How to Stop an MRI Claustrophobia Panic Attack (10 Tricks for Crushing MRI Anxiety!)

[@tylerjellis]

Don't let your fears and phobias keep you down! Learn to manage these feelings for good with Anxiety Academy: dontpanicdothis.com/anxiety-academy

[@katieday2744]

I had an MRI scan on my whole spine and brain yesterday so had to also wear a cage over my face. It took an hour and a half. I've had a few MRI scans now and can say the best thing to do is not look at the machine and close your eyes as soon as you're laid down and think of your happy place. There is lots of air movement in the scanner so you can feel you are getting air, it's just enclosed so doesn't feel like it but closing eyes means you don't get that sensation. You can do it and remember, it's for the good of your health to have these things ❤

[@tylerjellis]

Glad to hear it went well for you! Thanks for sharing those awesome tips :)

[@shereecleary4685]

Good for you . your brave .. they did the Samething and I panic had to leave

[@katieday2744]

@@shereecleary4685 I wouldn't say brave as I had a few times I nearly went into a panic but just trying to help people by letting them know it's best not to even look at it and close your eyes straight away. See if you can get sedation for it. I think most hospitals offer that and good luck x

[@Santa-fu1bz]

I had an eye mask over my eyes 👀. But still, the SECOND i went into that machine I had a FULL BLOWN panic attack 😂😂😂😂.

[@katieday2744]

@Santa-fu1bz It's hard, did they offer you a sedative to help next time? Sorry you had such a bad experience. Hope the next time is better. I've had about 6 now and will have to have them regularly and I've gotten so used to them. They always ask if I want the radio, so I say yes and count the songs so I know by the time I get to about 12 songs, it's near finishing time. I think the fact you don't know how long you're in there doesn't help with the panic, so I use that as a reference. Good luck for next time

[@biswendusinha4255]

Problem is feeling suffocation.

[@ThahirGaffoor]

I went today fr lumbar spine I couldn’t do as I was siffercating

[@Dana-ml7sy]

In the last 2 years I’ve had several MRIs & today I will hopefully have another. I have claustrophobia & have rejected a small bore MRI several times on different occasions in different hospitals but managed a wide bore MRI. Whilst I don’t know which is which my body’s reaction does. It’s quite visceral, crying & then feeling stupid because I know it’s not going to hurt. I have never been offered music but a blanket helps. I self sooth, rhythmic tiny strokes with a finger or two against whatever part of my body my hand is against. I focus on the light inside but not all have them so will focus on a spot. I repeat in my head, This will pass. I think of a sunny beach, my head in in the shade, with the blue sea gently lapping close by & tell myself I’m relaxed & will rest for a little while. I play games with myself, how many words can I think of beginning with A or B etc? How many colours can I think of? What colours would go well with what in which room? I think of my cats gentle purring & warmth when relaxing beside me. Anything to distract me. Then I’m out! A MRI is a wonderful diagnostic tool that I feel grateful for. I took a fall last year & broke my left elbow & hurt my shoulder but a X-ray showed I didn’t break any shoulder bones. An X-ray showed the elbow break but it was a MRI (with shoulder coil ) that showed a rotator cuff tear which explained the pain I was experiencing. I had a head scan complete with head cage which was reassuringly negative.

[@tylerjellis]

Thanks for sharing these tips! I love the positive outlook about feeling grateful that such a powerful diagnostic tool even exists... hadn't considered that :)

[@dorej8432]

I had an MRI a couple of days ago. My last MRI was 14 years prior to the recent one. I could not handle it and had to leave. That was before I knew you could take something for anxiety. I got another appointment a few weeks later and picked up my prescription. Alone with the prescription and placing a cloth over my eyes, I was able to get through it. Fast forward to earlier this week, I had another MRI. This one was 45 minutes. I took my prescription, covered my eyes with a cloth (I bought a mask for my eyes but was not allowed to use it because the adjustable band was metal😮) and everything went smoothly. I'm not sure if the machine was the same size as my first one but appeared to be a bit larger. The noise is still just as loud. I was given earplugs. I "think" I probably could have gotten through it without medication this time, as long as my eyes were covered. I'm glad it's over and this video helped.

[@TreneeR]

You're speaking truth here. This what I do with the CT scan. I don't believe I can manage a MRI. Only God can help me. Love your comment and pray you heal fully.🙏🏾💕

[@JP-rz6nl]

@@Dana-ml7sy Did you end up having surgery of any sort?

