MRI scan help

[Ironmanhan]

hi

I’m a fellow RLS sufferer and going through the process of changing neurologists thanks to Jules on here however I have an issue I have to have an urgent MRI scan it’s 90 mins long and in the early eve .. I’m currently on Gabapentin for my RL and the doctor has prescribed just one 2mg diazepam tablet to try and calm me but I’m so stressed. I hate MRI’s as it is but previously not been as long or earlier in the day ( which they can’t do and I need to have it asap!) does anyone have any hints or help to get through this please. Should I take my Gabapentin early as well. I don’t want to be wiped out as I’ve got to get back from London on the Train also so really any mental stuff that I can do to help me as my anxiety is high! Thank you so much

[SueJohnson]

Ask for a prescription for 1 tablet of the DA you were on. You won't augment on 1 tablet and it will keep your legs quiet while you have your MRI.

[Ironmanhan in reply to SueJohnson]

Hi Sue I have loads in my drawer pramipexerole and ropnerole . Pramipexerole was the one that worked but then I augmented on.

the ropinerole was always too low dose so never really worked.

Do you think one pramipexerole could work rather than having diazepam that I can’t even remember the last time I had ? And Gabapentin is just useless ….

[Ironmanhan in reply to SueJohnson]

sorry Sue also how long Before my scan would you recommend I take it?

[SueJohnson in reply to Ironmanhan]

I would still take the diazepam to help with your anxiety about 2 hours before your MRI.

I would take the pramipexole 3 hours before.

[Ironmanhan in reply to SueJohnson]

Thank you so much x

[Joolsg]

Definitely take a diazepam. And close your eyes. They will give you earphones but it's still incredibly loud. I take my own wax earplugs from Boots, take a diazepam about 15 minutes beforehand and do deep breathing.I used to have 2 every year (MS) but NHS cutbacks mean we now get 1 every 2 years.

I had one in Sept 2016 shortly after I stopped Ropinirole. I was still in withdrawal. They kept telling me off because my leg was jerking violently.

So, diazepam, wax earplugs,.deep breathing and close your eyes.

Tell the radiologist that you're nervous and they'll reassure you throughout.

Good luck.

[Ironmanhan in reply to Joolsg]

Thanks Jools I hate them! I had a short one at this place and she was really rude and tried to tie my legs together luckily it was early in th day and shorter but things have evolved ( I had a hamstring reattached but have gone onto have further issues reason for the more invasive long mri of back and hip)

I’ve not taken diazepam for many years so praying it works as it’s early eve it’s just such a long time. I don think I sleep at night more than 90 mins and the more stressed I get the worse I get ….. thank you for replying and seeing the new neurologist on the 17th ( more money!) x

[Joolsg in reply to Ironmanhan]

Wow. NO RESTRAINTS.They clearly don't understand RLS if they're thinking of restraining an RLS patient.

There is a wonderful new 'open' MRI machine where you are upright and not enclosed.

But we're stuck with the old claustrophobic versions.

Diazepam does help.

[Ironmanhan in reply to Joolsg]

Thanks Jools I know worrying about it just makes it worse. The ones at my local hospital are slightly bigger but these ones in London seem to be archaic old

Ones and so bloody expensive !

I agree re the new ones so many people struggle with claustrophobia… and then the battle about RLS sigh .,

[SueJohnson in reply to Ironmanhan]

My laugh for the day although I'm sure it wasn't for you at the time - tried to tie my legs together🤣🤣🤣

[Ironmanhan in reply to SueJohnson]

I know it’s so not funny it is … !

[Fishhag]

I too have difficulty in the MRI/CT scanners and I found that 1 Sinemet 10/100 (genetic carbadopa/levodopa) about an hour before was a big help. It is quick acting, starts to release active ingredients 30 minutes after taking. I have used sparingly for breakthrough symptoms.

[Kunstliebe]

I recently had an MRI following a breast cancer diagnosis. Like you, I was absolutely terrified of the prospect because of my claustrophobia. My GP prescribed two 1mg Lorazepam, one to be taken 1.6 hours before the scan, ad if still anxious then 1 tablet half an hour before the scan. I took both and they really helped me to get through the scan easily. With the noise I imagined myself being in an early 80s punk band gig. I was do relaxed in the scan that I could have easily stayed much longer. You might also be allowed to take someone with you into the room who can stroke your head. That also helps.