OVERCOMING MRI CLAUSTROPHOBIA

[@MsLeezza]

When patient's have extreme claustrophobia NONE of these work or will help. I literally had a major panic attack attempting my first MRI years ago. It's was absolutely awful. Now (As an oncology patient) I have to be admitted and given IV anesthesia. I am happy to see that this was mentioned because most people have no idea that can be an option. I wish MORE people would understand that for people like me, there is absolutely no way you can have an MRI and be awake.

[@tonymcgee1146]

I asked for a sedative beforehand.

[@superruca]

I asked for a sedative and my dr gave me one pill to take before. Tomorrow is my first mri.

[@superruca]

… and I’m very nervous.

[@beenaplumber8379]

I wish full anesthesia was an option. That's the only way they'll ever get me near a closed machine again. But I have sleep apnea, which means they can't fully anesthetize me. No one seems to know exactly why though. My neurologist said it was because there was metal in the mask. I told him there wasn't. None in the tube either (unheated tubes anyway). I'm trying open upright MRI tomorrow, and I'm already scared outta my mind :-(

[@jemimacoop2726]

@@superruca controlling your breathing really is the key. I thought of all the trips it would take to see all the MLB Stadiums. And helped me somewhat. Humming also helped

[@annek1226]

You have no idea what claustrophobia is and how debilitating it can be! As someone who suffers from it and as someone who worked 25 years in healthcare, you have a lot to learn!

[@zinmeca9754]

I have both claustrophobia and cleithrophobia. I came across a nurse who lacked empathy. he shouted at me next to my wife telling me to either get in the mr machine or get out. I was so stressed that I couldn't say anything. I was just staring into the hole of the machine with blank eyes. The mr shoot took 50 minutes. They didn't give me any headphones or something. I lasted for 20 minutes, after which my hands, arms, and whole body began to tremble. Then I couldn't stand it anymore and I started crying. But I managed to stay 50 minutes until the end. When I got out my body was shaking even more. Myr hands trembled so much and my jaw trembled and locked. After I walked out of the room, I cried in the open air, took a fresh air and relaxed. I suffered a lot.

[@margaretadjei-afriyie5222]

Good job! I barely lasted 2 minutes

[@LeeR37]

I'm so sorry you had to go through that. The offered me headphones and my nurse was supper supportive but I couldn't go through with it. I started sweating and having bad anxiety so they pulled me out.I started crying and my nurse calmed me down. My doctor wants me to try again with taking a Valium but just thinking of having to do it again I get anxious and don't feel like going. 🥺

[@Chaseieday7555]

​@@zinmeca9754I'm so sorry. They treated you unfairly. When people are ignorant they're just ignorant. No reason to talk to a patient like that.

[@missimin]

@@zinmeca9754 Bless you for completing it. I've failed twice. I have to get an MRI now and I'm going to try to get my doctor to send me to the place that has a sitting/standing MRI machine Maybe I can manage that. I also just ordered CBD oral spray to see if that helps my anxiety at even the thought of doing it.

[@kalaghimire7711]

I also have claustrophobia so I closed my eyes during whole process ..I really worked for me

[@bklynnyc8360]

I was prescribed Valium before my MRI appt. I took it the night before bedtime and I took it an hour before I was scheduled to go inside MRI tunnel. Valium made me relaxed and super sleepy but it helped me rest during the procedure. I was in there for an hour. I never opened my eyes which was a plus. I am extremely claustrophobic and I was glad I was offered these options to be able to have an MRI done.

[@andrewbennett7756]

I tried it and screamed get me out then I was asked to attend one with light sound and a video .showing a documentary with a screen in front of my eye Excellent

[@dmdb6696]

This helps me the most - I asked the tech to keep his hand on my foot as I was moved into the machine. Fear made me think that I was stuffed in the tube, but the reality is my ankle and foot were still outside of it. I visualized smiling friends standing right by my feet waiting to take me home. I kept my eyes closed the whole time and asked the tech to speak when he could.

[@JudgeMental40]

I've had several MRI'S and music is very relaxing however in the absence of music, what I've suggested to techs is to speak to me throughout the procedure letting me know it's going well and how far along we are. This 'connection' allows the patient to not feel isolated and fearful.

[@Peasant_in_a_tree]

I am a 10/10 extremely claustrophobic person, and you are 100% correct. Being able to talk to, and told countdowns and what is going on, etc. is what got me through an mri in The past. Also having a button to push, that i can say "get me outta here"!! Lol... i had medication administered, which helped some also.

[@catherine8470]

I would love to have music but we don't have it. I just fall asleep with the breathing I do. Also, it is only my head and shoulders in as they are scanning my brain, I also have had close to 30 MRI scans over 8 years of breast cancer treatment to make sure nothing cancerous is growing so being a regular customer so to speak helps with the relaxing.

[@carolstender588]

I had a severe panic attack on my first MRI. I haven't had one sence, and I have had many MRI exams. I have found that closing my eyes before entering the tube, and for the entire mri exam is the most important thing for me to get through it. I also listen to relaxing music and pray.

[@jamesoshea494]

I had my eyes open first time. Felt like I was in a coffin

[@deepak13531]

I also did the same , closed my eyes entire time

[@caelanblack9612]

I have been told to close my eyes as I go in the MRI machine, even though I am not claustrophobic…

[@canayerani1592]

Me too was like this when I've done my first mri

[@terrymckinney143]

Expecting to have an MRI in the near future...I am extremely happy to read your post that mentions PRAYER...Thank you!

[@SusanCrone22]

I was listening to classic rock while in the MRI machine; Led Zeppelin's, Whole Lotta Love came on. When the instrumental part using a theramin began, i was completely enthralled, the theramin , as well as guitar and drums complements the loud sounds of the MRI perfectly. I was completely engrossed while listening to this musical "collaboration" and my claustrophobia vanished immediately; it was an amazing experience.

[@laksmih.6876]

Great tips! I did several of them myself during my MRI. The machine's sounds were very loud, but repetitive and somehow the repetitiveness brought a sense of calm (and drowsiness). I tried to think that the I was just inside of a machine tunnel, it won't harm me, and the areas on each end of the machine were open (so I wasn't really in an enclosed space with no way out). Also a family member was with me in the room during the entire time, that really helped!

[@SydneyDrums]

I have a solution.. make the tiny tube a bit bigger! And some mirrors to create the illusion of more space

[@chemistryinstruments7156]

The mirrors are a good idea

[@HTX_Son]

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.

