Abdominal MRI

[gwillistexas]

good morning. I’m curious for those who have had an MRI, did you have to take something for anxiety? My hep has suggested Valium but I prefer not to be loop legged.

[Dotyy]

Hi , as regards a mild anxiety issue I think possibly ask your Gp for a beta blocker! Relaxes psychologically as well as physically but has no psycho active effects. Obviously run past your medic or take a portion of a Valium tablet. All the best Dotty.

[gwillistexas in reply to Dotyy]

Thsnk you!

[Candy12]

Take it from someone who won’t get in a lift or aeroplane due to anxiety of being closed in. The thought of MRI is anxiety provoking. I was petrified for the three weeks waiting, but by the day I was raring to go,. I got so many lovely tips and advice from a health unlocked forum, it took the anxiety away.

My advice is try and go as prepared as you can. I was given vallium to take with me for use if I needed it. (I never needed it)

Wear an eye mask, and practise with it before the appointment if you’ve not used to wearing one , then recite to yourself a favourite saying, poem, or song anything to keep your mind occupied. If the scanner has the facility to listen to music take it up.

You will be given earphones to listen to instruction so you’re not ever totally left alone and you can ask them to stop if you really need to. (UK experience)

Also what helped me was knowing what to expect so ask lots of questions the radiographer will talk you through it, if you have concerns.

I found the noise of the machine quite loud, but you’ll soon realise when they’re taking pictures and when the machine is idle.( I even got to shift position a bit when it was idle)

I knew in advance that you’ll be asked to hold your breath at certain points knowing that helped too as each time I did I knew it was getting closer to the end of the scan.

The other tip I received that was useful was to wear or take some socks to wear. The room can be quite cool after you’ve laid still for a while. The fist time I had one done my feet were so cold. So good luck and come back on and let us know how it went. Rather a long post but I remember just how petrified I was. So I hope some of this helps.

[gwillistexas in reply to Candy12]

thank you so much for the encouragement and tips. They said it will take 45 minutes, with and without contrast. I’m debating whether to just hit it head on with no drug. I’ll definitely let you know. 😊

[HealthyChik in reply to gwillistexas]

Hi,

I've had with and without contrast and was told 45 minutes as well but it did not take near that long. Maybe 25 or 30 at most. I didnt take anything before the test but I don't usually get anxious other than just normal feelings of uncertainty. In and out. No problems. Good luck to you😊💕

[gwillistexas in reply to HealthyChik]

Thank you. My hep actually changed course. I live in Tyler,TX and our facilities do not have the MRE and he decided he prefers MRI/MRE so I’m going to Dallas next Friday for that. I’m not really nervous anymore, just ready to be done. Have a great day!🌞😊

[IAmTheGlue]

I have the abdominal MRI/MRCP every six months and I have never been offered anything. I’m not claustrophobic though. I hope you will do okay with it.

[gwillistexas in reply to IAmTheGlue]

thank you. I had one about 30 years ago and they gave me Valium. We shall see😊

[VeeWat in reply to IAmTheGlue]

with contrast?

[gwillistexas in reply to VeeWat]

orders say with and without. Why not do with it and be done.

[Belgravia]

Hi, just don’t think so much about it! And do the following:-

Wear fluffy (warm) socks, ask for headphones (if none already provided), close your eyes when lying down, invent a mantra to the knocking sound & hold the bell (in case you need assistance). Then, it will be over before you know it!!!

Best of luck.

[gwillistexas in reply to Belgravia]

thank you. I appreciate that. 😊

[butterflyEi]

Whatever you decide gwillistexas I hope you get good results. I know for some being in an enclosed space can be daunting and you have had some really good answers above. For me I did not need anything, I just closed my eyes and listened in to the noises of the machine. best wishes

[gwillistexas in reply to butterflyEi]

Thank you 😊

[cvc20]

I had an MRI and wasn't sure what to expect. I think if I'd prepared myself a bit better I would have been ok. Be prepared for it to be very loud. They do blow cold air at you which I found helped as when I get anxious I get really hot. I tried to remind myself that it was only for a short time, and found the deep breathing actually calmed me. As others have said, they give you an alarm if you want to stop, but I felt I wanted to get it over with as quick as possible so didn't use it. I hope it goes okay.

