MRI Scan

[Lanzarote23]

Hi I was diagnosed with heart fatigue in January only found with a chest xray for my asthma. I had a cardiac ultrasound and my EF was 40% I’m now on what’s called the 4 pillars of medication. I’ve got to have an MRI in a couple of weeks and am petrified as I’m very claustrophobic. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[uzininemm]

Hello.

I am afraid MRI's are very marmite you either take to them or you don't. I did and the first time I found it very restful and nearly dropped off.

I can really understand your frame of mind re this, but do think of the positive this really is the cutting edge for the doctors to see what is going on and therefore will help you, plus also the person who is doing the scan will be putting your mind at rest.

The one piece of advice I would give (and this was given to me by the person who did it on my first one) was to look up and behind when you are lying down, because you are likely to see the opening behind your head which I understand helps.

In any case you will be given a panic button if it gets too much. As I said the person who does it wants it too be a success and is not setting you up to fail.

I hope you can overcome your feelings and have it, and once you have tell everyone of the success you have achieved by going through it. Because it right you should be proud of doing it.

Good luck.

[Lanzarote23 in reply to uzininemm]

Thanks so much for your kind reply it has really helped. I live on my own with too much time to think

[DodgyTickerMum]

My Husband suffers with claustrophobia and unfortunately needed a full body M.R.I last year - which took about an hour in the scanner. He hadn’t managed previous attempts at M.R.I.s’ in the past - so opted for some sedation this time around, which definitely helped.

He wasn’t able to wear headphones for his scan and said the scanner was quite noisy. However, he also commented that the banging was similar to that of a boat engine and, as a mad keen sailor, with his eyes clamped shut - he could pretend he was out on the water and not stuck in a hospital scanner! That thought got him through!

Hopefully, you’ll be able to wear headphones for yours, have some sedation, close your eyes and imagine you’re somewhere lovely, far away. Fingers crossed it all goes well for you.

[Fullofheart]

I keep my eyes shut tight the whole time (you could take an eye mask) and listen to the music. It's not the nicest experience but closing my eyes, I just pretend I am elsewhere. Perhaps you could also have something to look forward to afterwards/ reward yourself with a nice activity once it's done.

And also let them know you are worried so they are aware.

Hope it goes OK for you. It's worth it for the level of detail they have. It's more accurate than an echo 🌸

[Morges]

Hi Lanzarote. I too am having an MRI end of May, and have ER of about 40%

I am sure all will be well for you and it shouldn't take too long for the scan to be over as it's not a full body one.

I have never had a scan and I don't have any symptoms so I have to believe what these clever tests show. It is very good - for me anyway - to have the evidence to convince me I need to take AC meds.

we should compare notes after our MRIs - what is that that saying - keep calm and carry on.

[Lanzarote23 in reply to Morges]

Thanks I will let you know how I get on

[Lanzarote23 in reply to Lanzarote23]

Well I had the scan yesterday and I did struggle but more with holding my breath as I have asthma. I did press the buzzer but was nearly the end as I was coughing a lot but they did say I had done enough. Hope all goes well for you Karen x

[Robfromwales]

either keep your eyes shut or sedation or ask if you can lay on your front ( which is what I did)

[Qualipop]

Just tell them you're claustrophobic and ask for sedation. The staff are well used to it. In my youth I used to go potholing so I was sure I would be fine which I was for the first 6 MRIs. I had to be sedated for the last t wo . YOu will be given a buzzer to press if you need to get out.

[Oatybiscuits]

I am on this forum due to my husband’s heart failure but I had a stroke this year - I too am extremely claustrophobic. I needed 5 MRI’s over 2 week period- I didn’t wear the ear defenders, they did minimal control around my neck ( you might not need to have this depending on what they are scanning) I had Diazepam to calm me and a technician wore the ear defenders and stood by me and held my hand. The staff are use to calming people - just let them know . Good luck

[Robfromwales]

also you could ask if you could lay on your front with head near the opening