[@annamariacantalupo9634]

I was so scared the first time I had an MRI. When I got there, I said to myself" who is stronger my fear or myself? I closed my eyes the moment I was on the table and never opened them until it was over. The moment the doctor put my head into a sort of helmet, my heart started to beat so fast. When I was in the machine, I thought about nice things and I calmed down to the point where I actually felt a sense of satisfaction... I was so glad that I overcame my fear and it was the greatest achievement I made!!!!When the doctor took the helmet off, he said that I did fantastically. The woman before me tried 4 times and each time had to ring the bell to get out, poor thing. I knew that and that is when I decided to be very strong and determined to have the exam done. 👍👍

[@alejandro71587]

Que valiente no?

[@rimpyghotra8638]

Today is my MRI and I am so nervous but after reading this comment I feel so relaxed, yes I can do this I'm a brave girl

[@denizbaroncello9813]

I maneged with open mri thouh at the beginning my heart was raising like happened to you, But afterwards for breast MR I couldnt enter the wide tube

[@Nousmourronsseuls]

Well done.

[@daviddesmet7565]

Closing the eyes (and keeping them closed during the exam) before entering the tunnel works for me.

[@monogee]

And BREATHE. That helped me today. :)

[@escoba1971]

Yes.plus inhaling and counting up to 100 slowly. Plus a small pillow and the lights need to be dim

[@chandrikashankar]

But I just cannot stay inside. I went for MRI twice thinking I will keep my eyes closed but when I saw the hole I ran away from the room. I just CANNOT.

[@agent4you2]

I had an hour and a half MRI today and I kept my eyes closed during the entire time. That really helped me get thru the MRI. I was afraid if I even peaked I would panicked at seeing walls so close to me.

[@jessicapearshouse1728]

@@monogee I’m due my first one very soon.I’ve had Ct scans numerous of times but never an MRI.Did you just take deep breaths in and out ( obvs) I think if I consentrate on my breathing I could hopefully manage x

[@rokrok60]

I had been scheduled for an MRI via the “open air” type(I’m 6-3 & 300+lbs). I’d never considered myself to be claustrophobic until after the first 30 minutes of the procedure. I’d dozed off a bit, only to wake up feeling trapped. My shoulders were touching the sides of the tube, while the “screen” was on my chest. I hit the call button and told the radiologist that I was feeling anxious. He’d retracted the bed and had given me a few minutes to recover. I’d felt fine and was ready to continue. That had lasted less than 2 minutes! I was experiencing a full-blown panic attack! That had never happened to me before. I was removed from the machine and allowed to stand up. I was literally bouncing off the walls! Fortunately for me, they were able to capture enough of the image (lipoma), and the process was over. It’s simply amazing how something like that, can mess with a person’s mind for a very long time.

[@MsLeezza]

I feel for you and have had a panic attack - it's brutal! Now ALL my MRI's are done with IV Anesthesia, I am totally out before I go in the the machine and when I wake up, it's happy all over!

[@SuperPapadzul]

@@MsLeezza and R Juna. Have you guys tried open MRI? That is the only way I will have an MRI.👍

[@Murhamdilah]

Same as me although I’m small. I was sweating in that very cold room. Can’t even drive for a long distance without feeling trapped and hard to breath. I had trouble sleeping for days if I remember the scan.

[@deirdremorris9234]

@@Murhamdilah Feel ya!

[@deirdremorris9234]

@@MsLeezza Does the anesthesiologist stay in the mri next to the tube with you? How do they monitor you?

[@tracydesteph1824]

Thank you for your help. My boyfriend is scheduled for a very important MRI for healthy living. THIS was extremely helpful to avoid some additional anxiety.

[@chickey333]

When I had my first MRI I concentrated on two things... just how many other people had been inside this tube where I was at and how many survived. I figured pretty much all of them survived and most all future visitors would as well. The other thing I thought about was my 2 year old grandson laying next to me taking his nap. My trip in the tube wasn't bad at all.

[@stopwars2292]

Show off

[@chickey333]

@@stopwars2292 Before my MRI a nurse asked me if I was claustrophobic. I said I wasn't sure but I had a feeling I was about find out. Her laughing told me everything I needed to know. The thought of my grandson got me through the worst of it for the most part. Whatever works... P.S. I didn't think it was all that bad anyway.

[@AHMStudiosllc]

Thank you today is my first MRI thank you I will try this

[@chickey333]

@@AHMStudiosllc So how did it go for you?

[@AHMStudiosllc]

@@chickey333 I closed my eyes and he gave me headphones and I listened to classical music and it helped me so much it was really easy only 20 minutes but seemed like 10! I remembered what you said so I pictured my dogs sleeping next to me and It was done before you know it! Thank you so much for asking, Happy New Year to you!!

[@walter4610]

Great video! Lots of empathy and compassion needed for people experiencing MRI. The patience and comfort of medical staff definitely help!

[@tich6346]

I had a MRI scan last year and it will not be the last. I am claustrophobic ,but the MRI scanner that I was on , had a wired control that they give you to hold and you could press this button and be out of the machine in seconds. They allowed me to try it, and this really made it much easier, knowing that you could get out of the machine when you want to. I know how it feels to have this curse and this comment will help you. Ask the operator if the MRI has this feature at whatever NHS hospital you are using. This makes it so much easier. Good Luck everyone. I hope this helps you.

[@milkyuhnom5925]

All mri’s have that button

[@pro-scanimaging9681]

All MRI scanners will have the option of a an alarm buzzer. The radiographer undertaking your scan will offer you this prior to starting your scan

[@t-dertogada2299]

Thank you!. I hope this advice may help me in my upcoming examination. The only way I can do the examination is knowing I can escape when I want to do.

[@tich6346]

@@t-dertogada2299 I fully understand your dilemma , and so will a lot of people with the same problem. You are not alone and I'm sure these people, and myself included, will wish you all the best.

[@Nightcrawler333]

Trust me, this DOES NOT HELP

[@Edaboo2u]

I am extremely claustrophobic and had to have a cardiac MRI. I had the tech blindfold me before we went into the room. I was led to the MRI machine and instructed when to lie down. I never saw anything until it was over. This helped me because you can’t fear what you don’t see. Hope this helps someone.

[@fanfeck2844]

That’s what I did too. Couldn’t trust myself not to open my eyes

[@patriciawightman4561]

Great idea! Did you have injected dye?? Any side effects from contrast material??( I'm more frightened of those chemicals causing issues). Hope you are doing well now!

