mri 3t scan next week, I’m claustrophobic

[Gillypop]

so worried, I hate enclosed spaces, lying flat and loud noises - how am I going to cope?

My mind has gone into overdrive.

I’m considering getting diazepam from gp but not even sure if I can get in time now.

Reassurance please x🥺

[CanadaMoose88]

Hi Gillypop. Oh bless ya.. I totally feel your pain. 🤗🥹The only way I am now able to cope with my MRIs is with breathing exercises and meditative relaxation which I learned through the headspace app. I just have to centre my self before I lay down and keep my eyes closed for the whole duration of the MRI. Try and let your mind go to a favourite place like the beach and breathe 4 in, hold for 4, breathe out for 4 and hold for 4. Also tell the MRI people how you feel before you start. They are usually really keen to reassure you and give you the time to calm yourself before you lay down.

Honestly you’re not alone! I wish you the best of luck with everything 🌻

[Gillypop in reply to CanadaMoose88]

Thank you

[EllieMay7]

Hi Gillypop

I am also claustrophobic and just had my second MRI (and PET scans for T4 Tonsil Cancer)with more to follow.

I do take diazapam 10mg from my consultant,My GP wouldnt prescribe it .You can contact who ever has requested the scan email or speak to their PA and ask them for sedative .

Like Canadamoose88 said breathing techniques help calm the anxious brain and are great(just need to practice them).

I take my own silicone screw in earplugs from Amazon they seem to help a little ( they give you big earphones)but it is still very noisey !

I also take a cd as some scanners can play music.Keep ypur eyes closed and try to picture your favourite memories I think of my past holidays.

Tell the team how you are feeling .Best hopes for you 🤞it goes as well as it can x

[Gillypop in reply to EllieMay7]

Thank you

[Churchcottagechurch]

Hello Gillypop

I have severe claustrophobia. So I go to an open MRI. The sides are open so they let my husband in to hold my hand throughout the MRI. take diazepam as well. The machine is still over your head but you don’t feel so enclosed. Your G.P can arrange this so it on the NHS. Unless you suffer with claustrophobia no one understands it. In fact I don’t understand it. Thinking of you xx

[Gillypop in reply to Churchcottagechurch]

Thank you

[Soosal]

I have a friend who is just like you and she does take diazepan. I also suggested she wears an eye mask so she doesn't see what is around her.She found it helped a lot.I have had several MRI's, the last was the easiest as it was a new machine and I had videos of fields and water to look at and it was almost restful.

There is air blowing on your face and they will take you out if you find it too much.

I do hope that helps aittle.

[Tlflom]

Get the drugs!!! You will need a driver. Have them give you enough neck support that you can see out above you or a cloth over the eyes. Here we have mirrors in the head coil to see out. If you have a panic attack the mri will fail. Maybe reschedule for the drugs. In the USA, you just have to sign a consent, an on-staff doc writes and Rx, and a nurse comes to the mri to administer the drug. I have had it done at the mri appt for patients when they did not reveal or did not know they were claustrophobic. Good luck!