[@sampathkumarcv9645]

​@@dorej8432😮

[@justloirt2176]

I've recently had an MRI with contrast for my head/neck. I had to have a cage over my head. Best tip is to shut your eyes, keep them closed, (Soon as you lay down. Don't even look around - I have no idea what the cage looked like :-) breathe deep in and out and tell yourself "you are safe, you'll get through this, it's painless, and this test is needed to help diagnose my health issue and I'm grateful for this MRI" Breathe, keep your eyes closed and relax. At the end of the day, it REALLY is mind-over matter. The machine is open on both ends and you can breathe. You'll be good, you'll be find and you get through it! After 45min - 1 hour, I was done. I almost fell asleep while focusing on the positives and soothing self talk.

[@valh.9120]

Thanku so much for the information. God bless you ❤

[@donnalynnk70]

Thank you!

[@Erik-jv6fu]

What breathing technique did you employ?

[@AGirlandaGermanShepherd]

Thank you. I need 2 MRIs and I know one will have that horrible head cage.

[@valh.9120]

@AGirlandaGermanShepherd You can do it. Just think positive thoughts. It's really not that bad when u take deep breaths and think positive. I didn't think I could do it either but I did. Praying to Jehovah is what helped me. God bless u 🙏 ❤️

[@jeremymac3]

Just came back from my 1st MRI on my rotor cuff. I didn’t last 45 secs. I had no idea it was going to be that bad for me. It was touching both my shoulders and the ceiling was like 3-4” from my face. Was embarrassing but tried twice and couldn’t do it. Reschedule is for this Friday after thanksgiving, I plan to sedate myself liberally before hand lol.

[@tylerjellis]

I had an MRI for a torn rotator cuff and labrum, so I know how uncomfortable that thing is. I was pretty anxious myself and fidgeting quite a bit so it took a few tries to get the images right 😢I hope take 2 went alright for you, man!

[@sarajeanmarinershera208]

Same! I was so embarrassed but I couldn't deal with it. Not only were my shoulders squeezed to my sides but my head was put in a vice type contraption. Im a bigger girl so it was extra claustrophobicey. My Dr prescribed me a antihistamine like benedryl which only dried my sinuses but did nothing for my nerves. Good luck for ur next appointment

[@bonniecapewell3090]

I so understand how you felt ! I totally freak way before I even get in the machine and as soon as I lay down and they make the thing move me in to tube I simply lose it and try to claw my way back out ! The last one I had to have my doc gave me a drug that helped very very slightly…. So next time I have to have one I am going to make sure I take one of those pills a few hours before and one right before I go in in hopes to be able to stay in that tiny little tube…..

[@Marx1963]

Same here - you ain’t the only one ! Whoa 😳

[@ChristyMurphyMotivation]

@@sarajeanmarinershera208 OMG! I had to do the one where my head was locked in, too! That one was the worst! When I had an MRI in the Philippines, there wasn't even a panic button. I had to bang on the inside of the machine for them to let me out. I couldn't go back in after that. The next time my mom had to touch my feet the whole time I was in there so I knew someone could pull me out if I needed to get out. I was in my forties at the time. Very humbling experience.

[@cletislebow1182]

I HAD AN MRI DONE ON MY SHOULDER A FEW DAYS AGO...i was stressing about it for weeks but i was determined to get thru it as i have lived with severe shoulder pain for over 40 years. it's close/tight in there, and at first i was doubting whether i could get thru it. i closed my eyes and kept them closed for the 20 minute scan, the machine was running the sound was loud, no music or movies...just mri noise. i thought about a pastime i find fun and relaxing....fishing. i just concentrated like i was on the river fishing and the next thing i knew it was all over. piece of cake. caught 3 big ones while i was in there...lol

[@HJC1950]

I have had multiple skin cancer removal surgeries on my face. I bought a cheap radio at Walmart and cheap headphones and I found that listening to music definitely helped. Those surgeries are done with you wide awake. I also used those for a prostate biopsy and it worked like a charm, so I am hoping music will help me get through my first MRI in a couple of weeks.

[@HTX_Son]

First, you have an incredibly soothing voice. I had my MRI this morning and I was extremely anxious about it. Your tips helped. In fact, I had NO anxiety at all during the procedure. I had the tech play soft instrumental music and I kept my eyes closed the entire time. I did take a Valium before but honestly I'm not even sure it kicked in and I think I would have been fine without it. The exam was over before I knew it. Hang in there people! You can get through it! Oh, I did request to go into the machine feet first. Psychologically this helped me.

[@SteveSnowman]

Thanks. I'm headed for my 3rd MRI of head cervical and thoracic W WO contrast. What a Monster session.

[@tylerjellis]

Wishing you the best with your next session, Steve. Hopefully some of these tips were helpful to you, and hopefully it's gotten easier for you after a few sessions. Good luck, you've got this!