[@Edaboo2u]

@@patriciawightman4561 Thank you! I’m making progress day by day. Yes, the MRI was performed without contrast first and then with contrast. I didn’t have any issues. I had another MRI done months later without and with contrast and also had no issues. I’m sure it will be the same for you. The blindfold is a game changer! Good luck and best wishes to you!

[@patriciawightman4561]

So glad you are doing well..thanks so much for responding..buying a blindfold for sure, great advice..

[@Edaboo2u]

@@patriciawightman4561You are more than welcome. They should have them at the location also. Make sure it’s on before you go into the room and have them direct you. Take care.

[@peternewman3487]

Close your eyes and think of something nice and please remember that the people and this machine are working towards making you better and or saving your life.

[@sudharavishanker4594]

I was adviced mri of brain. Being claustrophobic, I was dreading a panic attack. So I took a quarter anxit tablet. It helped a lot. Totally relaxed me. I could go thru whole process comfortably

[@kerryhitzke4490]

Thank you. I am a psychologist and will show this video to clients who are worried about these procedures.

[@reginaangell5327]

The blindfold [sleep mask] works. If you forget one just keep your eyes closed or bring a washcloth. Also see if there is an open MRI you can go to. These are open on the sides so you could turn your head to the side and see out. I only found one place on Long Island, New York that has this. Zwanger Pesiri in Coram. Also know that the wider machines are 3 bore and vibrate a lot more than the ones that are smaller. There was also Stand Up MRI in Melville, I used that for some shoulder MRI's. That was okay you're not trapped.

[@tiffanysmith6087]

All this technology and yet we still don't have a MRI scan that's good for ppl as such

[@Ann-sj4pt]

Upright MRI scanners are supposed to be better

[@itsjuank]

@@Ann-sj4ptyea but one machine alone cost like a 1.2 mil , clinics can’t afford it

[@Ann-sj4pt]

@@itsjuank that’s a crazy price!

[@Ann-sj4pt]

@@itsjuank i guess if you just get your scan there,i think just private clinics have those in the UK at least unfortunately.

[@SumTingWong1482]

I’m 6’4 300lbs and the fit was so tight my arms were wedged between my body and the sides of the machine. It was the most psychologically exhausting experience I’ve ever had. I have bad anxiety issues so it made it terrifying at several moments during the procedure. My arms went numb, and though I had headphones on the noise of the machine was far louder. I just focused on deep breathing, and knowing I could ask to get out at any moment. I only had them take me out once. I was proud of that accomplishment. I hope I never have to do another one but if my cancer has spread I’ll at least be prepared for several more of these difficult experiences. It is a purely mental exercise. UPDATE: Good news, it’s a year later and my cancer hadn’t spread. Tumor was removed and have had 3 MRI’s and 3 colonoscopies since. MRI’s have gotten slightly better with experience, but still require me to mentally prepare for them right before I get in the tube, and I have to do the mental focus and deep breathing to get through the 1 hour sessions. The 30 minute sessions are much easier, and I ALWAYS choose meditation/massage music. I might wear my nighttime earplugs next time to see if that is better. The noise of the machine increases my anxiety x10. Anyway, stay strong fellow claustrophobics and remember, it’s ok to freak out. We can always get out of the machine if we ask!

[@mmalcolm2709]

I read your comment and i feel for you when you say your arm went numb, i could not keep still in my chair, i am not going in that machine, i am too too afraid, even thinking about it..

[@leoesp77]

Yeah i couldnt even imagine this situation. I took my mri today and it was awful too. Really distressing but it went ok atleast

[@Wishingwell688]

They really need to design the machines with wider tubes!!!

[@SumTingWong1482]

@@Wishingwell688 Yes, because though I’m a big dude, I see a lot of men and women that are much wider and thicker than I am. How are those people gonna squeeze into those machines? Yikes.

[@denizbaroncello9813]

Happy for good news. Why disnt you use medication 45 min earlier the process to seditate you?

[@kluv7725]

They will ask if u want music on, tell them what u want to hear and/or you can have ear plugs in.. I had both. I listened to soothing music . When u go to the MRI room, ask ALL questions that you have b4 u go into the machine. I like to know when the crazy sounds are going to stop, the constant sounds give me anxiety. So each time the constant loud noise came on, I would count to 60 real loud and then count to 60 again the same way and then to 30 or 40 when it stops and then I shut up and calmed down. Don’t worry, nobody can hear you, so if you want to sing out loud, or talk to your self, go for it! Each session will take about 2 and a half min, that’s how mine went. I would calm down immediately when the sound stopped. I also curled my toes and squeezed my hands together . I am not going to lie I did panic quite a few times, I did feel like to squeeze the call button, but I just wanted to hurry up and get it done and over with. I survived and so will each and every one of you, don’t u forget that!

[@karliehooper3735]

Four of my techniques is 1 stay up the night before 2 take my emergency anxiety medication 45 minutes before 3 sing a song in my head 4 close my eyes Hope this helps someone 😁

[@kerrixoxo461]

I find having cool air on my face helps alot. It simulates a breeze coming from the outside which tricks my brain into thinking an exit is within reach.

[@Wendy-dk1sp]

I find that it dries my mouth and makes me feel worse.

[@richarddragonetti2308]

I've had 2 done. They played music through ear buds and I fell asleep both times. Very relaxing

[@freddigreen5143]

In the event you are unable to secure a Xanax, Keep your eyes closed, do not touch the sides of the machine with your limbs, control your breathing and hold on to an image or thought that calms you. It also helps if someone is available to hold on to your foot during the exam.

[@beckysnyder4591]

My first MRI was in one that came to our little hospital on a Semi Tractor Trailer. I almost lost it. The tech was someone I knew & she got me out right away. Then I calmed a little & got through it that time. The next time I had to go it head first & could not do it. I said that if there was air flow & a light I could have made it. Years later I had had open MRI's. Then a couple years ago I had to have a Cardiac MRT. This one was not an open one But it had plenty of air flow & lights inside it. went well except got very stiff because of not being able to move. I'm in my 70's

[@Nightcrawler333]

Open MRI? i didn't even know this exists. Thank you 🙏

[@BestEachDay]

The mobile ones are tight. I had an MRI in one of those once. The tube is just inches away from your eyes. Nobody offered any sedation or blinders. I could close my eyes, but when I opened them that same wall was right in front of my face. It wasn't pleasant but I didn't have a panic attack.

[@BestEachDay]

Open ones, if it's like one I had once, are very short -- not like a tube. It's just like laying through the middle of a big doughnut hole -- really not hard at all. They should all be that way.

