MRI scan

[Gooner1947]

Few days ago diagnosed Atrial Fibrillation level 4.Unfortunately now a problem arose. My CTscan showed shadow on two vertebrae and on sternum. Worried now.

They want me to have an MRI but I know I will panic and hyperventilate regardless of calming tablets.

I may try and go Private for an "open MRI". I will also ask for calming medication too.

Has anyone been in a similar position please and can help/advise?

Thanks

[fishonabike]

i don't have similar experience but "shadows" could be absolutely harmless - the MRI may have been requested because it is the best way to get clearer images of that part of your skeleton, the vertebrae are fairly dense, but also protect other important tissues, so they would want clear accurate images to check what the shadows are and rule out some possibilities

there are plenty of relaxation techniques you can try beforehand for using during the MRI (look online), these are also helpful anyway as a way of helping you deal with pressure and tension - you might be allowed music while is going on and you will have a bell push to let them know if you don't feel right

[Gooner1947 in reply to fishonabike]

Yes I'm hoping they don't mean there's nasties there.Problem with MRI is that I am very very claustrophobic. I had one about 10 years ago and lasted only 20 secs before hyperventilating. I still have those thoughts.

I also have only just started taking anticoagulants and betablockers.

I still get quite breathless. I just cannot lie down. I sleep sat up in armchair currently.

I have my first appointment with cardiologist on Tuesday coming. Hopefully I can discuss MRI with him.

If he says I definitely need it then I'll have to go private and arrange an "Open MRI".

Thanks for your reply though. So much appreciated

[fishonabike in reply to Gooner1947]

I was breathless at the time of my first cardiac MRI and worried that I would not manage to lie down, but they keep you busy - you have to breath in and hold your breath repeatedly, so I counted how long the first hold was and counted through the rest (they were mostly the same length) - once I knew I could hold my breath i knew i could do it and it all went smoothly

but i don't have claustrophobia

by the way, I found that the beta blocker made my breathing worse, it was stopped when I reported that to my GP

[Gooner1947 in reply to fishonabike]

Thank you

[lavenderpot in reply to Gooner1947]

I sympathise as I know exactly how you feel . I get extremely stressed and agitated whenever a MRI is mentioned as part of investigations. I have been fortunate that consultants I have seen over the past three years have sent me to private provider in central London, who provides services to NHS, with upright scanner. I live in Surrey but arrangement my be available throughout England and it would be worth asking if it is available in your area. Another option would be to ask if your health area or another close by has an open MRI which is not quite as claustrophobic as standard tunnel one.

Hope they can find a suitable solution for you.

[Gooner1947 in reply to lavenderpot]

Thank you. I have appointment with cardiologist and ask him. I live in Wales and there is an open MRI in Cardiff.My GP said I'll need full spine MRI so I don't know how much can be done standing.

I may have to go private. Cost about £1,300!

I'm 77 and have just been diagnosed with AF level 4. Have been put on betablocker and anticoagulants. I still get breathless and can't really lie down. I sleep in armchair at night.

IF, I do have the open MRI I will also ask fir calming medication too.

To be absolutely perfectly honest in my heart of hearts(no pun intended) I'd rather not have the MRI.

If it finds some nasties then I am not sure I can handle possibly fighting a cancer plus deal with heart failure.

It's so worrying.