Deleted
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Aug 18, 2025 19:53:09 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Mar 17, 2015 13:11:49 GMT
Don't they have an open MRI machine? Or how about a standing MRI? We have all 3 types, and my daughter has been in all 3. She actually prefers the enclosed/tube one but the others may be better for you. And as far as meds to calm you down, I really can't say as it would be different for everyone. Praying it goes well for you. Take your favorite music and earbuds. They usually let you use them.
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julieb
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Jul 3, 2014 16:02:54 GMT
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Post by julieb on Mar 17, 2015 13:21:12 GMT
I am claustrophobic also and had to have an MRI. I closed my eyes before I went into the machine and didn't open them until they were done. It was the hard, but I think that was the only way I could do it. I actually said the Our Father repeatedly until they were done. Good luck - you can do it.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 17, 2015 13:24:40 GMT
Go to a different place to have it done. Google imaging center and your city. Imaging centers usually have the latest equipment, including open machines.
Don't put yourself through that.
Best of luck.
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Post by peano on Mar 17, 2015 13:28:10 GMT
I've had a ton of MRIs (including one yesterday) and I am very claustrophobic--but strangely not in an MRI. I find them monotonous and annoying, so I either practice visualizing myself in a pleasant scene incorporating all my senses--e.g. at the beach, or just do mental checklists and groove to the metallic trance-y beats.
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Post by mrsscrapdiva on Mar 17, 2015 13:38:08 GMT
Sorry this happened to you. I might take two Xanax but have someone available to drive you back and forth. Good luck the next time.
I have only had one, a few months back. Luckily it was only my foot so I didn't have to go fully into the machine. I never thought of myself as claustrophobic but it was lying still that was trouble for me. I woke up that day with a horrible back ache and even with advil, the pain was bad. It was extremely difficult for me to lay still, flat on my back, for the 1/2 hour and I found myself getting very twitching, cramping up and nervous. I started tearing up and tears are running down my cheeks but I couldn't move, I hated it. Also I was very jumpy with the noises it makes, I felt like my nerves were shot and I just couldn't take it. It is a like a modern day torture machine.
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grammanisi
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Jun 26, 2014 1:37:37 GMT
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Post by grammanisi on Mar 17, 2015 14:10:09 GMT
I am claustrophobic, too. I have had a couple MRIs in the past and had to be sedated for them. I panic even thinking about them. I am having shoulder issues right now, too, and will probably have to have one in the next week or so and I am not looking forward to it at all.
Good luck, today!
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Post by lily on Mar 17, 2015 14:15:50 GMT
Ask them to lay a washcloth over your eyes. That helped me a lot! I am not normally claustrophobic, but that MRI tube is tight! I was having brain MRIs and they had to snap a plastic 'mask' like thing over my head too which made it even worse. When I had the MRI for my lower back it was not nearly as bad because my head was not held down.
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Post by krazykatlady on Mar 17, 2015 14:18:24 GMT
I've never had one but I'm pretty sure I'd react the same way you did. In fact I'm getting agitated just thinking about it. Gosh I hope I don't ever need one!
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Post by anxiousmom on Mar 17, 2015 14:28:45 GMT
I had an MRI a million years ago when the only kind of MRIs were the tube style. I was about 19? and when they asked me if I was claustrophobic, my mom (who was with me during the appointment) said yes for me. I wasn't sure why at the time, but was SO glad that she had. They gave me a goodly amount of Valium to take prior to the test, and once I saw what they wanted me to do, I was happy to have it. I slept through most of it.
If I had to do one now, I would do the same thing. I did not like the process, not one little bitty bit.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 17, 2015 14:33:04 GMT
I have to agree with the washcloth and closing the eyes before you go in. I have balance/motion issues, so sliding in eyes closed was a bit weird, but was the best advice I got. It was tough, but between that and the cloth, it worked. Mine too was a brain scan with the metal grate over your face -- but they put the cloth underneath the grate.
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Post by yivit on Mar 17, 2015 14:39:41 GMT
Good luck with the MRI today! A good friend of mine actually wrote a song called The MRI Song - take a look and listen. 
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Deleted
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Aug 18, 2025 19:53:09 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Mar 17, 2015 14:50:22 GMT
I had my first MRI 2-3 years ago and discovered I was claustrophobic too. I got through it but the experience haunted me for a long time afterwards and it was the longest 30 minutes of my life. The second one I had was an open one and it was a tad better, but I still didn't care for the feeling and had to keep my eyes closed for most of it. I couldn't get any anti-anxiety meds before either one since I didn't have a ride home. The next one I get I will definitely try to get the meds and I will NEVER go in a normal MRI again, if I can help it. I've been having shoulder and neck pain lately, so I may have another MRI in my near future.