[@lindarebiger9054]

I just had one today. I did ask for prayer from my ladies group and had a diazepam. It was an all in that took about 20 min. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to complete it and was getting a little antsy by the end of it. I kept my eyes closed most of the time. Opened them once. For mine there was a lot of having to hold my breath and then breath so I think that actually helped because I was focused on breathing or not breathing. I told them they need to either put a screen on the "ceiling" of the tube and play funny cat videos or dog videos or thunderstorms or something, maybe ocean waves or VR goggles that do the same. I could watch thunderstorms forever. I am also not a small person so I get the feeling squished when you feel it on your arms.

[@FrankAHuser]

Great clip Farhan!! Thanks a lot. I had a MRI today, for 40 minutes. THE tric for me is to wear an eye cover (some people use this for sleeping), so that I simply cannot open my eyes, well of course I can but I won't see anything. Therefore I won't have any idea of the narrow space I'm in. Furthermore I play a kind of game with the repetitive sound, I count or I create so to speak a kind of music pattern. That keeps me busy. But the eye cover is the most important for me, it's cheap and so helpful! Good luck to everyone! Be aware that a MRI is meant to make you better!!

[@denizbaroncello9813]

im afraid if i open my eye and have the urge to see around i can panic. Im a bit high level :))

[@FrankAHuser]

@@denizbaroncello9813 That's why an eye cover helps! You simply can't see when you wear an eye cover, if you open your eyes (which is almost impossible with such a cover) all you 'see' is black.

[@denizbaroncello9813]

@@FrankAHuser İ know but im a bit strange person. Sometimes during meditation i wanna open my eyes even if im supposed to keep them closed. Or sometimes even a necklace or a wrist watch gives me claustrophobia feeling. When i quit aviation i never wore a wrist watch again

[@FrankAHuser]

@@denizbaroncello9813 Thanks for your reply, I understand! I don't think you're a strange person, many people know these feelings and fears. If you ever need a MRI, be honest about your fears and ask for anesthesia. Or you can try an eye cover and practice it for a while at home, maybe it feels comfortable. By the way, some hospitals use open or half open MRI's, make a big difference! All the best. Frank

[@denizbaroncello9813]

@@FrankAHuser İ asked anesthesia but they refused. I got trainings to become a bioenerhist and hipnotist. Ill try to cure this claustrophobia with these. And then to check the situation at my breast il take an ultrasound or ultimately get medication and go into MRI

[@craigvanantwerp7141]

I kept repeating, "You must find out if you have cancer or not. Stopping this MRI will only allow the cancer to get bigger". 45 min. I finished later found out it's not cancer. The hardest part and what made me VERY uncomfortable was the heels of my feet from contacting the hard surface hurt. My nose itched and my left elbow was bending against the joint, ouch. All these things and the techs would not respond. I could not, was told not to move. THAT is what brought on the glimmers of panic. Amateurs I thought.

[@emaansboutique1853]

Omg same I wasn’t offered the remote to get out also the headphones I didn’t get ( the sound made me panic more 😢) and on the other hand I’m big so when I got in the machine which was closed off on the other side (the doctor lied to me about it) I was squished and my hand was stuck under my butt I couldn’t move the tech would shout so I started saying the gods with me I’m not gonna die cause I couldn’t breathe move or talk 😩 the best thing to do is just close your eyes and think of something else

[@feversol]

If it was a bone scan, you aren’t allowed to even more your fingers. Mine caused PTSD which lasted about three nights of bad sleep. The take away is that those who have Real PTSD have a serious issue and they must not be put off. Now, with a plate in my leg, no more MRI for me. Lucky me.

[@brendalg4]

​@@feversol3 nights of bad sleep is not PTSD

[@feversol]

@@brendalg4 absolutely agree. My point was that I endured some form of trauma from the incident and it very clearly points to the horrific real PTSD that is suffered in far greater fashion and usually for very long-term. Mine was not debilitating though it did greatly interrupt sleep for a few nights. I had hope to make my comparison very clear. Apparently, I did not. I would also suggest that those of us who have not suffered PTSD might find it difficult to understand. People look normal yet they are functionally injured. I had hoped to offer some slight insight into their real pain. Mine was not debilitating. It only bothered me for a short time. But it made me better understand the difficulties of real, long-term often debilitating PTSD.

[@brendalg4]

@@feversol thanks for explaining. I just made a comment because there are lots of people who act like they have conditions that they don't have.. such as saying "it's my OCD" when they don't have it. I wonder if there is a term for situations like yours. One time somebody grabbed me and wouldn't let go. When I saw a similar scene on TV, I had a flashback. That's not technically PTSD either. What I have heard is that it has to go on for 6 months. Not sure if I would technically have PTSD from MRIs. If I hear the sound of the machine on a KZbin video, I start feeling scared

[@dougfriendly7676]

My claustrophobia must be more severe than most because my question is one I've never heard addressed. Does anyone know if a patient would be able to get oneself out of the machine if the technician suddenly became incapacitated?

[@johnm001]

Scary thought, turn around on your stomach and try shimmy out maybe

[@dougfriendly7676]

@@johnm001 That would likely be impossible because of arm restraints that are apparently locked in place--to say nothing of the helmet which might also pose a problem.

[@johnm001]

@@dougfriendly7676 oh no, I wasn't aware of the restraints and a helmet. I have one tomorrow for the first time, I'll circle back and let you know if it looks possible. Size is going to be a disadvantage too, I'm tall and have wide shoulders, I don't think I'll have any room to manoeuvre whatsoever.

[@johnm001]

@@dougfriendly7676 Just had mine, got a nose spray with a mild sedative to calm the nerves. My head was locked down in a mask type of helmet, cleverly there was a mirror above my eyes that allowed me to see my feet and the way out. It was only a 20min scan and the closest to panic that I got was dozing off and nearly forgetting where I was. If you needed to get out in an emergency you'd need strength to remove the helmet and then try shift down and out, my hands weren't restrained. Although i could feel my arms touching the sides going in. I'm tall and broad so this probably isn't going to be an issue for everyone. If I didn't have that mirror above me I would have just kept my eyes closed. The videos on here definitely helped me prepare for the noises.

[@dougfriendly7676]

@@johnm001 Thanks for the input, John, I'm glad it went well for you.

[@EIGYRO]

I am very claustrophobic. My MRI people fitted a periscope viewer over my eyes, so it was like I was in my bed looking at the ceiling, and I was perfectly relaxed, with NO feeling that I was in the tube at all. I slept soundly through most of the session, and awoke refreshed. I highly recommend it.

