I got my letter through for the MRI scan that the pain specialist set up for me, however I am claustrophobic and not sure how to cope.
The specialist advised I tke a sedative and the doc has given me one diazapam to take half an hour beforehand but still unsure - the letter has a form which asks a number of questions including are you claustrophobic.
I was thinking of calling the scanning people to talk to them but not sure I would get through to anyone and am concerned they might cancel it if they find out and I am desperate for my diagnosis and do not want to avoid doing it if it is helpful
Has anyone here done the MRi , are any of you claustrophobic - how did you cope - hoping you can advise on coping strategies and let me know how bad it is
I have looked online and watched avideo on youtube - that only made me more nervous.
(have re-posted as previous post was locked down - not sure how I did that
My scan is on the 17th Jan - will update for other newbies how it went
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Mrs_Somerset
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Hi hunny I had one a couple of weeks ago I was just like you scared to death. The one thing that got me through it was I closed my eyes and tried to think of good things in life, never opened them till it was over. It is daunting but must be done it was worth it. Try to keep calm and don't forget it doesn't hurt or harm you and it will be over before you know it. And we need results so that the specialist can help us feel human again. Good luck I hope all goes well, keep your eyes shut xxx
I did reply but it got lost somehow. I have similar trouble with hating enclosed spaces so was petrified when they did mine but it was ok . There is a mirror inside so you can see out and you also are given a panic button. You can take a favourite CD to listen to while you are in there and that helps too.
My reply got lost, too. Strange. They never told me about CDs when I had a scan. I had to listen to the local Radio Drivel. Terrible but I suppose it took my mind off things.
Thank-you to everyone for their replies - it really does help to hear from others that have gone through this.
Jilly - I did see your reply - I think it was on my original post that got locked somehow - thank-you
I called the MRI scanning place - don;t ask me how but somehow the NHS are sending me to a private clinic to have the scan - guess the local NHS hospitals do not have one, and therefore there was someone there at this time of night, who was happy to talk me through it.
As people have said here, I will have a panic button and they said I can press it as much as I like - we will see
Also they said I could bring a CD - will definitely do that as music is something I do love and one of the few things I love that I can still do ( listen to that is)
I am afraid I do not have anyone to sit with me during the scan but I think that si OK as I would hate to look silly in front of anyone I know - and I am sure I will panic but the person I spoke to was very freindly and understanding - she said they deal with more than average cases of people with claustrophobia and that their scanner, altough not open, is wider than normal scanners - which hopefully willr educe the coffin like feel.
My scan is on the 17th - will post how I get on for any other newbies out there.
Thanks again to everyone for your replies - this is all new to me and appreciate your advice a lot
The NHS may simply not have a space. That space would be booked and budgeted for so I suppose a private clinic won't be terribly expensive. Important thing is you are getting what you need. I had a CATscan (not the same) in a private place and was so relaxed I fell asleep, and incidentally ruined the pics! Go well & gentle hugs
I had to have one last year and i had your fears, im very claustrophobic, but in the end it was fine, they did everythng possible to make it a non scarey event, i was asked did i want an eye cover like the ones you get in the airplanes, which i used, i reccomend you buy one incase they dont have one, and i had earplugs where they played loudish music into but could talk to me too,, i was aksed what kidn of music i wanted and i said i liked 80`s which went down well as they all loved it too haha, and yes its a loud machine it makes some very weird noises which are loud and banging, but they make you so comfy and snug that honestly it was fine, and the scanner is oepn both sides, so your not really enclosed, i deffo reccomend the eye cover as it makes your eyes stay shut and and you can just think of other things, after it had been done i was kicking myself of all the time i wasted being scared lol, and i would honestly have anothe rin a heartbeat,, i hope yours goes as well as mine, xx mine was on my head by the way
Can you take someone with you? I had a friend with the same. I was allowed in with the same strictures about Pacemakers, fillings and watches. I sat on a seat by the scanner and held her hand, and in one case, her foot! It's no riskier for the companion than for the patient. My friend said it was a great help. You have a "panic button" which stops the process instantly and gets you out, but the presence of a friendly human goes a long way. I wonder they don't let people in to see what happens before your own scan. I'm sure it would set a lot of minds at rest.