Good luck today!!
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Post by craftedbys on Mar 17, 2015 15:05:32 GMT
Another vote for a washcloth or blindfold of some kind. I have had a few and started taking a bandanna or scarf with me so I didn't have to worry about them not being able to find something to cover my eyes.
Also, don't hold your breath as you are going in. That is the time to take deep, relaxing breaths.
Hopefully, they will have music for you to listen to as well.
Good luck!
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Post by moonglowe21 on Mar 17, 2015 15:09:29 GMT
Go to a different place to have it done. Google imaging center and your city. Imaging centers usually have the latest equipment, including open machines. Don't put yourself through that. Best of luck. I am extremely claustrophobic and asked about an open MRI when I had to have not one, but 2 within a two week period and was told that although they did have an open MRI machine, it wasn't suitable for all types of MRIs. The closed one gives more accurate readings depending on what they need to see. I asked my doctor for something to calm me, asked the technician to cover my eyes with a cloth (which she did), then closed my eyes and did not open them again until I got out. It wasn't great, but I did it! Also, mine did not take as long as they had said so maybe yours won't be too bad. Good luck!
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Post by Basket1lady on Mar 17, 2015 15:16:57 GMT
Ask them to lay a washcloth over your eyes. That helped me a lot! I am not normally claustrophobic, but that MRI tube is tight! I was having brain MRIs and they had to snap a plastic 'mask' like thing over my head too which made it even worse. When I had the MRI for my lower back it was not nearly as bad because my head was not held down. This was me. I was having vertigo and I thought I was going to hurl every time they moved me. It was horrible, but I had to get through it, so I just gritted my teeth. But it was truly horrible. I took a Valium before I got to the office and then another a half hour before the procedure. So maybe try that? Maybe it will put you to sleep. You can't sleep for a brain MRI, but probably can for a shoulder look.
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Post by tania7424 on Mar 17, 2015 17:04:59 GMT
I have to take Ativan before. I am mildly claustrophobic. I was having them done every six months for awhile. With the Ativan I was able to sort of zone out and just listen to the "breathe in...and breathe out". Good luck! Make sure someone is there to drive you home.
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georgiapea
Drama Llama

Posts: 6,846
Jun 27, 2014 18:02:10 GMT
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Post by georgiapea on Mar 17, 2015 17:09:39 GMT
I know I'd have to close my eyes and keep them that way. Is it dark in there or are their lights? Can you see out the end while in it? I've never had one, nor seen an MRI machine.
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Post by hollymolly on Mar 17, 2015 18:10:32 GMT
The cloth over my eyes is absolutely necessary. That way I can still open my eyes, but not see. Just closing my eyes is too stressful because I know if I accidentally peek I'll freak completely out. I just keep telling myself that there is nothing but clear blue sky on the other side of that cloth.
I am also really careful to keep my hands either tucked under my hips or clinging to my sides. As long as I can't feel the tube (except underneath me) I can lie to myself that it's not there.
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joelise
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Jul 1, 2014 6:33:14 GMT
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Post by joelise on Mar 17, 2015 19:10:30 GMT
Firstly I just want to say that everytime something happens in mine or my family's life I log on here and see that there is a thread about it!
I had an appointment for an MRI scan a few weeks ago. I'd had one 15 years ago and hated it, but still managed to get through it. Before I even got into the room this time I started crying and shaking. The nurses were lovely and reassured me. I managed about 3 minutes in the scanner before shaking and crying uncontrollably and asked to be taken out. (This is very out of character for me, I don't like to make a fuss and only a hand full of my very close family have ever seen me cry). The nurses said it happens at least once a day! They sent me off to my GP to get some medication to calm me before trying the scan again.
In the meantime I saw my consultant, he said that he couldn't get through an MRI scan either. He told me that the scan was just to check how my cyst and fibroids were looking in case I chose not to go ahead with having them removed. When I heard this I immediately made the decision to have a hysterectomy. (I've known it was an option for a while now). I go for the op in June. My family can't believe that I'm relieved I'm having a hysterectomy so I don't have to go back in that scanner.
Just want to add that I was 90% likely to have the op anyway.
OP I hope you managed to have the second scan and that it all went well for you. Please update us, I would like to know how well the tablets worked.
ETA I also had no problem with the knocking! My issue was totally down to claustrophobia.
