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Post by tryingtobewise on Feb 4, 2020 4:43:41 GMT
I’m so sorry you are dealing with cancer. I’m very claustrophobic and have had 2. Your surgeon will prescribe powerful drugs and you’ll get through it. Agree with keeping your eyes closed and having someone there that can touch a part of you that is exposed. Good luck!!
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Post by chlerbie on Feb 4, 2020 4:56:19 GMT
I'm not claustrophobic, but I'm extremely bothered by noise/sound. I had one done for my spine and they gave me headphones with music, but what helped the most was trying to move into the sounds--each one has a different sound and I'd count the rhythms, etc.
You can do this! Count, think of all the girls names that start with A, then B. Anything that you can focus on.
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TXMary
Pearl Clutcher
And so many nights I just dream of the ocean. God, I wish I was sailin' again.
Posts: 2,811
Jun 26, 2014 17:25:06 GMT
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Post by TXMary on Feb 4, 2020 5:25:04 GMT
I am so sorry you’re having to go through this. I had an MRI for breast cancer and I was so freaked out to have it. They gave me Xanax and I kept my eyes closed the whole time and listened to the music in the headphones. I also tried to recite things to myself in my head. It helped enough to get me through it. I hope you can find something that will help you get through it. And I am sending you lots of prayers and good thoughts.
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Post by mom on Feb 4, 2020 8:20:24 GMT
Mystie you absolutely can do this. You are strong and doing this is the first step in kicking cancer. Will it be easy? Probably not. But you can do this. It’s a short time in the grand scheme of things. Doing this test will put you on the road to health and a long life. You can do this. I believe in you.
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Post by FrozenPea on Feb 4, 2020 8:31:43 GMT
I have had a breast mri. I totally understand what you are talking about. Have also had 6 or 7 different ones all together.
I agree with others about asking how long it will take. One tech would count it down for me - 15 minutes left, 10 minutes left, etc. It really helped.
I always listen to music and try to count out how many songs long the mri will be. I always lose count! Lol
I make lists in my head. I compose letters.
And I never ever open my eyes.
You can do this! ❤️
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Post by Basket1lady on Feb 4, 2020 11:18:35 GMT
I’m so sorry that you are dealing with this.
I’m also extremely claustrophobic and have had several MRIs. I had Valium for the first few, but you can’t drive yourself after the MRI and I’d pretty much used up all the favors to ask of friends. So I toughed it out for the last few and did ok. I’ve found that after the initial panic of going in the tunnel, I do ok. I squeeze myself really small so that I don’t rub the side of the tunnel going in and then I’m ok. I’ve also had them pull me out, give me a few minutes, then try it again. Really, knowing that I had to have it done and that I’d just have to come back is what got me through it.
Take the drugs. Ask for help. I promise you that this is very common. You could also ask if the leg restraint is necessary. That sounds pretty optional to me, but I’ve only had head and abdomen MRIs.
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Post by Patter on Feb 4, 2020 11:34:41 GMT
First, I am so sorry you are struggling with cancer. I am not claustrophobic but when I had my first and only MRI on my spine in July 2019, it was even uncomfortable to me. I was utterly shocked at how small it is in there. Anyway, I immediately closed my eyes, sung hymns in my mind, and did deep breathing. Worked amazing. When I have my next one, I am going to bring an eye cover (you know for sleeping) and my headphones. The eye cover will help me even more because if I accidentally open my eyes, I still won't be able to see how small it is. The deep breathing kept me calm and focused. Praying for you!
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Deleted
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May 21, 2024 13:04:02 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Feb 4, 2020 16:20:07 GMT
I have to have them every 6 months. I also keep my eyes closed. Think about my todo's mostly. I am not one to listen to music at home or in the car but I tell them to put on whatever (except rap). I found you just get used to it.
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Post by Susie_Homemaker on Feb 4, 2020 16:34:00 GMT
This is not an MRI experience, but maybe it will be helpful. When I was in labor with my first child, my epidural “worked” by paralyzing me from the waist down except for the actual labor pains, which I felt in excruciating detail. I could have written this word for word. My epidural didn't numb my uterus because I have scar tissue at the injection site. It was so fun feeling every contraction and not being able to move my legs/sarcasm. I had my DH and sister hold my hand, watch the contraction on the screen and let me know when it was at peak and on its way down. That was the only way I could do it. I had to know that that contraction was over and coming down. Mystie , I'm sorry about your breast cancer. Praying that you'll be able to cope with the next MRI.
