MRI

[Harrison4]

Can I ask has anyone else had difficulty or claustrophobia and been unable to continue with an MRI.

I was sent for one thinking it was the larger machine that i had seen on TV but transpired that the entrance and tube was no larger than a mini wheel, I had to be in there for 45 to 60 mins tried but had to pull out, having not failed at anything medically before I have felt awful about it since, especially as they are supposed to be so expensive.

Should we be advised when offered these tests what entails, lost a holiday for the family as well because it was mid week took me days to get over the stress.

The medics were not very helpful either when I could not carry on, 3 weeks after a stress cardiac event called Takatsubo. They didn't appear to have any notes on me either.

[Hidden]

You have my sympathy. I know how you felt. I've had several lengthy MRIs, and on 2 occasions I have had to be brought out after over an hour as I was having panic attacks. I always found the medical staff very sympathetic when I explained the problems I'd had in the past, but nothing they tried helped. As soon as my head entered the narrow part of the tube, I could feel my heart racing and my breathing became difficult. The last MRI I had was a heart scan which involved holding my breath for short periods while the scan was in progress, and I freaked out. I thought I was going to suffocate. I now have an implanted cardioversion defibrillator, so I don't think I'll be able to have another MRI in future. I know they're very useful, but for some people the terror is not worth it. I hope they found some other way of testing you which was more tolerable.

[Maisie2014]

I still feel sick at the thought of my MRI that I had over 10 years ago for a spinal injury. I was determined to see it through at the time. I remember coming out and going back into the office (I worked at the hospital) and just bursting into tears.

[MDR1]

I totally understand how you feel. If you have to have it again maybe you could ask for a mild tranquilizer. When I had the MRI my cardiologist could see that I was really anxious and offered me one, which I gladly accepted. Sailed through it without a problem.

[Gladwyn]

I would have to be unconscious to have an MRI scan. Nothing would get me in that thing otherwise.😩🤬🥵

[Caitlyn6]

I had one last week. I closed my eyes before I went in. Felt panic initially but just prayed the whole way through. Giving the brain something to focus on helped alleviate the panic. Could you recite songs or poems or prayers in your head. It is a horrible thing. Mine was finished in 20 mins but I have been in a 45 min one before for a brain and spine scan.

[Lesquatrescentscoups]

Hi. There are other less claustrophobic MRI machines available. Google Open MRI. Ask why they need to do one. I have HOCM and refused an MRI. I will never go in that enclosed machine. There is no research on the long-term affects of an MRI.

[Stacey85]

I had one yesterday and nearly freaked out when they moved me in!!!! I didn't realise how close it would be to my face, I had to keep my eyes tightly shut for 35 minutes practising my calm breathing

[Gladwyn in reply to Stacey85]

Brave you! 👑💐🍾🏅

[Mememe11]

No advice, but I tried to have an mri a few months ago and just couldn’t do it because of the contrast being injected and then being claustrophobic. Cardiologist has highlyRecommended having it and I agreed but the thought of it makes me shake and feel

Sick but I know I need it.

[Babsben]

Hi, I'm very claustrophobic. After my angiogram I was told I'd need an MRI, oh the thought made me cry. The consultant could see how distressed I was so left it for the heart failure nurses to persuade me. I knew I had to have it. I'd had diazepam for a dental procedure so I asked if I could take it for the MRI and told 'yes'. I was given 3 tablets to take over the course of the morning before the MRI and it did help. I was in for an hour and ten mins. It was over before I knew it. I closed my eyes and followed the instructions as you have to continuely breathe in and hold. Maybe speak to your GP. I had to ask the hospital first. I even googled what scanners they had!🙈 How wide the opening was. I wish you the best of luck. 😊