[@PauliMcGwin]

Before my 1st one in May all they asked was if I'm claustrophobic. I'm not, in the least. NOBODY SAID ANYTHING ABOUT THE NOISE! I had a major meltdown from jackhammers in my skull! Yes, I had headphones - and couldn't hear anything over the noise. I have severe sensory issues. Nothing helped. No one mentioned anything about sedation being an option. I was supposed to have a 2nd yesterday & dr gave me Valium - GROSSLY underestimating how much I would need. I was not nearly high enough for it when I got there, & lo & behold it was the same tech as my first. She started arguing with me right off the bat, about "No moving! No talking, no crying" then she told me I had to strip & wear a gown. No way. I wear 100% organic cotton. I wore the exact same leggings & tshirt as my 1st MRI, and there was no problem. Now she's going to battle over this. I told her I was not taking my clothes off, it's not necessary. She refused to budge. So I told her I was not high enough for this shit, and if she wanted to stand her ground on that battle issue I wasn't going to waste my time & I walked out.

[@abdulbhasithvlogs9328]

I couldn't complete my mri yesterday I only last 30 minutes now after I see this video I believe I can try again and complete my mri Thank you for sharing this valuable informations ❤❤😊

[@tylerjellis]

No problem. Good luck!

[@storminicole3991]

This video calmed me I think I can do it

[@vagnusde67]

I used 2 night flight masks to cover completely my face before they slided me in the tube and I listened the noises of the machine on you tube before the MRI. It worked like a charm. 15 minutes went by very quickly.

[@annbarrante]

Just listening to this makes my heart race. I have to go in soon and I’m trying to hard to work past this!!!!!

[@ChristyMurphyMotivation]

I just had one yesterday, and I've had about six in my lifetime. These are the things that have helped me get through it. First major tip: DON'T OPEN YOUR EYES. It's easier to feel like you have more room if you don't actually look at how close it is. Second tip: Going into the tube was the worst part for me. Once I adjusted, and I was in, I was able to do it. They put me in twice (one without contrast dye and one with). The second time was easier. Third tip: The two times that it was the hardest having someone touch my hand or feet while I was in the tube or talk to me helped me know that I wouldn't be trapped in there alone. Fourth tip: Counting. It gives me something to do. I got two 2,000 yesterday. lol Naturally, YMMV.

[@Danburdick-lm5xt]

its a bitch!!!! you need complete mind control to get thru it!

[@JP-rz6nl]

@@annbarrante Don’t do it I’m begging you

[@mifinedrefined7446]

I did my first today, it was the rotator cuff and upper arm. I was quite anxious before. I did contact them a few days before saying i wanted to be sedated. Got a pill 30 min before the MRI. So i would recoommend, sedation, extra earplugs that you actually stick IN your ear (plus the one they give you) and close your eyes the whole time while in there. It went really good for me, almost fell asleep at one point. :)

[@kds1332]

thank you had my first MRI today and this helped me not to freak out I had to lay on my stomach for 30 minutes and if I hadn't mentally prepared I wouldn't have made it.

[@tylerjellis]

Awesome, you're so welcome. I'm glad it helped!

[@sandrajennings5453]

I have to take one Monday 🙏🏽for me

[@sandrajennings5453]

The bar on my chest hurts so bad

[@rojo3779]

I watched this and 20 other MRI videos before my MRI today and wanted to share what I learned. First of all, I am no part time claustrophobic bag of nerves..I cannot get in an elevator, I immediately go into sheer terror in a tunnel so yes, I was terrified. But, I did it! This and other videos helped a lot. Some comments not so much! Here's what I can share that will help. The noise is awful. Awful!! So be ready for that. You must think of something for the 3 minutes of banging following by 3 minutes of clanging etc etc. I tried to remember lyrics of a song in my head. Talk to yourself! No one can hear you. What I didn't expect was my head to be out of the machine at the top so I could actually tilt my head back and see outside the machine. I could also move my arms. They played music but I couldn't hear it (as people have said in comments). I was given a lavender patch. This helped a lot! So maybe bring add lavender or other relaxing oil to your wrist before? I could move my arms enough to be able to touch my face and hair. Definitely that freedom helped and was distracting as I tried to plait my hair with one hand (other hand on emergency ball). The main key for me was to chat to the nurse a lot before so you have trust there and to be prepared with thought distractions. Keep telling yourself that this is all to help you get better. This is not anti you, this is FOR you. Hope that makes sense! My MRI was for lumbar exam. I am 5ft 2 and weigh 140. Hope this helps.