I think that if you go onto questions instead of posts you will find your missing original post and replies.....Good luck with your scan ....Sue
Hi Mrs_somerset, I am extremely claustrophobic and a few months ago I had to have one on my brain and did have a big panic attack and had to go away and rebook it. The second one I had diazepam from my dr and still struggled but got through it! It's not easy when you're claustrophobic, apparently there are open scanners in London so if I need another one I'll ask to be referred to one up there if I can. Having said all of the above, my advice is to get some diazepam. Listen to your music and imagine you're on a sunny beach and I'm sure you'll be ok. Good luck! Xx
Hi mrs sumerset mri scans can be scary it depends on what part of your body that's to go into the mri scanner,iv had two on my head which are scary and wld sugest you take your relaxing tablet before had I am chloustroughic also first mri they giv u headphones for the noice but some pipe though music you can take a choice in with you,they are very suppotvie and if you still get panicy they stop the lady I had talked to me letting me know how long and what the diffrent sounds were and kept asking how I was what frighting me most was the cage they put over your head as its very close to your face I knew what to expect on my second head mri so wasn't as wound up but you must tell them your cloulstrougphbic my other two were on my knees so wasn't as bad as I cld see the though the mri so did feel so trapped.no one person has the same reaction you will know as soon as your laid on table if your going to panic but if you take the tablet it will clam you down I wasn't giving a tablet had to deal on my own sorry if iv scared you more but its better to know what its like and how the mri is x one thing I might suggest you do try and hav the mri they scan your blood pressure so know how your coping plus you will find out why your in pain hooe you let us know how you get on take care shazza x
Close your eyes or place eye mask on as soon as you lay down that way you dont even see the machines inside .you can pretend you are still on the outside sunning yourself on the beach or laying on grass watching the clouds. Good luck soft hugs ....
There are some centres with MRI scans which you don't have to get into, they are just over the top of you. I don't know if you can talk to your GP or the centre to find out if there is one in your area where you can be referred if you suffer from claustrophia. They often play music to you through earphones; if you have something that is particularly soothing on your iPod then take it in with you and ask if they can play that.
Heavens, you lot are lucky! I had a spinal MRI a couple of months ago and wasn't offered any music or given option to take in my own. I was in the machine for about 40 mins listening to the weird electronic bangs and sounds through ear defenders. I was worried before as not a fan of enclosed spaces at all but got through it by keeping my eyes closed and pretending I was at club listening to hard-house music! I think if you take the sedative they've offered Mrs Somerset you'll be fine. Good luck x
Hi Dee, yes I did get your reply - thank-you so much- maryrose mentioned I had put it in questions - which is why it does not turn up in my activity - I now know how to get to it from the group home page.
I am feeling better about it thanks to everyones replies - at least I know that if it all gets too much I an stop and start again.
I have a diazapam from the docs which I will take, so fingers crossed it knocks me out enough not to run away screaming
Hello Mrs_S, Yes, I had to have one of these and yes, I'm all somewhat claustrophobic. I explained this when I arrived and they talked me through the process and offered me a choice of musical cds to listen to (via headphones). I found the music quite soothing but what really helped me was visualising the MRI machine as a warm, comforting and enveloping blanket around me and imagined myself as a child again with mum's arms wrapped around me. The test passed much quicker for me than i had imagined using this technique so I hope it may be helpful to you too. xxx
Hi I had one done last Saturday and I hated it. I wasnt sure what to expect and it felt very tight in there with my arms pinned to my sides. I listened to some music and kept my eyes closed most of the time. It lasted about 20-25 minutes I had 4 done the first took 3 minutes and the 2nd one took 4 minutes and the last 2 took 5-6 minutes, they stopped in between each one to ask if I was O.K I said yes as I just wanted to get it over and done with.Like lots of medical things..they arent very nice but we have to go through with things we dont always like.They will let you go and take a look before your appointment if you wish to..take some nice music as its very noisy, and some lovely thoughts in with you. Keep your eyes closed throughout and maybe take a sedative from your doctor. Good luck I hope you will get good results from it xxx
Thank-you for the detailed info - I had been told it would be about 40 minutes, but it is good to know that those 40 minutes are broken down into sections of a few minutes each - makes it sound a lot less daunting.
