Anyone have any tips on how to deal with getting an MRI, especially when you're somewhat claustrophobic? My mom has to get one of her head before she starts chemo, and she is petrified. I've never had one, and I don't know many people who have. An open MRI isn't an option because her insurance doesn't cover it. Anyone ever have one? Any suggestions I can pass on to her?
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Good luck to your mom! I had a few about 15 years ago and I just closed my eyes. I don't remember if there was music or not!
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@Pepper: I have had 2 MRI's in the last 7 months, and am having another in the next month. While they can be intimidating, my experience has not been bad. My first MRI was of my breast, and I had to lie face down on the MRI bed. While I was feeling a little enclosed, I was able to just focus on different things in my mind and ignore the close quarters. Also - they give you headphones with a huge variety of music to choose from! I also know that they're willing to give you a relaxant to take as well. Best wishes for your mom. Tell her she'll do great!
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My mom is claustrophobic and has had an MRI. I believe they sedated her a bit because she couldn't get through it otherwise.
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I can't do them if my head is inside - I get panic attacks within moments. I've heard some people are prescribed Valium to help. Good luck to her!!
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i have & i'm claustrophobic. i made a playlist to listen to, but she might be able to bring a book on CD if she would find that more distracting. i also closed my eyes before she put the cage part over my head and didn't open them again until she took it off after the scan was done, but i'm not sure that everyone gets the cage over their face, they were looking for tumors or lesions on my brain so i think that's why i had the cage part on my head. also if she talks to the dr about it ahead of time, they might give her something to take to help her relax. i find it helps
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@Mrs.Ham: I think the headphones will help her, she loves music!
I think she will ask to be sedated for sure. I'm not claustrophobic, but I feel like I would want to be sedated too... it just sounds miserable!
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the cage is creepy. I've had MRIs on my brain before (i have an arachnoid cyst) and i just keep my eyes closed and try to relax. If she's claustrophobic, some medicine may help! Because it does feel very...caged-in, hannibal lector style
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they gave me headphones and piped in music, and i would definitely have brought in my own music/CD if that were a possibility. i would recommend closing my eyes before she goes into the machine, and not to open her eyes while inside.
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I've had plenty for my migraines..... but I'm not claustrophobic and I'm usually drugged up because it's when I'm in the ER for a migraine. I'd see if she can get some pills to help.
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@mrs. bird: They are looking for tumors on her brain as well, so she will probably get that cage too. Books on tape are a great idea for her too, she loves those.
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I did but I'm not claustrophobic so I ended up almost falling asleep because even though the machine is SO LOUD it's rhythmic and you just lay there....
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I had a breast mri last month, where you're facing chest down, and I really wish I'd made sure I was in a comfortable position when it started because you can't move once it starts and it does take a long time. I was really tense and didn't feel like I could relax my muscles without moving, so it kind of hurt after awhile! So I'd tell her to just really, really try to relax and get as comfortable as possible. They didn't have an music for me, fwiw--they gave me earplugs to drown out some of the sound but that was it.
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@Pepper: oooh, this is kind of a weird one, but i wore a sports bra because underwire bras are a no no and i'm more relaxed when i'm feeling supported, being braless would have made me more anxious, so i wore one with no hooks or anything, just a stretchy one. so if she has a preference about not going braless, suggest an crappy metal free sports bra
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@mrs. bird: Oh good recommendation! Thanks!
@nana87: I will definitely tell her to focus on relaxing her muscles.
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I had an MRI and a CT scan. I dont think you can bring in headphones if she is having a head MRI. I had to take all metal objects out when I had a head MRI recently. You should call in advance. Oh my MRI took 30 minutes
I closed my eyes and just tried to meditate.I didnt open them until I was out of the machine.
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@Pepper: Yes, the headphones were a life saver! You might also want to warn her that the machine is VERY loud! I had my headphones cranked up, and it still sounded like a plane was taking off right over my head.
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I've had more MRIs and CTs than I can count. If your mom is that claustrophobic, have her ask for a Xanax or Valium and you drive her to the appointment.
Every MRI and CT I've had, they've offered me headphones that don't interfere with the machines but I don't usually listen to any music because it's so loud anyways that I don't want any more noise.
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I had a head mri a couple years ago but I'm not claustrophobic. They gave me a washcloth to put over my eyes and that helped me just close my eyes and relax.... until I realized I left my belly button ring in. Then I kind of freaked. I also wore an underwire bra which wasn't an issue.
I'd advise (just like everyone else) that they give her a sedative.Hope everything comes back clear!!
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I'm guessing you wouldn't be allowed to bring your own headphones, because there are so many restrictions on what can go into the scanner. She should call the MRI facility and ask if they provide headphones if that might help. If she thinks she may need a medication to help with anxiety she should definitely talk to her Dr ahead of time. They probably won't be able to give anything once she gets there.
It's very loud and I know it's hard for people who are claustrophobic. They will probably give her a button to press if she needs help for any reason or is feeling too anxious. I'm sorry she and your family are going through this!
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I would suggest sedation. But a few things that help me:
1) mos machines are just a ring so you aren't in deep and can get out fast if needed.
2) the tech can hear you at all times
3) the tech will stop if needed
4) relax, it sounds like being on an airplane. I concentrate on the noise of the machine rather then other thoughts.Just an FYI if its of her head there is a good chance her head will be taped or strapped down. For many this confinement is worse then the "tunnels".
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I had one, its not nearly that bad. You just lay there, I fell asleep.
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Yes and I was a wreck. It was "open," but they put a cage over my head/ face that defeated the open purpose and made me nearly lose it. I spent the entire time shaking and sweating, and there were some tears when I was told I had to go back in. For someone that's claustrophobic and/or suffers any kind of anxiety/panic, like I do, I recommend sedation of some kind, and earplugs because it's really, uncomfortably loud in there.
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My mum had one about 2 yrs ago and she was so, so scared. She cried when we got to the hospital and said she couldn't face it. Her GP had prescribed her a sedative to help her get through it but she decided not to take it (its typical of my mum!!). Anyway, she did go through with it and afterwards she came out beaming, saying it wasn't as bad as she had imagined. She said there was loud banging noises which were scary but all in all she could do it again if needed.
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I have them frequently (used to be every six months). I don't know which MRIs people have been going to, but there is absolutely no metal allowed in any that I've been in. They give you the clothes you are going to wear. One time I had worked with glitter the day before and I could feel my hands sparkling the whole time from the tiny metal chards in my hands.
I just zone out best I can, but there are a couple settings that I really don't like (fiesta is not a party). I prefer not to have music because I want to know what's going on.
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I've had about 5 on my head. I was scared at first but they are honestly not that bad. I have fallen asleep several times. The worst is having your head locked in, but even that isn't that bad. They give you a button for emergencies. I think she will be fine.
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As an update, she had the MRI yesterday morning and she did really well! She didnt think she would be able to do it as she was signing in, but she took a Valium before she went back and shut her eyes... and made it through.
Thanks for all the tips and stories! I read her the replies and she appreciated them. She also felt better knowing so many people have had one before, and she wasn't alone in feeling afraid!
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@Pepper: Great news! I knew she could do it. Give her my kind regards, she should be very proud of herself.
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