[@julienarine8732]

She told me not to move so that made it worse , not being able to MOVE while that loud noise was going off , tried ,MY best to thinking good thoughts but I was scared ALOT

[@HJC1950]

I used to have anxiety and related symptoms whenever a needle was involved. I finally figured out that I should concentrate on what I was actually feeling, a pinprick, that was all. That helped a lot. Now I face an MRI in a couple of weeks. I don't have problems with panic attacks and anxiety in everyday life. At work, one time I was in a narrow concrete box culvert under a road that had partially collapsed. I was not comfortable and wanted out as soon as possible. I honestly don't know if I will have a problem with an MRI. The place I am going has "big bore" MRI machines so I am hoping that helps. Anyway, thanks for the encouragement and advice.

[@tylerjellis]

Thanks for the tips, wishing you luck with your MRI!

[@normastevens8166]

Thanks for the advice you’ve given in the video I’m going for my first MRI on Thursday and I feel overwhelmed at just the thought of it , really hope I can get through it without freaking out on the day 🙏🏻🤞🏻

[@EmilyThompson-w9q]

Love the idea of bringing a problem to work on!

[@alpertamer9213]

What helped me a lot was to just say "no" to myself everytime the anxiety comes up. To order yourself that there is no need for any anxiety and you want to go through this because you want to heal and you want to know what is going on. It helped me also a lot to only look to my feet (outside the MRI) so i got the feeling there is always a escape and of course there is always a way out, dont forget that. If you have a examination of your shoulder for example there is no problem to move your feet a little to get rid of this inner tension, I did that and that was no problem at all. And it is 100% true, that if you can last long enough your anxiety gets smaller and it just gets starts to be boring and loud. But then you can focus on breathing, maybe imagine how the machine scans your body and thats it. Good luck all :)

[@michaelsteele4227]

Put me sleep before going in that room

[@tylerjellis]

Funny you say that. MRIs machines make me a bit stressed out and uncomfortable, but the idea of anesthesia actually gives me a lot more anxiety! To each their own, I suppose.

[@Danburdick-lm5xt]

definitley!!!!!!!

[@OnePillKillz]

Why​@@tylerjellis

[@donnagibson9613]

Yes !!! Perfect

[@eileenr8170]

In order to leave you some positive thoughts on mri: I was diagnosed with ms age 16 and from then on I went to the mri scan head on a regular basis, right now every 3 month. At that time I always was cool with that; I just wanted them to get me in and let me close my eyes.. no talking/caring etc please. 2 years ago having my first thoracic mri I panicked and from then on I was having severe problems. Still need to go every three month (!) for the head plus additional examinations. 2 weeks ago I got my first lumbal mri, and people , to cheer you up: I was so scared of THAT ONE, but hey, compared to the others you can look outside. E.g stare at a light at the ceiling :), that can be so helpful. Two days ago I had a head mri scan again. And well,… I was disappointed of my body still reacting but I ve made it. Go in there, close your eyes, don’t look,.. and remind yourself that most of your body is outside (!). In 2 hours I m going to have another thoracic mri. Like with my appointment two days ago I will ask: - how long will it take? - tell me when 5 minutes have passed, and another 5 minutes and so on,… this helped Plus at some point you can tell yourself : Heyy I did half of it, soo I can move on. Oh and ps :)))) Over the past two years I left the mri scan on my own. First time I just panicked, didn’t think, was outside of it - was reaaally disappointed of me the next moment - and then put myself in on my own 😂😂. Just imagine. Because I was so ashamed. They did not stop it. The next time I panicked, did the same (whoho, outside ?) they had to calm me down first and then back in. Just relieving to know, that in case of fight or flight you can flight.

[@Neetphysicsbymatharusir]

You r brave

[@darrylhall9503]

Thank you for such great advice. I have an MRI in two days. The doctor tried to give me one a few weeks ago, but I freaked out. It was too much for me at that time. Now, I will definitely use some of your suggestions. I thought, also, maybe I will use a few methods throughout the duration of the MRI. Again, thank you. This was so helpful.

[@thecrone7964]

OMG - thank you for trying to help people but - not everybody can just use any number of coping skills to get past an experience like this. I had my first MRI when I was in my late 20's - it lasted approximately 2 minutes before I started screaming and trying to claw my way out. There was zero coherent thought. I'm 70 now and Since then I have had a few more - can't remember the exact number (6 to 8) because it is locked away in the back of my brain where it can't hurt me anymore. I have never had a successful one without strong sedation - even when it is just my lower body. I'm 70 now and I have a head scan next week and all they are giving me is 1 mg of Ativan - a drop of rain in the ocean. I must get this scan due to problems with my eyes. I have claustrophobia and EDS which keeps me in constant pain and trying to not move is impossible due to pressure points. I have repeatedly told them I need to be sedated. Pardon my bluntness but it is going to be a s&#! show and I hate being a "difficult" patient. Music and happy fuzzy thoughts are useless to people like me. I need moving air on my face and because of the pain I am always in , staying still is impossible. I have worked with mental health professionals and learned a lot of skills but the MRI is like being buried alive for me. I wish it was even a little bit possible for anything you said to work with me.

