that goes with the beat of the banging (sort of; the banging isn't totally regular) or count in my head or do something to keep my mind occupied.

 

[Rora]

close my eyes BEFORE they roll me in and KEEP THEM CLOSED I'm OK.

Best. Advice. Ever.

Seriously, I've had my share of MRI's for broken bones, nerve damage, etc and I've found it's best to shut your eyes as they roll you in and keep them closed until you come out!

Typically they will let you listen to music which really helps, or if you are in a decent position, sleep!

 

[Christine]

I've had two in the machine like that.

The first one was a head/neck scan so I went into the tube head first with my head at the closed end. I didn't care for that much but I did okay. It was lit up inside (very white) and they had placed mirrors in there so I could see out the bottom.

My second scan was of my lower back. I went in feet first this time but the whole way in. My head was at the opening though and that was a lot better. Again, the inside of the tube was white and it had lights in it. They also gave me this little air filled thing I could squeeze and that, surprisingly, helped a lot. After about 15 minutes, the banging became kind of rhythmic and I felt a little relaxed.

 

[Disney Doll]

Just had one last week.
I closed my eyes and thought of Epcot.
It was OK.

 

[imabrat]

Multiple times. Piece of cake for me.

 

[C.Ann]

Had one in the past - years ago - and it didn't bother me.. Can't do it now though as I've become very claustrophobic.. Even the "open" MRI is a challenge.. They have a relatively new place here now that does "upright" MRI's and that's where DD had her last one.. She said it was a piece of cake.. If I need one in the future, I'm hoping my insurance company will pay for the upright or I'm in a boat load of trouble!!!

 

[Nohal]

I had an MRI of the brain and if you keep your eyes closed before you go in and during the scan you should be ok. Only part of my body was in the tube. It was actually over quicker and was less noisy than I thought. Good luck.

 

[AlleyKat]

Eyes closed or not, I liken it to being buried alive!

I have to be scanned on an "open" MRI...with the help of medication!

 

[dcentity2000]

I've had several and they were all as boring as hell.



Rich::

 

[BillSears]

Multiple times. Piece of cake for me.

Same here. Having to hold myself still for 45(?) minutes is much worse then the enclosed space.

 

[DisneyMomOK]

Just had one last week.
I closed my eyes and thought of Epcot.
It was OK.

I planned a WDW vacation. I had just lost complete vision in my right eye over a three day period and was pretty much panicked, when I had them (had to have it done twice), but I just kept my eyes closed and concentrated on a Disney trip.

 

[4nana]

I've had several, not claustrophobic, but definitely think positive thoughts when I'm in the tube for 30/45 minutes. The brain scan is even more fun when you have to wear the catcher's mask! Our local imaging center also a more open one for those that have problems.

 

[chisnpeke]

I've had an MRI and a CT. I had a washcloth over my eyes for the MRI so I couldn't open them. It was for the brain.

 

[PrincessKitty1]

Yes, I had an MRI of my brain a few years ago. I'm claustrophobic so my doctor prescribed two tablets of valium for me, one to take 30 minutes before the procedure and one to take as I was walking in the door to the MRI machine. DH also came in with me. I kept my eyes closed and, like Disney Doll, walked around Epcot in my mind. It was OK but I personally wouldn't try it without valium.

 

[pigletgirl]

Yep. For my knee.

 

[MemoryMakers2669]

I have had a few. I am fine with CT scans, but MRIs I have issues with. Luckly we have an open MRI in our area, but it isn't much better. I take something when I arrive though and while I am laying there hating it and thinking bad thoughts, I don't care. LOL!!!! So, get some meds (I take Ativan) and see if you can find an open MRI place to go to.

 

[krcit]

I had one once and while I am not claustrophobic. I hated it! If I ever have to have another one I would take something and follow the advice to close your eyes before and keep them closed!