[@briangingras5886]

Great idea I heard of watching TV with a periscope as well

[@allaroundflat4634]

I thank you for making this video, i just got home from my mri and your techniques helped me thru it. It only took 12 mins but i did confirm i am slightly claustraphobic...😬😬 but i made it, thanks to you.

[@margrain1]

I have found using the mirror works the best, it faces out of the mri and gives you something to focus on

[@barbaragrant9337]

I have had two MRI'S , before my first one a friend gave me very usefull advice, "never open your eyes", I did follow that advice, but still felt very anxious because of the small space, so I thought I have to distract myself somehow, I began counting 200 backwards , the noise was awful, but count on I did, from 200 to 0. The second one was totally different , instead off head in first, it was feet first your not full in the machine!. In my opinion it takes sheer will power to see it through when its head first. .

[@nellieliu5770]

May I ask which body part was that so that they allow feet first?

[@barbaragrant9337]

@@nellieliu5770MRI: HEAD FIRST FOR UPPER BODY , FEET FIRST FOR LOWER LIMBS, ONLY PART OF THE BODY INSIDE MSCHINE.

[@nellieliu5770]

@@barbaragrant9337 what about the lumbar spine?

[@barbaragrant9337]

@@nellieliu5770 What about it, I was just a patient , I had two MRi's, one full in the machine, the 2nd one a few years later for an issue thst required feet in, part body.

[@Bahnishikha_Das]

@@barbaragrant9337 I'm having an abdominal MRI . Will it be head first or feet first?

[@nurzafirahchannel4681]

Alhamdulillah dh buat Brain MRI baru ni..cuma muntah je lps ccuk kontras@ pewarna tu je

[@rtel123]

Great claustrophobia during my first MRI. It quickly became obvious that the cause was visual, so I closed my eyes continuously for all my MRI's since. Ideal.

[@Evolutiontweaked]

Best way to deal with it is thinking that this will help find out what’s wrong with you so it can be fixed And that’s a good thing!! Close your eyes and put yourself on a beach

[@YumeDream39]

I have had a ton of MRIs in my lifetime. Since I was six. I used to be sedated but now that I'm an adult I decided I probably don't need to. I'm not claustrophobic but the small space sometimes makes me a little tense. I find closing my eyes and either meditating or taking a nap helps. If claustrophobia is really bad for someone though, I'd just tell them sedation is a better option. It would take a lot longer, but will allow the technicians to get the pictures they need with no errors.

[@ronniespilsbury964]

The best experience I had was with a periscope attached so I could see the radiographer . That made a huge difference , don’t know why they are not always used.

[@denizbaroncello9813]

What is a periscope?

[@eviedp1]

@@denizbaroncello9813 it's mirrors they put over your eyes when you're lying down and it gives the illusion that you can see straight out ahead of you. It's tilted mirrors (like the ones in a perioscope) that give you the illusion you can see out in front of you. Really helps.

[@AdibahAdammi]

I never knew I have claustrophobia until I went inside the MRI. I almost had a panic attack 😢. I had the worst fear in that small tunnel. I should have closed my eyes the moment I lay down. Opening my eyes inside the MRI was my biggest mistake. I wanted to force myself out while in the process of scanning. Eventually I overcome my fear by doing slow breathing. I hope to do better for my next scanning.

[@sheenalindsay5735]

I've had one. I thought I was going to throw up. I managed to stay in but even reading this article has my heart racing. If I ever need another one I will need to be sedated.

[@Blackcat1111..]

I had an MRI today, I also had one 9 years ago. I am a bit claustrophobic so I closed my eyes before I was moved into the machine, they gave me a panic button. I was given ear plugs as it’s very noisy. It gets very chilly in the machine due to air con as the machine generates a lot of heat which I could feel under my back but it felt nice and eased my back pain! I meditated and imagined I was at home or shopping or walking the dog. I was told how long each session would be, the longest was 4 minutes. The whole thing took an hour but because it was done in short bursts with the radiographer talking to me regularly it didn’t feel that long! I wish I had thought to take an eye mask but I just kept my eyes closed. Control your breathing and visualise you are somewhere else and it really helps.

[@denizbaroncello9813]

Even earplugs presence can give me a claustrofobic feeling

[@DancePerfomances]

One of the scariest moment in my life, the longest 60 minutes ever...DO NOT MOVE, they reminded me.. It feels like forever.... I'd never considered my self to be claustrophobic until after the first one minute of the procedure. I hate every second of it, the scary monster machine and this machine is very loud...

[@jemimacoop2726]

Vanessa, when it was going in I almost said no thanks and ran away. I did the first scan and had to tap out I was so panicked. I was in a real old tight one where my head was 1 inch from top

[@casse1458]

Gosh 15 mins was enough can't imagine

[@alexanderbonilla4556]

Blindfold! Blindfold! Blindfold! I just had my first MRI. 30-45 minutes. I thought I was going to be fine. Never has an issue with claustrophobia, but I’ve never been forced into a small space before either. As soon as the tech started to slide me into the machine I opened my eyes and saw how close I was to the machine walls and started to get anxious. Luckily the tech needed to make an adjustment, change pillows, and he slid me back out. I started to take deep breaths to calm myself down. The tech noticed that I wasn’t looking too good. I agreed and told him I’d need to keep my eyes closed during the entire process, so he offered me a blindfold. It made a huge difference for me. For some reason there was also a fan blowing on my head which made me cold and dizzy. I ended up getting the cold sweats, so I just concentrated on the music and my breathing and I stopped feeling dizzy and stopped sweating. I actually almost feel asleep after the tech turned the fan down. My hands got extremely numb from having to stay still. I think for me it was more a fear of not being in control of myself than a fear of enclosed tight spaces.

[@watermelonineasterhay]

This!!! It's like an alternate universe when you can't see, with the vibrations and sliding back and forward. And it's like an airline pilot talking to you. For my first time I had the cage on my face and couldn't stand it. If I could see how enclosed it was I'd have absolutely lost my shit!