[@beadas1108]

I know what you mean re buried alive ! I am 67 and I had the same experience and I freaked out.. I was no more than 1 min and I had to get out. I had to press 6 the button times before they responded. I was shaking when I came out

[@gdixon1212]

I’m getting my first mri w contracts tomorrow and I am very claustrophobic. I’m going to take lorazepam to sedate me. Hope this helps a lot. Thanks for sharing.

[@tarlcabot5108]

Like you I am 70. I failed an MRI attempt 10 days ago. I told them it was too small, to tight, etc. I'm 6'3 and 250 lbs. I told the doctor I need an open machine or wide bore machine and to be sedated. He prescribed 1 vallum and rescheduled in the same facility and machine. I can't even sleep with the sheets tucked in pinning me down, let alone my arms pinned at my sides, and a plate of some kind strapped across my body. The headphones made it a thousand time worse and I lost it. I've watched a handful of videos and read everything I can find and not one thing makes me feel any better about this.

[@BruDiggity]

This was incredibly calming and reassuring. Especially after not getting through my last MRI (torn shoulder) because I could not stay still. Was actually sweating. Can you come with me Bro? lol Seriously, great stuff. Will use tomorrow. Get 'er done!!!

[@tylerjellis]

Haha been there man! I'm glad the video helped, I hope you did well with your MRI this time!

[@supernovahm1178]

For me due to the reason I have MRI's in the first place - closing my eyes causes me to become extremely dizzy. I used to go to a facility which offered an option to watch Netflix through a strange mirrored head antenna. However the airflow over your eyes makes you constantly have to blink, it's not that nice. More recently I've been noticing colour changes in my vision during the scans and I actually prefer to have the mirror reversed to look at the staff behind the glass. Usually in the glass I can see myself lying in the bore on the track and it's comforting being able to see beyond the thing which gives me anxiety in the first place.

[@ninalopez5175]

I don’t understand why they don’t design an MRI better for most people… The loud sound and closeness is really unnecessary…. I just don’t like it and it’s annoying that we have to be stuck in a tube like machine with loud freaking sounds

[@dougamaral3874]

They have the open stand up MRI machines now.

[@areguapiri]

Agreed. They are poorly designed.

[@CurseTheDarkness]

There are metal coils in the MRI that only work if they are close to your body. Open MRIs have poorer resolution.

[@kel14bt]

I'm the most claustrophobic person & have tried 2 head MRI's recently with no luck. The scanner I think I could cope with, as it's open at the bottom. It's the head cage I can't cope with! I can't have people locking my head in a box! I screamed to get me out & just collapsed on the floor, I'll never do it if they keep wanting to lock my head in a box, it's impossible.

[@lindylou9792]

I am the same way, I'm very phobic! I don't use elevators alone as I have been stuck in many of them. Also, no bridges, no tunnels, and no highways as these simply are all things that make me feel trapped. So when it comes to MRIs I refuse to go in them for a while there I was able to do them with no problem. I'm not sure what has gotten to me that I cannot get into a MRI now, I don't even know how I did it before? I was supposed to have a MRI of my brain and I am terrified of having the face piece put over that locks your head into place. I understand they don't want you to move because it blurs the picture but still! Whoever made an MRI machine needs to go back to the drawing board and try to create something that helps people who are like us that cannot do an MRI but may need one. I don't want to do a CT scan because of the radiation. There's got to be a way to make an MRI machine much smaller so you can put your head and will not cause so much anxiety to people.

[@kel14bt]

@@lindylou9792 I'm exactly the same! Can't use lifts, can't use public toilets unless there's someone with me to get me out if I get stuck! I even sleep walk in hot weather, where I'm dreaming I'm locked in a room. No idea whrre this comes. So MRI's are impossible. My GP said to try, I went, but I knew it would be a miracle. They want my GP to get funding for an open scanner, being larger, but if they're going to keep locking my head in a box then there's no point, I can't do that. They told me the head cage helps the lasers pinpoint the areas on the head, but they don't need it if they're doing other parts, so don't use it on my head! Yes, I agree, something should be made available so that we can all have one, otherwise people like us are just left.

[@shantisingh4944]

My dear, please don't be scared, try to practice yoga in your life to calm your mind, I can understand how you feel with a regular visitor there. Also deep breathing also helps to calm down, ask the technical to put your favourite music, and also at some point they showed me a nice cartoon film and I got absorbed in it. As they had a reflective screen and also one time they had a picture of a blue sky with some.clouds on the top and that helped aslo

[@kel14bt]

@@shantisingh4944 Nothing would help me, once they put the head cage on I feel like head is locked in and I scream to get out. I want them to let me do it without the cage on my head, but they won't, so I can't do it. I can never try it again.

