I Get So Anxious for My Yearly MRI - How I Deal with Claustrophobia

[@EvenSoItIsWell]

What tips do you have for MRI anxiety?

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

As an MRI tech I would say first get relaxed, which usually involved meds. If the overall stimulus of the place makes it worse, wear sunglasses in until you have to get in the MRI. I have had patients that wore Sunglasses and earplugs. We can also turn the lights down as well (most of the time). Eye covering of course. Blanket unless you get hot easily. Some places do not allow blankets, but sheets are usually available (not always). MRI 3T scanners can heat you up significantly. And if you have MRI conditional implants, some will say in their brochures that you cannot have a blanket of any kind, and cannot cross your arms or legs.

[@EvenSoItIsWell]

@ thanks! I had not thought about wearing sunglasses. I will give that a try next year!

[@HollyOly]

I never had claustrophobia until I had one at a different hospital, and it had the tiniest bore (width of the tube)! The experience was traumatizing, and for years, I’d hyperventilate in elevators or even watching movies set in space! I started “shopping around” for the largest bore machines I could find that would accept my insurance/referral, but I still needed valium and a good cry! One time, when I needed a full brain and spine scan, they allowed my mother-in-law to come in with me and sit in a chair outside the tube, just resting a hand on my foot. Her presence was so comforting! I don’t think I’ve ever been in a scan before or since that would have allowed her to be there, but I’m so grateful they did that day! Since then, I’ve never had a tiny machine again, and that one time is my proof that I CAN do it! I don’t do valium or anything different anymore. It’s just a noisy nap! 😆

[@EvenSoItIsWell]

So glad you found a larger machine! And how nice to have someone with you! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@ChristineBenedict-f3n]

I just had my MRI last Sunday. You would think that I would be used to them because I have had MS for 18 years. I too suffer with claustrophobia and when I have my MRI I aske for earplugs, music, a warm blanket, and then close my eyes and imagine that I am on vacation. The wonderful places that I have gone, in my imagination! My MRI came back with no new lesions and is stable! 🎉

[@EvenSoItIsWell]

@@ChristineBenedict-f3n congratulations on the stable MRI! I love that you visualize vacation destinations! Such a great tip. Thanks!

[@debbiebond-oj1fw]

I’m claustrophobic too! Sedative is a must.The music helps but I still don’t like having it

[@EvenSoItIsWell]

@@debbiebond-oj1fw sedatives and music helps but you are so right, we will never like having them.

[@megany0510]

I've had claustrophobia so bad that I had a panic attack once. In order not to hyperventilate again I use all the same tricks you mentioned but I have them turn on a radio so I can concentrate on that instead of the noise from the machine. I also try to remember a happy time in my life, like my wedding day.

[@EvenSoItIsWell]

@@megany0510 aw, I love that you remember your wedding day! I will remember mine next time! Thanks for watching.

[@davidarmstrong7549]

I'm glad to see that your MRI result shows that your MS is stable Vickie. I had my MRI on Friday but I won't find out for a few weeks how it went.

[@EvenSoItIsWell]

@@davidarmstrong7549 thanks David! Please keep post on your results.

[@samip5734]

I was advised to keep eyes closed immediately when entering the scanner and I do keep eyes closed throughout. This is essential. The cool air blowing on me I tell myself is a gentle breeze from nature and that I am outside. Visualisation. A few deep breaths and positivity, along with visualisation and eyes closed until exiting the scanner. Shoulders down, relaxed and calm (even if I don’t feel it at the time). Basically mind over matter

[@EvenSoItIsWell]

@@samip5734 I love these! Visualization is really helpful! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@mikeshanermusic]

That head cage is horrible!! My first MRI they had to pull me out even though I didn't squeeze the thing they give you to squeeze if you need out. I was trying to be brave, but they said my breathing was fast and heavy and I wasn't responding to them asking me if I was ok. Two years later, I finally got through an MRI and was diagnosed with MS. I've been through two very difficult MRIs successfully since, but now I refused to go the last time my neurologist wanted me to get another MRI. I feel like a scared, bad child. Kuddos to you for getting through yours!!👍👍

[@EvenSoItIsWell]

@@mikeshanermusic thanks for watching. I totally get it. There are many times I feel the same. Good on you for making it through the ones you have done.

[@Skweepa]

I took about 3-6 cups of fresh lemon balm from my back yard, brewed a big cup of chamomile tea, then once the tea cooled I blended all the lemon balm in the tea water in a high power blender and strained all the fiber out and saved the liquid. Now it's chamomile lemonbalm green juice - super calming and healthy. It worked amazing and doesn't make me nauseous like the anti anxiety meds. Also never open my eyes.

[@Skweepa]

Someone else mentioned green apple - that might be really delicious with this drink!

[@EvenSoItIsWell]

@@Skweepa that sounds amazing! Thanks for sharing.

[@MrsDanonino]

I just had my annual MRI on friday. The procedure went well, I'm getting the results tomorrow! Here's what I usually do to ease my anxiety: Wear extra comfy sweatpants and socks, a loose sweater and a knitted vest (I'm lucky I'm not asked to wear a hospital gown for the procedure!). I also bring a pair of gloves with me cause my hands are always cold. Take a Xanax one hour before, and another one half an hour prior. Ask for a blanket and a pillow for under my knees. Put on a sleep mask and silicone earplugs.

[@EvenSoItIsWell]

I love all of this! Especially the gloves! Thanks for watching.

[@kathycollett4942]

I always ask for relaxing music. It always helps me when I hear their voice, asking if I'm okay. I'm always happy when it's over. I've had several for my brain and spine.

