God sure has a sense of humor

[InvestorwithMS]

MS patient who is claustrophobic —always been an issue and now I has to face this in order to get through— I have done the open one , however my specialist is saying he wants me to do the close— I have refused. Not interested in going under to do it either— has anyone been able to get through using open mri scans? Have your doctor been able to use those? I can’t be the only one with this issue!!!

[DM0329]

God Laughs When We Make Plans, Too! 😜

My advice is to "take a chill pill" and close your eyes (or even use a blindfold or like device), put on head phones, etc. You'd be surprised how many "accommodations" can be made to make "the tube" easier!

TGIF! Go Cincy!

😀🤗🤞🙏

[InvestorwithMS in reply to DM0329]

Thanks for your input--

[falalalala]

I've always had the closed ones.

Square breathing can help ease the stress.

Begin by slowly exhaling all of your air out.

Then, gently inhale through your nose to a slow count of 4.

Hold at the top of the breath for a count of 4.

Then gently exhale through your mouth for a count of 4.

At the bottom of the breath, pause and hold for the count of 4.

[NorasMom]

The only thing I can suggest is to request tranquilizers in advance and drug yourself thoroughly. My son has this problem, and our neuro told us that the open ones just aren't that great for dealing with neurological issues, particularly MS.

Our hospital does give you headphones with your choice of music to listen to, and there's also a panic button. The room is rather large and bright, so would it help if you just closed your eyes before you entered the machine and just kept them shut the whole time?

I've never been claustrophobic, but that first one was a bit disturbing because I had no idea what to expect. Since then, I usually fall asleep in spite of the noise.

[greaterexp]

My neurologist prescribes Valium for me prior to MRIs. Even then I have to be sure to close my eyes before entering the tube, even with just the brain scans.

[mm1527mm]

I have to take a xanax prior my dr would not allow me to do open and xanax really helped me

[nexttothesalt]

The last time I had one the tech gave me some sort of mirrored contraption that allowed me to see out into the room. Usually I just shut my eyes and don't open them until I'm out. I don't have actual claustrophobia, but I definitely don't like feeling trapped.

[ahrogers]

The open MRIs don't give as good pictures as the regular MRI. I am sure that is why your doctor doesn't want you to waste your time and money on an open MRI if it can't get the information needed.Everyone has given really good suggestions on how to get through. My friends mom was claustrophobic and needed an MRI. She prepared for it by lying under her coffee table in the living room for a little while everyday. Each day she could tolerate lying there a little longer.

Good luck!

[InvestorwithMS]

Thanks again to ALL for your input and for taking the time...

[mrsmike9]

I don't suffer from this, thankfully. Have you had them put a hand towel over your eyes so you can't see where you are? I have heard the open ones don't get as good of an image.

[hairbrain4]

Ask for a tranquilizer & for the mirror contraption that lets you see into the room. My husband needs to have that he is deathly afraid of most MRIs open & closed. Or you can just make sure you keep your eyes closed the whole time with deep breathing. I usually sing, silently of course, but it helps take my mind off of being in the machine. Practice meditation too as it's good for more than just an MRI.