I am having the scan of my skull / neck and upper back so am hoping 3 sessions of a few minutes each - will update once done for others who may be in for this for the first time.
Thank-you to everyone for the info - it really does help.
Hi Mrs_Somerset.
I can empathise with you entirely, especially if you are Claustrophobic. The MRI team are wonderful and very used to nervous patients, including very young children so please try to have a chat with someone from the unit, they will be more than happy to put your mind at rest and talk over any concerns you have .As you are probably aware, the scan is completely painless and some scanners are actually quite large so the space around you is quite adequate and less claustrophobic for you, you can listen to your favourite music if you wish, which can be quite a comfort with a patient who finds this procedure scary. Please try not to feel unsure and apprehensive. The nurses are there to help you and they really will. . Sedation can be administered if you feel you would cope better. I'm sure you will be absolutely fine and it's being done for a good reason. Your Specialist has requested this to help diagnose exactly what is going on with your health. Look forward and be confident in knowing this will help and the nurses will help you overcome any of your fears..Give them another call today and hopefully you can let us know how you're feeling about it. You'll do just great I know you will. Thinking of you and always here if you need a chat. Love Ali. xxx
ps, I've had over 15 mri scans. xxxx
• in reply to
It looks like you have beaten me in the no of scans.lol
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I don't think you ever get used to them though. I have MS as well as fibro so they're always requesting Mri's to see what's going on.. It helps my being in the medical profession too...sometimes!! I think...x
I know you have had a lot of replies but just thought I'd reply anyway, I am the most claustrophobic person I know I even go into panic mode if I see someone getting an M.R.I. on tv the first time I went for one I had one look and just went to pieces and they couldnt continue but that was the older machines the new ones are much more airy and once you have the earphones on and the eyes shut you can just imagine your in your happy place the panic button is a good reassurance but in my head I knew if I pressed it I would have to start all over again thus prolonging the whole procedure so managed not to press, the staff talk to you through the earphones so you dont have the feeling of isolation. the most important thing is to keep the eyes firmly shut that way you could be anywhere I was aware if I opened my eyes I would have paniced and that helped me keep them shut they do offer you an eye mask but I felt that would have made me more claustrophobic so did without. I have now had three M.R.I.s and managed fine and tell people if I can do it anyone can so good luck and remember eyes closed and think of happy thoughts xx
I am very claustrophobic - I cannot even stay in the bath for more than a few minutes without getting anxious - it is too confined for me - even get a panic on sometimes when trying on clothes if they get stuck over my head when taking off ( that was back when I could go out, try on clothes, lift my arms over my head - happy days )
I think I can only agree with what you and others have said - I need to do this, so I shall - and knowing what it is like will help me, the timing is important - knowing that they will let me know how long it has been, and how much longer it will be is so important as it can seem a lot longer when you are in a fret.
I know exactly what you mean I'm just the same could never sit in the back seat of a car even lol but as long as your eyes are closed and you drift away somewhere nice it will be over quickly the staff told me through the earphones how long each part would be sometimes I counted it to see how close I was but mostly I would be walking my dog on a sunny sandy beach with coconut trees sometimes George Clooney would be there or sometimes Brad Pitt lol you know its for the best and you will do it xx
Hi there Mrs-Somerset, I had an MRI scan at Musgrove some time back and like you I am very claustrophobic, but there was a mirror and I was given headphones to listen to a CD. I stupidly had forgotten to take one lalalalala so I ended up with some pretty odd stuff they had chosen, but there definitely was a panic button which I didn't need to use, keeping your eyes shut, is good, I took an eye mask with me which I use when I get migraines and that really helped me too.
