MRI Heart Scan

[DebbiB28]

Has anyone had an MRI at the Royal Brompton? I am booked in for Thursday and wondered how 'small' their machines are (any any advice) - I'm claustraphobic! Thank you.

[Nettyanne]

Hi Debbi, I have no information about the MRI scanners at the Brompton but I thought my recent experience at Blackpool might be useful.

I am extremely claustrophobic so I always make the staff aware of this before my appointment and I make sure my husband can be in the room with me. I take a Diazepam 30mins before the scan and if it is a long scan I take one part way through. It also helps if you keep your eyes closed or they may offer you an eye mask. Last month I had 2 cardiac MRI scans, both lasted 2hrs, they were very difficult to get through but with help from the staff and the medication I managed.

I would ring the department at the Brompton and tell them about the claustrophobia, I am sure they will be able to help as it will be something they are used to dealing with.

All the best for Thursday.

[DebbiB28 in reply to Nettyanne]

Thank you.

[Andrew1966 in reply to DebbiB28]

Hi, I had a MRI at Bristol about 30 years ago when the machines use to enclosed one end, now they are open both ends (at Exeter), it is quite a small diameter but probably the top of you head will nearly be out of the other end of the tube with a nice breeze, I had a pacemaker fitted in jan this year and was gutted as I will probably not be able to have another MRI which I find relaxing (even nearly fell asleep in it) hope this helps a bit and it all goes well for you

[DebbiB28 in reply to Andrew1966]

Thank you Andrew. I've made the mistake of looking at google images and some machines are quite horrifying for me, whereas others seem better. Fingers crossed I guess! Wish I could find it relaxing! Thanks again!

[Andrew1966 in reply to DebbiB28]

In Exeter they give you a button to press if you need to come out and you can talk to the staff all the time, try and think about all the people that have safely had an MRI and the odd one or two who could go to sleep in there, hope you can put your fears to rest and benefit from a MRI and come back and tell us its not that bad

[DebbiB28 in reply to Andrew1966]

Thank you Andrew - they certainly seem very kind and accommodating at Exeter. 24 hours and I will be on my way. Will say how it went. Thank you for your response.

[mandm65]

I had my MRI last year, must admit I am claustrophobic but surprisingly I managed well, it was little scary at first but got better as the test went along. The most uncomfortable part was when the injected a die to stress test my heart, didn’t like that at all, although it lasted a few minutes but I just wanted that feeling to go away. Good news that you are not going to go through that .

The staff was very helpful explained the procedure well and yes during the MRI scan you have the option to talk to the staff should you feel that you want to come out.

Wish you all the best, like many said here, take it easy and be relax about it, it does sounds daunting but it not that challenging.

[PipPoplins]

Hi Debbi,

I'm a regular at the Brompton. The MRI scanner is very modern and they will talk to you throughout. They may ask you to hold your breath while they take certain pictures, you also have the option to listen to the radio through the headphones.

I've had a few panics and they bring you straight out and let you compose yourself. I pretend I'm meditating, try downloading a meditation audio and learn some techniques to calm your nerves.

Try not to worry, it's worse in your head than reality.

Good luck.

Jess

[DebbiB28 in reply to PipPoplins]

Thank you Jess. It's really nice to have these responses, you don't feel so alone. I'm going to try to be as prepared as possible!! You're right though - your mind can really get things out of proportion. Needs to be done so my case can move along. Thanks again.

[Rosie1066]

Hi, I’m having one on Friday and like you don’t quite know what to expect!

[DebbiB28 in reply to Rosie1066]

I will try to post to let you know my experience. The comments here have helped.

[Rosie1066 in reply to DebbiB28]

I had mine today and all went fine. Bit noisy but just shut my eyes and it was all soon over. Luckily MRI came back clear. I had mine done to find out whether I had had a Stroke/bleed on the brain.

[Inamoment]

I've had several in different hospitals and the machines are all pretty much the same. I had a full body scan at the Brompton so I was right inside the machine. It was much promise than I expected and fairly quiet. Quite surreal, it was just before christmas, so I was listening to frosty the snowman! The technician did say some people panicked. I have also had brain ones. They were something else, very loud rythmic thumps, quite like nine inch nails i felt. There are quite few mri videos on youtube, worth watching. Do look at the brain ones.