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Post by annaintx on Mar 17, 2015 19:51:45 GMT
I had to stop reading the thread b/c I'm getting nervous just reading about other people's MRIs. I've had to be medicated for mine. The thought of the cage on my face, OMG, I hope I never have to do that. Good luck with your MRI. Medication is what got me through mine. I really don't mind the thumping/knocking. It sounds like music to me. It's the stuck in a tiny tube that bothers me. :/
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janeinbama
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,257
Location: Alabama
Jan 29, 2015 16:24:49 GMT
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Post by janeinbama on Mar 17, 2015 19:53:59 GMT
Same experience as you - I was so embarrassed. The valium did the trick for me plus a girlfriend of mine told me the way she got through her MRI without valium was to pray for everyone she knew by name. That takes quite a while and keeps your mind occupied.
It would have be better if they could give you laughing gas like they do at the dentist!
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mallie
Pearl Clutcher
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Jul 3, 2014 18:13:13 GMT
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Post by mallie on Mar 17, 2015 20:48:47 GMT
I live in fear of having one, especially that cage over my face. And unfortunately, sedatives don't work well on me. (If they are supposed to last 2 hours, they last 20 minutes. If they are supposed to knock you out, they just make me mildly drowsy.) I hope I never have to have one, because I don't know if I'd be able to do it.
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Post by hennybutton on Mar 17, 2015 21:00:43 GMT
Cage over the face? I've had 3 MRI's and have never had a cage over my face. Then again, I've never had an MRI done of my brain.
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gsquaredmom
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Jun 26, 2014 17:43:22 GMT
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Post by gsquaredmom on Mar 17, 2015 21:37:31 GMT
Put a towel over your eyes and do not open them. Mri machine will make lots of weird noises, some of which may induce or heighten anxiety. Breathe through them and know it is not you but your reaction to the machine.
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georgiapea
Drama Llama

Posts: 6,846
Jun 27, 2014 18:02:10 GMT
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Post by georgiapea on Mar 17, 2015 21:45:42 GMT
Oh, goodie, yet another benefit of being audibly defective. If I have to have one I'll be sure to remove my enhancement devices so I don't hear the machine grinding. And drape a cloth over my eyes then tucking my hands under my legs.
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Post by disneypal on Mar 17, 2015 21:50:32 GMT
I am not claustrophobic - I never have been. In fact about a year ago, I was stuck alone in an elevator for about 4 hours around midnight on a Friday night in my office building and I still kept my cool and never freaked out.
However....this past October, I was in a horrible car accident and had to have an C-Scans and MRIs among other tests. I didn't have any problems with the c-scan machines as they were pretty much open except in the middle. But when I went into that MRI machine - I laid there with my eyes closed and prayed and prayed and recited Bible verses and tried to imagine myself on a beach and all kinds of things to take myself mentally away from what was going on. I really thought I would not make it. Thank the Lord, I made it through (just thinking of it now is causing my heart to palpitate)
I had 3 or 4 C-Scans but thankfully only had the one MRI - if I had to have done that again, I would have told them they would have to give me something to knock me out because I honestly don't think I could have done it...and remember..I am not typically claustrophobic.
(Notice I am writing this AFTER your test is over)
I hope your test went okay today and you were able to go through with it without any problems and I hope they find the issue of your shoulder problems.
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Deleted
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Aug 18, 2025 19:53:09 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Mar 17, 2015 22:58:09 GMT
Cage over the face? I've had 3 MRI's and have never had a cage over my face. Then again, I've never had an MRI done of my brain. Two of my daughters have had countless MRIs. One always has brain scans, and yes, she has a cage over her head. The other one has never had a cage because her MRIs are not of her brain.
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Post by GamGam on Mar 18, 2015 0:32:48 GMT
I had one of my kidney and had to be awake and able to hold my breath for long periods of time, and be absolutely still. I could not be sedated, and it was not pleasant, but I just shut my eyes and gritted my teeth, and counted backwards from 300 by 7 to keep my mind engaged. I didn't want to have to repeat it. Best of wishes to you.
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Post by chrispeas on Mar 18, 2015 13:42:36 GMT
I'm glad you got through it. I have mine scheduled for Friday. I'm not claustrophobic, but then again I haven't been in tight quarters either. And to have to stay there for 30 min is making me a bit nervous.
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Post by kittens on Mar 22, 2015 4:10:09 GMT
I had one done on my knee years ago and managed to get through it ok but my anxiety issues have gotten worse and just the thought of going in that tube has me jumpy! I have been having back pain and headaches lately and I know my dr is looking towards an MRI after we get the results of the xrays. I could NEVER do one with a cage over my face! I can't even have a towel over my eyes without freaking out!
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