I hope the reassurance you have had here helps you and that you are able to go through with it, the staff are very used to cope with exactly that which we both fear and are very sympathetic and helpful.
Sending lots of positive and encouraging vibes your way
I too am claustrophobic and an MRI scan proved too much for me. I took one of my pills I take to get me to sleep to enable me to be in a relaxed state but it was still too much. The nurses were very friendly and understanding. The nurse positioned me like an egyptian mummy and I knew immediately that I could not keep this position for 40 minutes. The fibro never lets me relax and pain was going up my left hand and arm. I just cant keep absolutely still for even 10 minutes let alone 40! Lying on a hard surface was also hurting my lower back. I did tell the nurses but they didnt offer me a cushion to be placed under my knees which would have probably eased the pain.
Hi, when I was working for the NHS I used to book all the MRI's and CT's as part of my job in Radiology. If I wasn't able to put a patient's mind at rest when (s)he 'phoned up to ask questions, I would ask one of the radiographers to 'phone the patient back when they could. Quite a lot of people are claustrophobic to a greater or lesser degree (me included and I managed to tolerate an MRI scan several years ago) so you certainly aren't alone. In extreme cases, we used to invite a nervous patient to the dept. before the date of their scan so that the radiographer could take them into the room and show them the equipment. Have you been invited to take a CD along with you which they will play to you during the scan? I would suggest that you ring through to the appts. office, in the first instance, and then ask if you could speak to someone in the MRI room. They should be able to accommodate you with this request. Try not to be too nervous. Easier said than done, I know, but hopefully the staff should put you at your ease and look after you well. It sounds as though your Dr has been helpful in providing you with a sedative. I hope you get the reassurance you need as well as the diagnosis. All the best. Let me know how you get on. You can always message me privately. Comforting hugs Saskia XX
I have had at least a dozen mri scans. I am claustrophobic but I assure you its not that bad. Take some favourite music which they will play. And they talk to youall the time which is reassuring. Concentrate on a loved one or place. Be prepared for a lot of noise... the scanning mechanism is v noisy - a bit like drums beating. I cope with this by making tunes out of them. Its all over v quickly. I find it best to keep my eyes open and breath normally. Dont let the prospect worry you... its really not that bad.you will be given a panic button but persevere...you need those test results. Good luck.
Hi I've had 3 MRI scans there not scary just uncomfortable cause you have to keep very still. They normally put earphones on you so you can listen to music cause the machine makes a banging noise. Don't be scared you will be fine. Just explain how you feel to the staff. Good luck. Xx
hi im claustrophobic and have MRI's on my brain every year due to brain tumor. i found before the first one i was really scared and worried but it was fine. i just close my eyes and find i go over hymns ect in my head or i count the booms in each cycle. the MRI team are usually very helpful so give them a call and you will probably find them very helpful and understanding.
Yes i have had mri's once every year at the moment. Do what the Dr. has said. The diazapan is a very good sedative and they relax you. If you phone the mir department (the number on your letter)and they will reassure you as to what will be done and how long it will take.
Im the same. Tryed not think about it before I went..told them when I got there. They said shut eyes on going in and when fully in they will tell me. I was told to tilt head bk a bit and you can see the room behind you. They talk to you all the time through ear fones. When the noise kicked in to me it sounded like massi warriors humming . so I tilted head and saw room behind me and in my mind I was watching the massi jumping and humming. I got through it. And I'm the one that cant
even have the drs or windows closed....give it a try. You can get out the other end if needs must. Good luck . its not as bad as you imagine...xxxxx
Like you I suffer claustrophobia, I was so anxious I cried as soon as I saw the machine!! But the staff were lovely and very sympathetic to my phobia! I was allowed to bring a cd in, so took a relaxation one in. They offered me a pair of glasses where you can see the outside even though your in the scanner, but I find glasses a bit claustrophobic, so I decided to keep my eyes closed as soon as I laid down, before I got moved into the scanner. And I kept them tight shut! Until I came out. The staff really try to put you at your ease and don't make you feel silly for feeling scared.