[@oldindependent3040]

@@kel14bt my secret trick, one that should be common practice, is to have someone you trust go with you, and be holding on to your feet or legs the entire time, and talking to you. Made a huge difference for me.

[@raptordave]

Maybe just make the machine bigger? The damn thing is smaller than a coffin. I shouldn't have to get claustrophobia and a shoulder injury to fix my back injury. Doctors a humans right? Then why is it that most medical things are designed to be horrible for humans to go through?

[@tylerjellis]

Haha you bring up a very good point. I was curious so I looked this up... turns out, there ARE bigger MRI machines available (mostly used for larger people); but, as a result, they have to use a much stronger magnetic field. My guess is that too large a machine won't be able to produce the same test results.

[@BIG_DRU]

The bigger the machine the bigger the costs......it's a toss up that your health insurance will approve it.....

[@tylerjellis]

@@BIG_DRU Really good point!

[@HJC1950]

Where I am going for an MRI (my first) has "big bore" MRI machines that have larger openings, which I hope will help. I don't know if I will have a problem or not.

[@patriciogranados685]

I don’t understand why doctors put you threw a MRI knowing that we have claustrophobic it’s hard I did 2 already and I still can’t get over with I have nightmares at middle of the night it gust messes with my mind and last week they told me I needed to do another MRI 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@egypt196942]

Tried many times even with Valium can't do it

[@Razainthewoods]

I had an MRI and it took 3 hours due to my panic. One Valium didn’t do anything. I felt I was being buried alive and for years after every time I would close my eyes to fall asleep I would have a panic attack and sit bolt upright in bed feeling I was being buried alive. I can’t do them

[@Danburdick-lm5xt]

just had one today it took massive mind control to get thru it.............almost like being in an elevator thats stuck with no escape however the walls werent closing in

[@sabirahmikell5858]

I really appreciate everyone's comments. I've already had two MRIs but never fully pulled into the machine. Now I have to have a brain MRI, and im having panic attacks. My daughter suggested i watch a video, and here I am. I had no idea my head would be covered. My face would be inches from the machine. And I still haven't found out how long i will be in this small machine. Help!

[@kacic.4410]

The brain MRI is not bad you don't have to go all the way in the machine. I'm struggling with going all the way in my appt is tomorrow and I'm not ready.

[@GuadalupeDeLaSierra]

@@kacic.4410how was it?

[@kacic.4410]

@@GuadalupeDeLaSierra it was horrible! The first time i had to reschedule because i couldnt do it so i came back the next day after i took my meds and completed the MRI full body

[@GuadalupeDeLaSierra]

@@kacic.4410 thanks for your reply, I was watching another video, and in that video, it stated that kind fear stems back to an experience of traumatic event. Were you ever able to trace back where it all started?

[@kacic.4410]

@@GuadalupeDeLaSierra no never thought about it that way.

[@bradbassett1240]

Just try it when you are twice the size of a regular human. I need a big bore MRI with IV sedation and for some reason its nonexistent!...I cannot believe this is all we have.

[@jackjohnson7396]

Had 45 minutes not too bad. Next time I will take the med the doctor offered to me.

[@stevej6892]

Well done. May I ask what medication you were prescribed and by whom (e.g. GP or Hospital consultant)? Thank you.

[@joshrock6854]

i have bad claustrophobia…a little benzo and eye mask did the trick!

[@storminicole3991]

I’m going to call them and see ahead of time if they will have music available and an eye covering. I’m going in a wide bore one cuz I’m bigger but I’m still scared it won’t be big enough. They say it holds someone 550 lbs and that 250lbs more than myself so I’d imagine I should survive but I think covering my eyes and music will be helpful and getting Valium or something from my dr. Wish me luck it’s September 15th I have to do this!!

[@jonathangarcia9617]

Awesome.❤🎉. 6:52 .

[@OnePillKillz]

I have ine next week, im being put out. Is that bad ? I have to get this done

[@tylerjellis]

I'm definitely not an expert on anesthesia and have never undergone it myself, so I'm not the person to ask, honestly. I totally understand feeling nervous about it, as I would as well (just because it's something I haven't done before). You should really consider having a talk with your doctor and expressing any concerns you might be having - I assume anesthesia is a necessity in this case for whatever reason, but talking to them about it could help resolves any doubts.

