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Calm down!!

neverforever

Well-Known Member
Messages
140
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Other
Hi having MRI (for eyes) had one attempt and discovered I couldn't tolerate being enclosed. Staff very nice obviously used to this reaction. So rebooking and been advised to get Diazepam. Does anyone have the same problem or have some other advice rather than Diazepam. Really not a fan of such meds. Thank you
 
I feel your pain - I have a similar hatred of being enclosed and had to have an MRI scan on my wrist a few years ago after I snapped a ligament in it playing football. I was absolutely dreading the scan and barely slept for a few nights before it (the sleep I did get was broken by nightmares of being trapped in the scanner!).

In the end, I got through it by deep breathing exercises, counting in my head and generally trying to think of anything and everything apart from being inside a scanner. I think the fact it's air conditioned so I had a constant stream of fresh cool air to breathe helped me, but it's not something I'd want to go through on a regular basis and if they'd offered me diazepam, I'd probably have taken it
 
Do you get a choice of music? I think that would help me.
 
I remember them playing music, but I don't remember what it was (or whether I was asked what I wanted)
 

Thank you. I lasted about 5 minutes, breathing deeply and thinking of lots of things but got panicked, they were very quick getting you out which was good to know. Got a few weeks to try and fathom something out.
 
DeejayR said:
Do you get a choice of music? I think that would help me.
Click to expand...

I agree that would be nice, its difficult to hear over the noise of the MRI, although you are given headphones, maybe I could ask Im a big music fan, favourite album might do the trick. thanks
 
Hi neverforever,i had an mri today and before i went was able to put together a really relaxing cd( well i liked it) it was very noisy and confined but the radiologist assured me that if i needed to take a break or stop for any reason , just press the button,well i listened to my music and as the mri proceeded just concentrated on each track and the memories they evoked, almost went to sleep.:) all the best.
 

Thank you so much for that, I think that would help me a lot. Ill enquire if they will do that, sure they will. thanks again
 
I day dreamed the time away during my MRI scans .
Focused on my favourite thoughts and things and day dreamed the time away .
Was in scanner a good half hour but it didn't feel that long of time ...

Not an easy thing to cope with if you have any - claustrophobic issues .
Meds to relax or sedate a little may be needed if severe .
 
I panicked when I was in the MRI told them to get me out quick! Which they did. Once out of the MRI I picked up courage and went in again, I just thought of nice things, push all other thoughts out of your mind, this is how I got through it. Take the diazepam and just go for it. I know it's hard but you will be ok.
 
It is amazing how we find the courage to cope with things to do with our health ...we just to have ...
Now you hsve had a taster experience , you will know what to expect ...so you are doing well so far ...
Have a think of how to cope , many options and suggestion....best wishes ...Kat
 
I had an MRI many years ago on head. In for half an hour. I don't really like enclosed spaces and suffer from panic disorder these days so I'd probably take the diazepam offered. Otherwise practice breathing exercises to help calm you and as, if you can have music.
 
I had a scan in a tube MRI for gall bladder issues 3 years ago and lasted under 30 seconds before panicking and having to be pulled out. I am VERY claustrophobic. Consultant referred me to a place with an open sided MRI and I was absolutely fine. Had 2 MRI scans there with no issues. Maybe ask if there is a similar machine in your area?
 

Hi I had a look into that, I think I will try again and then if not successful, ask if I could be funded although we know that's also an issue. thank you.
 

I was so amazed that I panicked, I thought I wouldn't be comfortable, but my reaction completely surprised me. Hopefully with all this good advice ill have a better time of It on my next go
 
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