Mri ...A no for this

[Crazyjo]

Couldn't do mri I had panic attack when they tried to put me in..It not gonna happen no no no!

[Angela123]

Oh so sorry this happened. Don't beat yourself up about it - you're not the first person this happened to, it's a common reaction although it's never happened to me personally. Try to relax for the rest of the day and speak to your doctor about what happens next. Angela.

[nomoreheels]

Oh no Jo. Well, you're not the first & you certainly won't be the last unless they find a less enclosed way of performing the same job. Where do you go from here then did they say, they can't leave it at that unconfirmed surely? x

[Crazyjo in reply to nomoreheels]

Not sure till see specialist x

[Hidden]

I don't like them I tell them I get offered a cat scan much better

[NeonkittyUK]

So sorry Jo .. hopefully another attempt will prove successful. xx

[earthwitch]

Yes, that does happen - probably more regularly than a lot of people realise, so you aren't alone. However if an MRI is needed there are ways to try and make it possible. You could ask about a mild sedative before you go in (something like diazepam), though thats not going to deal with major panic. You could also do some research and try to find out whether there is an "open MRI" machine anywhere in your area that you could be referred to instead of the closed one. Another option is to see some kind of psychotherapist and see if you can get taught some strategies to calm yourself down. Worst case it to have it done under complete sedation, though thats usually only done for children (who otherwise wouldn't stay still) as it requires an anaesthetist present.

CAT scans are sometimes an alternative, but remember that every CAT scan contains about the same amount of radiation as 200 xrays, and xray radiation is cumulative, so its not a good idea to have CAT scans unless absolutely essential, especially if there is a non-radiation alternative like MRI.

[Hidden]

Jo, so sorry you had problems with MRI - don't worry, you are not alone, there must be many who are in same position. Hope another solution can be found for you soon,,take care Lynda x

[allanah]

Hiya, yes iminbearably claustrophobic and had the open scan however it wasn't detailed enough for spinal surgery and rather unusually I needed anaesthetic to have mine done. So I know how you feel and now always ask for alternatives, the last one a blood test did instead would u believe!! Hope they sort you put soon xx

[Crazyjo in reply to allanah]

Just couldn't stay in there once was in. Was in a state all day after x

[angel-delight]

Hi Cralezyjo, I had the same problem as I am claustrophobic, the first 2 MRI went OK I kept my eyes closed and thought about my favourite place to visit. The last MRI was a much smaller machine, plus the operator switched cold air on above my nose and mouth which made things worse. That had never happened before, I had to get out fast. They tried putting me in feet first, but after what happened it was unbearable they only managed to do 3 of the 5 parts requested of my spine. I do know different hospitals have different size MRI machines, again it all comes down to cost. Please don't feel bad, it does happen to a lot of people. S

[beckybooboo]

Poor you, its awful I hate them, some hospitals use sedation have you asked about that? Good luck to you I agree and would not have it done unless sedated, no way. Hope you get sorted asap xx