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Post by auntkelly on Feb 4, 2020 16:35:09 GMT
I have no advice, but I will say prayers for you. I'm sorry you are going through this.
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Deleted
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May 21, 2024 13:04:02 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Feb 4, 2020 16:43:31 GMT
Hugs.
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The Great Carpezio
Pearl Clutcher
Something profound goes here.
Posts: 2,931
Jun 25, 2014 21:50:33 GMT
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Post by The Great Carpezio on Feb 4, 2020 16:45:29 GMT
I am so sorry you are going through this. I don't have any ideas, I am sad and mad for you.
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Post by NanaKate on Feb 4, 2020 18:33:32 GMT
Mystie, I am so sorry to hear you are dealing with breast cancer. I don’t have any advice for getting through the MRI but hoping the sedative and music will help. Sending love and hugs your way ❤️
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Post by cme37 on Feb 4, 2020 19:19:21 GMT
I panicked during my breast MRI. I'm not claustrophobic and have had an MRI before with no problems.
The tech brought me out and I got myself calmed down enough to finish it. I thought I was going to be sick. I found out later from my nurse navigator that it was probably the contrast that caused my reaction. She said the next time they would prescribe me a sedative.
Good luck and I hope the sedative is strong enough that you just fall asleep.
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Mystie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,299
Jun 25, 2014 19:53:37 GMT
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Post by Mystie on Feb 5, 2020 22:28:40 GMT
Updated at top.
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Post by hmp on Feb 5, 2020 23:06:37 GMT
I’m so glad to hear the Ativan worked for you and you got through the MRI. PLEASE post when you get your results. We’re here for you.♥️
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Post by elaine on Feb 5, 2020 23:09:33 GMT
Congratulations! I’m relieved for you. You’ve got this.
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Post by tommygirl on Feb 5, 2020 23:22:29 GMT
Yeah! I am so glad it worked and you have that behind you! Praying for good results!
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Post by anniefb on Feb 6, 2020 1:29:07 GMT
Great to read your update!
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Post by jmd74 on Feb 6, 2020 2:11:24 GMT
Yay! So proud of you!
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Feb 6, 2020 2:12:55 GMT
I’m glad it is done! You did it!
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Post by revirdsuba99 on Feb 6, 2020 2:21:27 GMT
Mystie so glad that part is over. I knew you could do it! One step at a time!!
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Post by idahopea on Feb 6, 2020 2:24:12 GMT
Yeah! So glad it worked!
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Post by scrapmaven on Feb 6, 2020 3:16:04 GMT
You are very brave. You can fight and win. My understanding is that the fight is a bit easier once you have a plan.
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Post by Eddie-n-Harley on Feb 6, 2020 3:35:17 GMT
I'm glad you made it through!
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chendra
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,861
Location: The 33rd State
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Post by chendra on Feb 6, 2020 3:58:13 GMT
You did it! One obstacle down!
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Post by tentoes on Feb 6, 2020 4:17:13 GMT
I'm happy you are finished with it!! and you did fine!!
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Post by Crack-a-lackin on Feb 6, 2020 5:09:16 GMT
Congratulations for getting through it! I’m proud of you! Best of luck with the rest of your treatment.
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snyder
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,961
Location: Colorado
Apr 26, 2017 6:14:47 GMT
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Post by snyder on Feb 6, 2020 5:25:26 GMT
I hate to tell you, but breast MRI cannot be done in an open MRI . They will probably give you a couple valium to help you get through the scan. Another additional idea would be to see if you have a close friend that can stand in the room with you and hold your hand. Sometimes just knowing someone is there can help a lot. Just make sure they have no contraindications that would prevent them from having an MRI themselves such as a pacemaker etc, since they will be standing so close to the magnet. You got this!!!! Maybe it depends on the machine, but when I had mine done there were women there with breast cancer.
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Post by kristi on Feb 6, 2020 7:08:24 GMT
Yay, I’m so glad you were able to do it!!!
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