[@EvenSoItIsWell]

@@kathycollett4942 thanks for watching. Excellent tips!

[@IreneLong-q1k]

I have had RRMS for 30 years now, also claustrophobic, and the annual MRI doesn't get any easier!! I always ask for a blanket and close my eyes, and take a pair of snuggly socks to put on my feet. Just recently, I drink one or two shots of my favourite spirit from a hip flask on the way there - Cointreau is the best! But probably not a good thing to do on an empty stomach, and especially NOT if you are driving ... Be well everyone xx

[@EvenSoItIsWell]

@@IreneLong-q1k thanks for watching. I get it. If not driving, a shot or two might be just the liquid courage needed!

[@stephen9611]

Hello Vickie, this may sound really stupid, but a green apple helps me every time. The smell of the apple, for some strange reason, eases my claustrophobia. Before I had my very first MRI, one of the MRI technician ladies told me that I should bring a green apple with me. Not sure if this is all in the mind, but even if it is, it has helped me. 😊

[@EvenSoItIsWell]

@@stephen9611 that is very cool! I have read articles on the power of aromas on our minds and mental health. Excellent tip!

[@isabelavilela2944]

I am glad to hear you are well Be strong❤️❤️

[@EvenSoItIsWell]

Thank you!

[@thres34]

❤best of luck

[@EvenSoItIsWell]

@@thres34 thank you! And thanks for watching.

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

As an MRI tech, I would say always go to the same place to get consistent results. Hopefully you are going to a 3T MRI machine. Those are the highest quality.

[@EvenSoItIsWell]

@@anniesshenanigans3815 excellent tip! Yes, I do get them done on a 3T machine but I can’t always get them done on the same machine because my insurance dictates where I can go. Have you seen the images from the 11.7T from France? They are amazing! And it only takes 4 minutes! healthcare-in-europe.com/en/news/11-7-tesla-first-images-world-most-powerful-mri-scanner.html

[@128titanic]

Hello, Thank you so much.

[@EvenSoItIsWell]

@@128titanic thanks for watching.

[@megandoyle335]

Hi Vickie, I usually take Hydroxyzine for anxiety before my MRI. I didn’t just two weeks ago and really should have! Brain, c-spine, and t-spine. 😮 I also declined a blanket… next time I won’t! There’s just something about that cage coming over the face, isn’t there? I, too, keep my eyes shut. I tend to listen to classical (symphonic) music because I don’t have to strain to make out the words over the machine sounds and it is very calming for me. Box breathing is a must! Unless it is mandated by insurance, I don’t know if I will do all 3 areas at once again.

[@EvenSoItIsWell]

@@megandoyle335 three at once is huge! You must have been in there a long time! Classical music and hydroxyzine seems like a lovely way to spend the day! 😉

[@thebucksstophere8870]

Im heading in to Quito Ecuador for mine. I’m not sure what to expect and I am nervous. New Dr ,New country, New everything. MS is really not a thing here so finding a Dr with some experience was challenging. The CAGE! That’s when I lose it. Glad it went well for you ❤

[@EvenSoItIsWell]

@@thebucksstophere8870 I hope it goes well! Please let me know how you do with it.

[@rawsomehappy]

My favorite MRI machine plays my choice of music and has a mirror so I can see the people doing the test. I get cushions and pillows bolstered around me like a restorative yoga class. Prior to going in I do a few deep inhales of my favorite relaxing essential oil eucalyptus. It brings me to my happy place. Solfeggio frequencies are my choice for music.

[@EvenSoItIsWell]

@@rawsomehappy good morning Myrna! I love the idea of seeing it as a restorative yoga class!

[@jyotsnasnair1165]

❤

[@EvenSoItIsWell]

@@jyotsnasnair1165 thanks for watching.

[@mantra4ia]

I am surprised that the square breath technique worked for you and your MRI machine. On my first MRI I did the square breath technique and the technician said "you're doing fine, looks good" and then the person who read the scan said "too much motion artifact" and it being my first MRI scan, I had no idea.

[@EvenSoItIsWell]

Oh interesting! I wonder why the square breath technique would add more motion than regular breathing inhalation and exhalations.

[@mantra4ia]

@@EvenSoItIsWell I'm glad you mentioned it though because it is a great technique for me to maintain calm, and I use it when I have to refocus during meditation because of intrusive thoughts. But for whatever reason (and it may not be the only contributing factor to the motion artifact, but I think that it was definitely part of the equation) it didn't play well in the machine. I didn't think about requesting Valium though, and I'm definitely going to do that next time.

[@EvenSoItIsWell]

@@mantra4ia the Valium really helps,to,take the edge off, just be sure to have someone drive you if you don’t take it regularly.

[@erinodgers-sr7cc]

Every year? Loving the Canadian Health Care system. I had the chase down my last one after 2 years🙄🙄

[@EvenSoItIsWell]

@@erinodgers-sr7cc yes, my neurologist has me do one every year. I have heard that in Canada they don’t do them as often. Keep advocating for yourself!

[@MinnieOnCam]

@@EvenSoItIsWell I'm in Canada, my MRI is annual. but there is a chance as I get older they will want them less.

[@lauracarlson9260]

It is standard protocol in the US to have a brain MRI every year and if you have lesions on your spine detected in the past to have MRIs of those regions every few years as well. Insurance won't approve them more often according to my neuro. If you have new symptoms or suspect a flare then ones are done to check for activity- usually with and without contrast unless on one of the newest MRI machines

[@MinnieOnCam]

@@lauracarlson9260 Canada and USA treat and monitor MS differently. In fact globally treatment, diagnosis and living with MS is different. based on what's available and how MS is viewed.