[@latoshiamanigo7236]

Yes. It's the note being in control

[@Sealust50]

FIRST and foremost, do your very best NOT to actually look at the machine intentatively. Don't pay that much attention to its appearance whrn you are entering the MRI room and before you lie down on it. Much of the claustrophobia is mental. I know because I have been through it. Definitely have headphones on with the music up high. Have a blanket placed over you and particularly up to and covering your shoulders. Tucking it in under you may help even more. Having the blanket over your shoulders makes you feel like you are in bed in the wintertime (like you intentionally have the blanket up that high to keep comfortable and warm). Next, consciously take LONG, SLOW, and DEEP breaths as you breathe. Count the seconds it takes for you to inhale, and then count the seconds it takes for you to exhale. Keep repeating this intentional long, slow, and deep breathing. Finally, think about something that is very important to you, i.e. your husband, wife, child, mother, father, etc., and remind yourself that getting the MRI is just as important to them as it is to you because your very health and well being depends on it. Keep thinking that they are depending on you to get through the MRI. About three quarters of the way through, keep thinking to yourself that you're almost there and "I have this licked now". HOPE THIS HELPS YOU AS MUCH AS IT DOES ME. Blessings!!!

[@terrymckinney143]

Thank you for your post...I am claustrophobic and I am going to have an MRI in the near future and certainly appreciate your advice.

[@CurativeNutrition]

I got the cardboard box my neighbour's fridge came in. I'll go practice. 😂

[@helenaj1181]

I am claustrophobic but don’t want to take sedatives. I closed my eyes and did not open them until I was done and out of the machine. I asked to listen to radio and figured each song is 2-3 min and that was one way of staying in control.

[@viccigoddard6981]

I took Ativan...it helped so much

[@MsTruthrules]

I just finished an MRI brain scan in an open MRI. I imagined an orchestra; with each new sound I heard as a different instrument. Whatever you need to get you through it. I also risked opening my eyes and noticed that I could see when the medical tech entered and left the room.

[@sarahkhanna132]

Where is ooen mri in ontario

[@annaroberts3160]

My neurologist said if I need one again they can give IV sedation. I can't even do an open MRI. It's not only the small closed in space....it is anything over me and anyone telling me not to move. Mine is more trauma based tho...my initial claustrophobia is secondary to that.

[@telintajenifer6299]

@annaroverts exactly iam. Anything over me and a belt tying my stomach saying don't move until the machine stops its scream. It literally takes 40 - 45 mins. Hell no. If it is 5 to 10 Mins I can survive by closing my eyes 40 mins is definitely going to be a hell.

[@straceshow3212]

All good suggestions. I wish the person who did my first MRI would have advised me of one or two of these these suggestions. I was simply put into the MRI tube, given head phones with music playing, not of my choosing, and a button to press if I had any issues. She told me to be still and not to move but did not tell me how long I would be in the thing. I've never been claustrophobic before but it hit me very quickly. If the idiot gave me these suggestions I may have been ok. As it happened, I pressed the button and ran of the place as quickly as possible. This was in New Hampshire where the professions are sometimes second rate, people who can't cut it in Massachusetts.

[@D_Irene]

I’m going for mine in Cambridge ma hospital Sunday. I’m nervous as hell.

[@sashadube7624]

I'm going in for mine at Derry Imaging NH tomorrow. Scared poopless.

[@patriciadavison1486]

I have MS and yearly have a 90 minute MRI with contrast dye, given mid way the MRI. I HATE the procedure. I also have a panic disorder. The noise is horrendous. I personally find it a fate like death to get into that hell hole machine. The tube is tight and narrow and the timer passes as slowly as pouring cold molasses from a cold jug in January. Vile procedure. This was a good video but having an MRI in the UK on the NHS you will generally NOT find much empathy (as this video would suggest to be helpful). They will want you in and out ASAP - I sometimes feel that UK patients are supposed to be like Vikings..never allowed to get ill or be “cowardly” (!!!) or have feelings.

[@TheNoepje]

I live in the netherlands and feel exactely the same. I have an mri tomorrow and can't take sedatives due to other medical issues and I'm extremely claustrophobic. I told them this but no empathy on the phone whatsoever. Idk how that's gonna go tomorrow. When I told them I wanna bring someone with me they acted like that was the weirdest question ever..

[@nicolebautista4669]

These are the things that helped me overcome my anxiety I used a mask to cover my eyes before they put me inside the machine I ask the tech to try to put me in the machine, and i let myself calm first before they start the procedure I prayed and think that God is always in control and that he is bigger than all my fears (really helped me calm down) then they started to play music then when I felt that I am already calm, I asked them to start the machine After a few minutes, i started to feel that i am not inside a tight space so I finished it.

[@darrellsephus5378]

I've had three MRI's. One for my back, one for my sinus and one for my prostate. The first one was an big open MRI. I literally fell asleep. The second one was for my sinus and in a tight tube. I had a cage over my face the was very uncomfortable. My shoulders were touching the side and it made me feel very claustrophobic. I barely made it though that one. Yesterday I had one for my prostate. I was nervous going in. More nervous because I had to do a fleet enema two hours prior. I was freaking out that I would crap my pants. Plus I just got over a two week bout of flu and I have been coughing all day long, The tech said it would be twenty minutes but it was around 60 minutes. I kept my cool by controlling my breathing and singing a should in my head. I had contrast but no reactions. I was nervous for weeks before. So I kept reminding myself that no amount of anxiety makes a difference to anything that is going to happen.

[@tonymcgee1146]

I had my first MRI 2 months ago. I was administered a med to relax me. The MRI tech put something over my eyes; a cloth or something, and put in some ear plugs and a headphone also. I went in, and felt a vibration on my back and it actually felt good and I went to sleep. I woke up when they were getting me out and I asked how long I was in there and was told 25 minutes.

[@kajalmatlani8240]

I m going for MRI two days after, I hope I m put to sleep during MRI

[@telintajenifer6299]

​ exactly iam. Anything over me and belt tying my stomach saying don't move until the machine stops screaming. It literally takes 40 - 45 mins. Hell no. May it be 5 to 10 Mins I can survive by closing my eyes 40 mins is definitely going to be a hell.

[@DallasPix]

No matter what's recommended, I can NOT do a MRI period.. Tried it twice.. Told them, get me out or I'm crawling out!! Been this way all my 62 yrs.. Just a HEAD ONLY scan, I might be able to do but full or half or quarter body, nope, no way.. Funny also, with technology, why hasn't there been one developed much larger to have the same quality and the noise is totally ridiculous too!! It's the 21st Century... Thanx for allowing me/us to respond..

[@heenimsj2905]

This! I had an mri and despite being sleepy couldn't go through it. Felt dizzy, claustrophobic and anxious as soon i went head first into that coffin! I find it ironic that we are literally in the 21st century, have developed some invisibility cloak shit, driverless cars, finding life on other planets blah blah blah but can't make open mri devices with the same level of quality? Or even make short wide bore mris at every center an option at least for the brain!