You will be fine, I think we are all much stronger than we realise, after all we cope with this awful condition day after day.
You will be ok.
Sending gentle and positive hugs your way.
Lizzyear
Hi, I had an MRI scan after being told horror stories about it. I'm claustrophobic, and yes it is claustrophobia, the one nicknamed The Tunnel. You can take a person in and they can wiggle your feet ( I took my ex is as we're still friends) ask them to cover your eyes with the cloth glasses. They will put a radio on and you will hear banging. Stay still cos if you don't it will have to be repeated.....at any time you can talk to the person doing the scan thru the headphones...I didn't need to then it's over....Not as bad as I thought. Remember there's no physical pain and med staff all round you. If you feel a mild sedative such as Diazepam might help go for it, but more so if you have someone in there with you to wiggle your feet gently, I'm sure you'll be fine
I have only ever had one, so naturally was apprehensive , i just closed my eyes whilst in there and i was fine. I too asked others before hand, on how they found the experience and they all reassured me. I'm not saying there isn't anyone, but i have not come across anyone yet who has found they couldn't cope with it.
It depends on what they are scanning, but i was in there about 45 mins, where as a CT scan i had took much less time.
The MRI scanner i was in was very noisy. I think they all are so the put headphones on you. I took my own disc with but it wasn't loud enough!
Yes had a scan , and they know how nervous people can be about this, so ring them and tell them your concerns. When you get the scan the operator can talk to you or if you prefer they pipe in music. I assure you it was worse that i had you walk down a hospital corridor with a backless gown in big boots.
HI had my first mri in aug last year, put some lavender on a hankie cotton , wear no metal , take your most best music with you ,breath in trough your nose out through your mouth , close your eyes and try to forget wear you are,
its very noisy all through the scan and just before the end the banging gets very loud , now if they had told me this
about the last few mins would not have pressed buser but i did , it did give me a fright , one of the ladys can stay in the room with you and hold your hand it very close in there but now you know what to expect im sure you will get through it just keep them eyes shut ,and if you knead to peek just use one eye you will be staring at the ceiling in a tight space ,hope this helps and good luck with your mri
Hi, just to update you all, my MRI scan has been rescheduled for the 28th so my update on how it went will be a while - they had some admin issues and had to reschedule.
Been for an MRI last year in July for a recurring dizzyness problem (now 2 years) was ok - noisy even though I opted for music but just kept my eyes closed and tried hard to concentrate on the music - it's fog to be done to get your results - good luck
Just writing as my MRI is tomorrow ( well today rally - cannot sleep!) and I am fretting...
Surprisingly the actual scan / claustrophobia - giant metal coffin thoughts are way down the list.
As I am not getting any sleep I thought I would share what is on my mind - foggy, drugged up mind that is so apologies if this rambling mess makes not sense to those of you with clear heads, and / have had some sleep
For those for whom the following is just too darn long ( my apologies - it probably will be the way I am feeling right not), in short - to summaraise..."Just my luck"...
I had a telephone doctors appointment today, to discuss the pain medication I am on ( recently started on the Gabapentin and they asked me to book a call when I reached a certain dose - ramping it up slowly) - I booked this call a week ago, stating clearly upn request what the call was about, and also discussing with the receptionist the issues I was having at work and she advised I ask the doctor about that also - I did not get to discussing the work issues with my doc, and this is why...
The doctor I normally deal with for this issue was not available, so they booked it in with another doctor, and as usual it was someone I had not spoken to before and he had not read my notes before the call so I had to explain things, which on this dosage is rather tricky as my brain is such treacle, sometimes the words are right there inside my skull screaming at me and my mouth will not say them, other times it is like searching through foggy soup - I know I know the word (i.e. fridge) but it is like it has been completely erased from my brain.