[gwillistexas in reply to cvc20]

thank you. I too get anxious in certain situations. I suppose I’ve never mastered staying calm. I’m sure I’ll be fine. 😊

[Walker222]

ask for the

wider mri

have a friend hold your foot

and there’s these glasses they give you that make you think you are not inside

Do Those 3 things and your happy

[gwillistexas in reply to Walker222]

I’ll pass on the feet…I’m too ticklish, lol! I’m not sure they have a wider mri but I can ask. I asked my heps nurse why I could have an open mri. Hep said he doesn’t like them because they don’t give as clear a picture.

[gwillistexas in reply to gwillistexas]

meant why I “couldn’t “

[Walker222 in reply to gwillistexas]

NOT an open mri

Just the wider mri

[gwillistexas in reply to Walker222]

I’ll ask. But now my hep added an MRE to be done at the same time so I’m not sure.

Thsnks!

[Stub007]

My wife and I have both had MRIs without sedation—-no problem. The process is noisy and you are nicely “tucked in” so that you don’t move around. If you’re extremely claustrophobic, you might consider a sedative, but we found it uneventful. You’ll be fine!

[gwillistexas in reply to Stub007]

I know I’ll be fine and I’m sure I’ll take a little something. Who knows, I may decide to hit it head on and just get it over with. 🤗

[Stub007 in reply to gwillistexas]

Do it!!!

[Ktltel]

Hi, sorry this is late. My doctor prescribed Xanax. Worked for me. Mild relaxant.

Stella❤️

[gwillistexas in reply to Ktltel]

Hey Stella! Mine wanted to give Valium but I already have Xanax so he agreed to take it instead. Mine are only .25 mg and he said take four. Probably not, lol! I might take 2. You doing ok?

[Ktltel]

Hi ya!I'm ok. I lifted one end of a couch while cleaning the house and gave myself a small hernia where I previously had one. Ugh!! So, I have Inflammation and some pain. The surgeons don't think the pelvic pain is from this hernia. (The hernia is on my hysterectomy scar) So now I'm having tests and a CT, my Alk-phos is 228. Its never been that high. My CRP (another Inflammation marker), is 10. I have to get some weight off my belly before they can do surgery. I see a urologist as soon as my GP gets a referral in. Lol...never a dull moment. My Bilirubin and Albumin are good. 👍🏻

So, I'm on a 1250 calorie diet and doing great on it. I'm taking anti-inflammatory meds to keep the discomfort down until we understand where that's coming from. My CT looked good. No masses or anything scary. Right now it's a mystery. I'll keep you posted. I should be getting in to see the Urologist by next month hopefully. Everyone (doctors) are so booked up. 🙄

Takecare,

Stella❤️

[gwillistexas]

you’ve got a lot going on girl! Hang in there and stay strong!😊🙏🏻

[Kakey]

I've had MRIs without anything, and being claustrophobic they were terrible. So last time I had diazepam, and that helped so much. The suggestion of an eye mask is interesting.

Good luck x

[gwillistexas in reply to Kakey]

I’m sure I’ll take my Xanax. My boss had an mri a week ago. He didn’t help matters, lol!

[Pamela4475]

I had to be sedated by a nurse but I have clostaphobia and it was my head and neck. If they only go up to your abdominal area it shouldn’t be too bad unless you can’t stand small spaces… the noise is kinda bad and you have to lay very very still or the part you move in will have to be redone… my back also hurts laying flat for so long. If none of those things bother you … you’ll be ok but if it’s a pill and you won’t have to drive yourself I’d probably take it 😘

[gwillistexas in reply to Pamela4475]

Hi Pam. I’m sure I’ll take my Xanax just to be on the safe side. I’m ready to get it done and over. I’ve stressed too much but I’ll be fine 🥰

[gwillistexas in reply to Pamela4475]

I was scheduled for this Friday but Dallas called and said my scheduler scheduled the wrong magnet so I go next Wednesday.

[Pamela4475]

don’t drive yourself sweetie… can your son drive you… if I was closer I would do it in a heartbeat

[gwillistexas]

and that would be a blessing is you were closer. My aunt is driving me. She drives to Dallas often to see hers kids and grandkids. Denton, N Richland Hills and Frisco so it doesn’t bother her.