[@denizbaroncello9813]

I had chosed an open MRI last year. few seconds I asked the nurse to take me out. tool some breaths and said im ready. even if its called open MRI less the mechine gets so close to your face you feel claust. ..this year when I saw the newest Tesla MR in the newest hospital of the city, I wet there and saw that inside is big enough and I wont feel klaustrofobic but when i lay inside for breast MR i noticed that i cant make without sedatives. I aked but unfortunatelt they refused to give sedatives. so I left Mr before it begin. I asked to some private centers for open MR but they told for breast open MR doesnt give clear results so they dont do it. Next time ill take medication 45 min. earlier.

[@tsveno72]

I actually did better by keeping my eyes open and also closing them. Breathing and meditation was the key for me.

[@godwin-ewulustella4423]

Really a problem for me. I think the mask and the counting may work next time or just get sedated when all else fails. My issue is the closed space over my head...like you're inside a box 😱

[@CNGravante]

EXACTLY!!💯 That’s exactly what I feel while I was having my MRI scan. I was scared because of that small space. My anxiety level was HIGH.😰😣😣

[@bx279]

I experienced the same thing with being enclosed in a small tunnel. The next time I had to have the procedure when I called to schedule the procedure, I was told that you can request the bigger machine with the bigger hole which worked like a charm. Hope this helps.

[@jemimacoop2726]

Guys the sheer panic I felt when I wanted to get out but didn't want to embarrass myself. They gave me a ball to squeeze to get out. The one I was in was so tight, ridiculous. They got to come up with better ways

[@pjimmbojimmbo1990]

I lasted 5 Seconds in the machine, before I was Screaming, and I mean Screaming, to be removed from the God Damn thing

[@sya6475]

I have claustrophobia, and I went for a mri scan for my backaches. I was in there for approximately 20 minutes. All I did was shut both my eyes and tried so hard to relax myself even though I was so scared. It was really hard, but I told myself that I had it get it done and over with and I did it.

[@Tssprits]

That was closed MRI right ?

[@sya6475]

@@Tssprits Yes, it is. Felt like I was in a coffin ⚰️

[@belleraychel]

You would think in the 21st century, we would have better technology that's focused on patient comfort. This is like going into a coffin. Uh no thanks. I have done stand up MRI's but the images aren't as clear and depending on which part of the body they can be just as uncomfortable for those that are claustrophobic. I would have to be completely under anesthesia going into a tube with a cage over your face. Just like the stupid breast imaging. Your great minds should be able to do better.

[@tonymcgee1146]

Wait until you have radiation on your head! Your face covered by a mask so tight that you cannot even open your eyes... then clamped down and you cannot move 1mm.. 1000 times worse than an MRI.

[@watermelonineasterhay]

They need to make them bigger as people are getting fatter apart from anything else

[@belleraychel]

@@watermelonineasterhay I saw a machine where the person is not in any kind of tube. The small device goes around your body while you lay on a table. It's several feet from you body. Has nothing to do with fat people. I'm VERY thin...no fat here. Not necessary to go there.

[@eviedp1]

@@belleraychel Yes the do make "open MRI" which looks sooooooo much better but the magnets aren't nearly as strong and the images aren't detailed :(

[@allright9674]

after 2 failed attempts it was successful today. I even found it fun and relaxing! tip: do not wear a large headset, but only earplugs. you can then crawl out on your own. that idea of ​​control gives peace. it sounded like a stupid tip, but closing your eyes from start to finish is miraculous. it was great. I was even sad that it was over. I was in such a clam state of meditation.

[@jackjohnson7396]

I had one fully in for 45 minutes. It was Ok but nothing I would do again if possible. Can see why some would have issues with it. Next time I may request the med the doctor offers at his office to be given at the MRI appointment.

[@christinehales4222]

I needed an MRI scan of the brain last year I've had CT scans before.,never an MRI .I mentioned claustrophobic & was able to have an ' open' MRI.Theyd given me diazepam but didn't need to take it .I understand there 's scanner when you can sit down, presumably for those who aren't able to lie down .

[@overrooftops]

Nice video. I learned many ways to calm myself during an MRI. Thanks for sharing!

[@cynterslave]

I’m my 20s I had a spinal fusion. MRIs weren’t fun, but I could do them, probably because I was quite drugged up on muscle relaxers and painkillers. With new issues in my late 40s I completely panicked in the MRI machine. I hit that panic button the second the tech closed the door to start the exam. She could barely get me out fast enough! It was awful. I ended up having to do an open MRI, which was like a clam shell. Still not good, but I was able to do it

[@gailcrowe727]

I have suffered from claustrophobia all my life. I have had 3 MRI scans, one was not on my head so that was ok. The second one was but did not last long and I coped. The third one was in a newer machine and the roof of it was much higher and I was ok with that. It’s a horrible thing to have.

[@natashakenny7838]

To anyone who wants to do an MRI ...I am claustrophobic and had to get an MRI of the knee , so was sent in legs first ..At first I was calm & all was fine till the technician started to push the button for the bed to go in in ...as I got closer to reached to the middle of the machine I panicked & suffered an anxiety attack , thankfully the technician was very patient and stopped , first held my hand & reassured me to take deep breaths after which I calmed down.. asked my family member to hold my hand which reassured me that I am ok. Not my best experience though.

[@akhila1559]

Hey..are consulting any doc for treatment for clastrophobi can u give contact

[@joselucca2728]

Has a patient with claustrophobia and who failed to complete several MRI examinations over the years I can tell you a vertical open MRI is the way to go. This is a machine where you can sit or stand and you can see straight out.

[@twwoody813]

Not any good if you are referred for a brain scan.

[@robinhood2439]

How do you not pay any attention when your mind are all firing negative thoughts. The only way I will get through an MRI is with valium.

[@drewwho4512]

I had my first and hopefully last MRI last week. I was given headphones with music and a button to push "only in the case of an emergency." Due to a recent injury, my left bicep kept cramping up. At one point, I simply could resist the need to move my arm. This threw off a portion of the exam, which meant that portion had to be redone. So, a 45-minute procedure turned into nearly an hour. Meanwhile, I grew anxious due to the confined space. I kept my eyes closed as often as possible and even wondered why I wasn't offered an eye mask to wear at the start. When I opened my eyes, I felt like I was locked in a trunk. Very unnerving. I'm not really claustrophobic or even nervous when it comes to medical procedures, but I have to admit this one threw me. I was so glad when it was over. I suspect my next one will be easier.

