Cardiac MRI

[KateRitt]

Hi guys, just wondering if someone can give me any reassurance. I’m due to get a cardiac MRI tomorrow as recently been diagnosed with LBBB. I’m worried sick about getting it, I’m claustrophobic which doesn’t help. Does your whole body go in or just top half? Thanks x

[RufusScamp]

Can't help on the MRI, but I was diagnosed with LBBB 2 1/2 years ago, and have recently been signed off by cardiologist, with meds and a pacemaker. I only had echograms and an angiogram. I hope others can give you more help.Love and best wishes.

[KateRitt in reply to RufusScamp]

Thank you so much for your reply. That’s good news you have been signed off. I’ve just found out I’ve got it I’ve been a emotional mess since. Trying to keep positive though xx

[meadfoot]

I had a cardiac MRI last year. My advice is to tell the staff you are nervous and ensure they give you the alert button to hold in your hand in case you feel it gets too much for you. Remember the staff can see you in the scanner and are watching you throughout and talking to you so that helps.

Biggest tip is to close your eyes when on the sliding bed well before you go into the scanner. Keep them closed even through their breathing instructions and only open them when out of the scanner again. It works, it really does help. I have had many MRIs and do this without fail. You will be fine.

[KateRitt in reply to meadfoot]

Thank you so much for your reply xx

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

If you feel you will get really panicky try and call them before you leave home as they may be able to arrange a sedative. If you have a sedative you must not drive home as you could be done for driving under the influence (of drugs).

[Beany71]

I had a Cardiac MRI about 3 weeks ago. They give you a panic button just in case you need them and they will be straight with you talk to them and tell them your worries and they will help you. They give you headphones as well and listen to music I just closed my eyes and relaxed listened to the music and to their instructions. I hope everything goes well for you.

[Tink35]

Hi I've had one this week and it's not as bad as I thought. The one I went in was not enclosed at one end and I only went in half way. It is noisy but they give you ear phones and play music. All you have to do is listen and follow instructions. I don't like enclosed places but I coped. Worst thing for me was being on my back. Good luck x

[MarmiteB]

Hey!I have had about 10 MRIs in my life and I promise you there is nothing to worry about. Nothing They don’t hurt and you get to lie down!

The biggest thing that people don’t expect is how noisey they are. Imagine a pneumatic drill! BUT, they give you headphones so you can hear them speak to you. I agree with keeping your eyes shut if your nervous but you have nothing to be worried about. I think I fell asleep in my last couple!!

You’ll be great xx

[Buddy00]

I had one last year , I’m a well built guy so it was even more snug around the shoulders. I kept my eyes tightly shut the whole time , I had music for the second part but if I ever need another one I wouldn’t have music again as the magnets banging away is so loud. Try and let your mind drift away to a happy place. Think positive and tell yourself that it needs to be done . Hope all goes well.

[Babsben]

Hi I'm claustrophobic too had one for my shoulder and panicked and it couldn't be completed I knew the one for my heart I had to have so I asked my doctor for diazpam and it really helped. I closed my eyes from start to finish just focused on the breathing exercises I was asked to do and before I knew it I was out. Good luck and I'm sure you will be fine. ❤️

[Hidden]

Dear KateRitt

Good luck to you for today and your procedure, I am sending you a virtual hand holding to get you through.

Please let us know how you get on.

[peachy10]

If the bed isn't already set up that way, ask to lie feet first. Ask for a blanket for your legs and feet as they can get chilly. I ask for one under my knees too as it makes my back ache lying flat, and you need to lie very still. Make sure you are comfortable before they start.

You will be given headphones so you can hear them speaking to you, you may be offered a choice of radio stations to listen to...it can get boring especially if they are doing a contrast too as it can take a while. They will ask how you are doing throughout but you will be given a button and can speak to them at any time, they will stop the process if you are really suffering but as they will need to continue, it is best to bear it in one go.

Even though they won't be in the room, they can see and hear you all the time. I found it tight, but I am a big person, my arms pushing on the sides concerned me at first but as they are continually adjusting you, I soon realised that I wasn't stuck so it was ok. The plate they lie on your chest can feel warm when it is monitoring (quite nice if you are feeling chilly!) it should be fixed but tell them if you feel it is slipping.

They will ask you to do lots of breathing in, but don't worry if it goes quiet when they are looking at the screens, they are still there and as I said they can see and hear you all the time.

It will feel claustrophobic when they fist move you go in but if you tip your head slightly back once you are in, you will be able to see the lights in the room so it doesn't feel so enclosed.

Take a deep breath, tell yourself it will be ok and soon over, then close your eyes and relax. Good luck.

[winniebago]

I’ve got LBBB along with several others things and I’m hoping to reach my 80th birthday in August. Re the MRI, I was worried about coping with the proximity of the “overhead ceiling”. I discussed with the lovely nurse - it was during the height of first Covid period. Told her I intended to shut my eyes before going in and open them when I came out. She allowed me to get “settled” and I closed my eyes BEFORE the entry started. I told her the next thing I would see would be her! She was lovely, she updated me once or twice “how long now”! I concentrated with all my strength that “it would soon be over” - and thank God it was! I was joyfully emotional when it was finished. Recommend you try this rather than actually look at the space inside the equipment. Good luck. 🤞💕

[Monty2022]

I had my first MRI a couple of months ago, like you I was anxious, bit claustrophobic so made this known to the staff. I was given a panic button, closed my eyes and concentrated on my breathing. Some provide music, even pictures, but I had neither and to be honest I don’t think it would have made any difference. Just try to relax and once it’s over you will wonder why you worried. Good luck and remember -deep breathing.😊😊

[KateRitt]

Thank you so much everyone for your lovely replies. I had it this morning and honestly it wasn’t as bad as I thought. Can’t believe I worked myself up so much xxx

[RufusScamp in reply to KateRitt]

Good to hear you managed ok.

[Qualipop]

Ask for a sedative. They do understand claustrophobia.

[Igotrhythm]

Hi. I have had an MRI for heart health reasons. I am very claustrophobic. They can give you medication to keep you calm. However, I declined it. I closed my eyes before they rolled me into the machine and kept them closed until I was rolled out. Piece of cake. You got this.