Anywho - I started the conversation by letting him know why he was calling me (!) and once I had advised him that the pills were not reducing hte pain, I was still in an awful lot of pain, things had not improved and the side effects on my brain and hte dizzyness etc were unpleasant, he asked me if the pain was different.
I had to agree it was - I am now getting less electric shocks now when lying flat, but they come back with a vengeance when I try to do anything (stand, sit, walk, lift), howevr the bone and muscle pain are worse.
He then said that it was ok, we could reduce the dosage so that I get less side effects as it obviously offers pain relief at lower doses.
At this point I broke down on the phone, cried and repeated that I cannot even brush my own teeth, I cannot rdress myself or wash my own hair I am in so much pain .
There
Is
No
pain
relief!!!
(just in case I had not made this sufficiently evident earlier)
his reposne was that if I was feeling that way (what way? a painful way? surely he meant if I was feeling in pain????) that I would have to come in for an appointment on friday to discuss the pain medication then.
And that was it.
No advice on what to do until then.
No aknowledgement that I am in so much pain I want to scream and cry and die at the same time.
nothing.
I do not want to see him on Friday - I want to see the doctor who has been treating me.
I called back and spoke to the receptionist and asked if I could change the appointment to the doctor I have been seeing for this problem ( thanks to this forum I was feeling a bit more empowered!), rather than this new doctor. The receptionist advised that the doctor I usually see did not arrange the appointment, so she cannot do a swap. She could book an appointment with my the doctor I have been seeing, but that that doctor does not work on Fridays, and is fully booked this week - I would need to call in each day to see if there have been any cancellations. She then also advised me that it would be ok to keep the appointment with the doctor who had called, becuase he would know everything, as he is my doctor.
My doctor!
He is not the doctor I signed up at the surgery with (he retired about 10 years sgo - since then it is pot luck who you see - I have been lucky and stuck like glue to the one doctor who I got to see more than once for my problem, and have now been seeing her for the last few months) - but this guy who called me today - I have never heard of him, I have never met him, and he had no clue why he was calling me or what my issues are.
And that is my doctor.
super cool, fan-bloody-tastic, just Ace! - I feel so much better now.
in the immortal words of muttley - raserfrannerrasser gnrr gnrrr gnrr!!!
Have now been for the dreadded MRI scan that started this post, so here is my update.....
The medical staff were lovely, helpful and ever so patient.
The diazepam ( only 4mg, so not a huge amount) made me ever so wobbly and sleepy and worked rather well considering my claustrophobia. BTW - it takes about 40 minutes to kick in, but when it does, assuming you are normally able to drive, I would highly reccomend NOT driving - I was rather spaced and kept tottering to the left for some reason
They offered me a gown but said that the clothes I had on, had no metal in them so I could just keep my own clothes on - which for me is brill as getting dressed / undressed is painful.
They were happy to play my CD, but they play it so qietly throught he headphones you really can only get a whisp here and there, or when the machine shuts up in between bursts.
The MRI technician stuck an evening primrose capsule to my back - no idea why - had forgotten about it until just now when hubby peeled it off me
The machine looked scary but they advised I keep my eyes closed which I did until I had a small panic attack about 10 minutes in but they were really undertanding.
The bed they lie you on moves up and down as well as in and out of the machine so that helped a lot for me to get on / off it.
The bed is not comfortable, but they gave me a leg support cushion which was really kind.
I did not have a grid on my face - they did the cervical and thorassic spine areas.
They did put a largeish plastic collar on me, which locked intot he headreast which is bolted to the bed, which was not comfortable.
The headrest was not comfortable for me ( as the top of my neck is where I have some of the worst pain) - but I am sure it would be very comfy for others - so don't worry about this.