[@eparrish2908]

I just wish the MRI techs and doctors would respect that there are just some patients who are not having anxiety and actually ARE SUFFOCATING inside that ridiculously tiny tube. No problems having MRIs until after a drunk driver. Fractured neck, thoracic spine, lumbar, partial paralysis, and still obese from the steroids they pumped me full of to save my damaged organs and brain. I sleep with a tennis ball sewn into my shirt so I don't roll to my back because I stop breathing (not my tongue flopping back, actual cervical and thoracic compression on the nerves) and my entire body goes numb from the chest down. The tube compresses so hard on my arms which in turn press on my ribs and on my spine, breathing becomes impossible and I pass out. Thank God a nurse happened to see me turning blue and got me out! I came to with a horrific headache and floaters in my eyes. They have never brought up an MRI to me again even though I need one. My doc and new techs still refuse to listen and say it's all mental. 😮‍💨

[@some.kind.of.something87]

i go today to see if i have cancer the ultrasound found something and my doctor and radiologist oncologist said mri with and without contrast.

[@tylerjellis]

Oh no! Hoping everything goes well and tests come back negative! ❤🤞

[@stevej6892]

Me too. It will identify if you have a Tumour but NOT if it is cancerous nor if cancerous to what degree or spread. For that you'll have a biopsy and maybe other tests, so try worry too much at this stage it may be benign or sufficiently low grade that observation is preferable to treatment at this stage. Some cancers you die "with" not "from" if that makes sense.

[@shantisingh4944]

Dont know why cant they have open or large rim mri when nealry everyone who goes there is scared why why why.....

[@cristinaabdala8289]

And they do it for animals so why not the same for humans instead of little tube!

[@stevej6892]

Because the resolution of "open" MRI machines is not as good.

[@bajaborracho9139]

I have had dozens of MRIs but suddenly i can't do it. Yesterday I lasted about two minutes before i felt severe panic. It is overwhelming. The tech said its not uncommon for people who used to be ok with it suddenly cannot do it.

[@johnp3390]

I tried once, no way .. Tried a second time with sedative - Ativan, nope, still couldn't do it. It is my neck so the plastic mask didn't help either. An open machine or anesthesia is next..

[@gihaji]

10 years ago I hurt my back I had to get an MRI I had an anxiety attack 10 seconds in that tube I couldn't take it something that would take fifteen minutes to look at my spinal chord took 2 hours mi 10 years later I got to go have a heart scan on the MRI which will take 90 minutes I'm paranoid as hell to go in this big to I think it comes from being a kid always watching Dracula movies with the coffins everytime I think about going in that big MRI close then area I get paranoid but this is something I have to have done at 67 they need to complete image of my heart.. I hope I can do it but I doubt it I have to have a did in 3 weeks and I'm already terrified.. I guess that's what I get for loving horror movies

[@tylerjellis]

I get it, MRIs can be intimidating for a lot of people. In addition to the tips in the video, it really might be a good idea to call the office ahead of time and let them know how you're feeling. This is definitely a common phobia, so they for sure have ways to help you feel more relaxed and comfortable while you're in there. Good luck!

[@Dana-ml7sy]

Edgar Allen Poe has a lot to answer for!

[@EuSeiT]

Just ask your doctor to request mild sedation. It works like a charm. (And take some Melatonin while in the bathroom prior to the MRI.) I also ask for music--classic is my preference.

[@King_Maxx7]

I’ve been dealing with anxiety for the past couple years already does anyone have any good tips

[@JP-rz6nl]

@@King_Maxx7 Please please please, for the love of God do not go into that MRI machine

[@magdabasinski7290]

You guys can do the open MRI for people like me. I’m going next week for open MRI . Wish me luck

[@tylerjellis]

Good luck!!

[@catherinem4014]

I am so nervous of falling off the bed and last time they covered my eyes and i panicked

[@nolanme]

I had one recently and because I’m not a small woman my arms and shoulders were very close to touching the walls of the tube so they had to stuff me in with pads protecting my arms so it was even more squished in than usual. I just talked to Jesus the whole time and I asked the MRI tech to talk to me as much as possible and she did. It helped a lot. She would say things like, “ok the next image will take 2 minutes, you’re doing great.” I did hate it but I got through it just fine.

[@King_Maxx7]

I have I had an MRI today only lasted 10 minutes. I had to get out. I really have bad anxiety and I was trying to fight it, but I couldn’t.

[@tylerjellis]

Damn, sorry to hear that. We've all got days like that though. Don't beat yourself up about it. Maybe try some of these tricks and give it another shot soon. I promise it's nothing the MRI techs aren't used to seeing.

[@Crystalslade87]

I’ve got mine in 3 days im dreading it

[@Rue100]

I have AN UPCOMING MRI ON MY SHOULDER IM TERRIFIED 😢

[@Evolutiontweaked]

How did it go ???

[@Rue100]

@@Evolutiontweaked IT ACTUALLY WENT WELL ..WAY BETTER THAN I ANTICIPATED..MY PCP PRESCRIBED LORAZEPAM FOR MY ANXIETY IT WORKED

[@thatgirlray2765]

I was never scared of mris even as a kid, as a kid I just thought of it like I was being abducted by aliens and I was in a test tube being tested on

[@tylerjellis]

Scariest way to relax award -> 🏆

[@LOVETH-O]

I need to do a lumbar spine mri

[@donnagibson9613]

Just listening to.this is making me feel ill lol 😢😢

[@Evolutiontweaked]

If those nurses that call you with appointment time didn’t ask you if you’re claustrophobic then you wouldn’t worry about it being claustrophobic. Nurses don’t ask!!!

[@jackjohnson7396]

The doctor who sent me there did in my case, asked if I needed meds too.

[@TappingWithLaura]

I wasn’t told what to expect and didn’t have a panic attack in the past so it was a complete shock when my body/mind went into full on panic mode. Getting informed and having options for staying calm ahead of time is vital for everyone because it’s hard to remove that fear reaction and fearful event going forward. 11:53

[@Storities328]

Man I'm scared tomorrow is my MRI the thing is in feeling dizziness in the mri machine any advice please i went yesterday but the doctor letted me go because I was panicking because I was having dizziness

[@Storities328]

I hope you reply please help me give me a solution

[@SirenASMR_]

Keep your eyes closed the entire time and imagine something that soothes you. I imagined cats 🐈‍⬛ and me being a big cat going into a safe cave for 30 mins. Unfortunately they didn’t give me any music only ear plugs and then these large headset with no music . I just focused on breathing slowly and relaxing and being safe with cats in a cave

[@oldschoolcars3318]

Thank you for the effort but, trying to offer someone a strategy that begins with a #1 of " lets review your impending torture step by step," was reason enough to bail.

[@tylerjellis]

Different things for different people. I personally think preparation is key. 🙂

[@elisegm7456]

They said I was too fat for the MRI. They told me to come back when they had made another scanner. 😢

[@livinglifeacademy777]

Open mri?

[@FMSFighterTab]

I'm afraid to even call them back to schedule it. I know that I need this MRI to figure out why my shoulder is in pain, and limited movement. I've been in misery for a month! I am so claustrophobic, and have a terrible fear of being trapped. I need to do this! Thank you for these tips... I think they are going to be very helpful! My doctor prescribed something to help me too... I got this! (I'm scared) 🙏😳

[@shereecleary4685]

I don’t think I can do it

[@Evolutiontweaked]

Close your eyes before you go in and keep them closed and think of being on a sandy beach 🏖️ next thing you know you’ll be ok

[@cristinaabdala8289]

That’s a simple solution for big problem, doesn’t work for us with extreme claustrophobia!

[@cristinaabdala8289]

Doesn’t work can’t even get to the lay down part!

[@Evolutiontweaked]

@@cristinaabdala8289 keep your eyes closed

[@cristinaabdala8289]

@@Evolutiontweaked guess you didn’t read my above reply, I have tried everything already. I can’t even get to the step of closing eyes, I panic as soon as see the machine!

[@cristinaabdala8289]

@@Evolutiontweaked you already said that and I responded! I can’t even get to the machine to close my eyes I panic as soon as I see! You apparently have no clue about extreme claustrophobia

[@Trending.Thangams]

I took my wife inside the mri and started arguing to avoid ancity

[@cristinaabdala8289]

When your mind knows you are going into small tube telling myself all these things doesn’t help! No it doesn’t get better and pass for me gets worse! I panic just thinking of a MRI even at home or watching on tv! So none of these tips help at all!

[@SirenASMR_]

Keep your eyes closed the entire time and just breathe and relax your muscles . Meditate while you are in there . Imagine something that makes you feel happy and comfortable. For me it’s black cats

[@cristinaabdala8289]

@@SirenASMR_ doesn’t work for me, I can’t even get near the tube without already having panic attack

[@lsmith869]

“ just relax” is not an answer to anything, if a person could “ just relax” don’t you think that’s what they would do!

[@gendaminoru3195]

BRING A PROBLEM TO WORK ON; this is down time and you can be productive and time will pass all too fast.

[@lindavezina6224]

I have bad anxiety and stress that causes panic attacks.The mri.didnt bother me at all.❤

[@brendalg4]

Cruel... A video about MRI anxiety has MRI sounds.

[@tylerjellis]

beep boop beep

[@oldschoolcars3318]

You ooze snake oil my friend... not judging.... just sharing that my skeeve chills hit before the music dropped to let you speak

[@tylerjellis]

i literally didn't even try to sell anything. weird energy my dude