The "noise" come is 4 types for the MRI scaller I was on ( times are aprrox, based on what it seemed like):
*** quiet - thier voice telling you the bed is moving
1: bed is moving - 1 minute - this is the worst in my humble opinion - like a siren going off - very loud
***quiet - their voice telling meto lay still
2: jackhammer - 2-3 minutes - like the things they smash pavements up with on raodworks - like having htat near your head - but you do get used to it and after the first time it does not seem so loud
***quiet
3: laser cannon - 2-3 minutes - it is a pulsing sound, deep, bassy and I found it oddly soothing - although my face got really hot each time it did this, like sunburn, but went away between cycles
***quiet
4: screechy bang - 1 minute - it sounds like a group of toddlers have been given those large american metal waste bins to play drums with, but someone has filled them with agitated parakeets.
**quiet, and her voice asking if you are ready to go again
And this repeats over and over until they are done- although they only moved the bed occasionally.
I just pushed on through and after about 30 minutes I was uncomfortable but much calmer.
I was super duper still, lay like a soldier but they kept telling me I had moved in the previous cycle, which baffles me. I can only think they mean I was breathing too heavily or it is the constant pain causing muscle twitches at a level I no longer notice, but I promise I could not have tried any harder to be still and I really thought I was being super still.
However - after over an hour and several attempts they decided to call it a day.
The next steps - they will send the results to my referring pain physician ( not my GP, she was adamant they do not send results to GP's - not sure if this is because it was a private hospital or if that is always the case - I would check with your own GP and see who gets the results in your case) In the case of htis hospital they said a week, but I know it can take 2 or 3 weeks sometimes.
I was soo happy to get outside into t he fresh air - but also really happy I had kept my self together and not, as I had worried I might - kept pressing the button until I was forcibly escorted out of there
In summary - as many of you have kindly advised - the experience was no where as bad as I thought, I did have a panic attack but it went and I could go on, the results are blurred so probably of no use, but I am glad I did it - it helps build confidence if nothing else.
I have now also had a bit of a bonus - I slept for nearly 4 hours after getting home thanks to the diazepam, and for the first time in months I actually feel like I have been asleep, which is a blessing, it really is.
Thank-you so much for your support, it helped give me the confidence to go, and also helped me when I was there - knowing I could press the button any time I wanted to, knowing many of you also have claustrophobia and made it yourselves so I knew there was at least the possibility I too could get through it.
Even in a group practice you should still have a nominated doctor. Mdaisy can help you better than me or it might be in the FAQ to the right, or categories. You have the right to change for any or no reason though it is a little daunting. I wonder if it would be easy to get your "regular" favourite. Try asking for him/her by name to start with. That business with the pain relief is unacceptable.
Glad the scan went ok. Your gp will get information but the report goes initially to the person who referred you, so in this case the consultant, that's regardless of private vs NHS.
I mucked up a CAT scan by falling asleep. I said why didn't you wake me? D'oh. The staff at scanners are excellent. I've never had a complaint and I've been to several both as patient and companion. The problem is further back to primary care. I had the same thing as you. I had a Dr say "what can I do for you?" My reply was "No idea, you asked me to come in". Who has the notes in front of them? D'oh again. Try not to worry until your next appt.
My Husband is coming with me on friday, he is very confident and also more importantly , not spaced out on painkillers with a brain full of fog, so he will remember all the things we need to ask ( also have some questions about my thyroid to ask) - I do put these on a list but I get so muddled I forget to look at the list
I like the idea of asking for the doctor I have been seeing for my current problems to be my main doctor, I did not know I could do that - thank-you for the advice.
Mmmm. I have a reputation for an acid tongue (I wonder if that's a symptom of fibro). At least the reply was accurate truthful and honest! Asking for a particular Dr has worked for me but not every time. I've found it helps to have someone with me at times. I always forget the important question until its too late
I've had an MRI scan and yes I'm Claustrophobic , but really it's not that bad you can't see at the sides , but you can see out the front and it doesn't last too long really it's nothing too be alarmed about
Hi, I took 2 diazepam before mine and I actually fell asleep, I had to shut my eyes as couldn’t look at the cage over my face, they also padded me in around the head as my head was moving. I was lying there for almost 2 hours so I was very thankful that I slept. The diazepam helped lots with that.
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how long for mri results?
Any advice please?
MRI Scan was pure hell. 
Any advice or recommendations please 