[@user-qn2zu3in3d]

I have a question regarding when a CT scan is performed. Does the beam always need to rotate around the body to get the images required. or can your body be scanned by just having the body be moved back and forth into the machine while holding your breath .Also is there a light that comes on.

[@patticonnolly1742]

Yes for mine, I never opened my eyes once the machine started feeding me in, and I sang "John denver- country roads, and went through many tours of my summer garden carefully looking at each plant....in my mind. Had to really talk to myself. 22 minutes went by in what I thought 10, so overall what I did, did wonders for me.

[@romanasinegal8443]

Claustrophobia might not be the only thing that is going on. The fear of being trapped is called cleithrophobia. It's a bit different and you can have both phobias.

[@EricaGamet]

I have said I'm claustrophobic all my life and only recently found out about cleithrophobia... and that explains my issue so much better. I'm going to look into therapy for it. I not only feel trapped by things but people... even one person. For instance, I can be in an elevator and I'm okay (I used to not be able to use them without panicking)... but the second another person who I don't know steps on, the anxiety kicks in. A friend told me to think of them as my ladder for climbing out the escape hatch if we have to be rescued that way... and that actually works most of the time. As a kid I would sit in my closet for hours with the door shut (louvered doors)... the second my brother would sit in front of it and tell me he locked the door (there was no lock), I would start screaming! I think I have may have both, depending on the situation.

[@shartmann2008]

For me it's about being restrained. I couldn't go through my first one. I'm rescheduled with anti-anxiety meds... but I have doubts it will work.

[@astromoonie]

Omg thank you for mentioning cleithrophobia! I've never heard anyone talk about it and every time I say I have it everyone is always like "wut?" Lol.

[@cyndim8785]

I had a MRI last week. I just closed my eyes and ordered a Margarita from the beach bar and enjoyed the heat from the sun and sand surrounding me with warmth. I didn’t dare open my eyes. I asked for Hip Hop music and could barely hear Snoop Dogg sing “Regular”. The cool air was blowing in my face just like the cool breeze would be blowing at the beach. P.S. I am very claustrophobic and have a bad shoulder that needs to be fixed and this is the only way to get my life back.

[@bsworld2]

I was scheduled for an mri of the skull. The combination of wearing a cage around my head and being inside a tight space caused a full blown panic attack. I had to reschedule and get a prescription for a sedative. Im scheduled for the end of the month, and im terrified.

[@jszlauko]

I'm VERY claustrophobic and have had several head MRI scans. I guess for me the cage around my head was not a big deal due to the fact that I ride a motorcycle almost daily, and the cage was really no different than wearing a full-faced helmet. I also just kept my eyes closed throughout the scan, and in a sense pretended I was not in a "tube". I just about fell asleep during one of my scans! I know it's easier said than done, but just relax! It may seem like a small space, but it is not going to trap you, or get any smaller. You also have a button you can press that will have them pulling you out if need be. And keep in mind MRI scans have been done thousands of times, and nobody has ever gotten stuck! Trust me, you'll be fine!

[@bsworld2]

@jszlauko Thank you for this. I ended up taking a couple of lorazepam. That, listening to music (I recommend Metallica), and keeping my eyes closed helped me get through. If you've ever seen 13 Ghosts, that's where my mind was the first time 🫣

[@jszlauko]

@@bsworld2 - Good to hear that it all worked out for you! Even though I had done several MRI scans, a few months ago they wanted to do an MRI scan of my entire spine which they said could take up to an hour and a half. I then requested a sedative. Not sure what they gave me, but man, did that help! At one point I even chose to open my eyes while in the midst of the scan, and saw that the "roof" of the tube was yellow, and pretty close to my face. Thanks to the sedative my only thought was "Oh wow man! That's interesting that it's yellow! Oh well, how nice, I think I'll just close my eyes and try not to fall asleep". Then before I knew it the scan was done. Got to say that for hospitals in that they have the best drugs!

[@feltcelt2576]

Made up a whole song while I was in there really calmed me down

[@rickduncan362]

I asked to be completly sedated and all branches refuse to do so. I have climbed out of an MRI tube previoulsy.

[@marciajohnston5669]

Praying to God and Jesus and keeping my mind on Him helps me! Jesus is our strength

[@Peacefultransfer]

Amen Amen Amen 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾💕💕💕💕💯💯💯💯

[@blackbettyboo5039]

Amen🙏🏾❤️🙏🏾

[@bobg1069]

I focused on an image of being on a beach, looking out to sea. It worked, but it needed real focus

[@yennysat4831]

I just had one, I couldn’t go through it!!!😩

[@Sclimenti82]

Xanax helped me. Taken one hour before procedure. Plus having the mirror glass above my eyes so i can see a little outside the tube, earplugs and having the tech have cool air fan blowing towards my face. I had a brain, neck, spine imagines taken so it was about an hour.

[@johnnyzhivago3933]

We have a second hand MRI machine in our bonus room. My kids love it. I started putting them in it when they were infants so they'd be used to it. We don't have the back end interpretive functions, just the magnet/coils and power supply. Picked it up in Moldova for just under $200k. The power costs and the cooling systems are really expensive, but it's a lot of fun if you enjoy playing around with magnets.

[@marcustompros9836]

Had a MRI of my lumbar region today. Was very anxious ahead of time. The following are tips to the nervous AND SPECIFIC TO LUMBAR TESTS: 1) See if you can schedule a WIDE BORE MRI; its opening is wider than that of a traditional machine without jeopardizing the quality of the image; 2) Go see the machine the day before and speak to the tech directly, informing him/her about your worries; 3) In a WIDE BORE machine, your head will be just inside the machine itself (about a foot), but you will still be able to look out of the machine, both above and behind you. (Most outfits have some sort of scenery on the ceiling for you to stare at during the MRI;) 4) Lumber MRIs last about 20-25 minutes, consisting in a smattering of 2 to 4 minute tests. Each test has its own "strange sounds", some of which smack of aliens invading, others like a bad rock band is tunning its instruments. You will be wearing a headset to dull the noise, which takes a battery or two of tests to get used to. No biggie. Know, though, that you can ONLY communicate with the MRI tech IN BETWEEN tests, not during them; 5) Always ask your tech for a disk of your imaging for your own personal records; 6) My test had a nice cool air-conditioning running from the other side of the machine up through my legs. My advice is to wear light clothes so you don't get hot during the exam; 7) In terms of Covid, if the tech has you masked before the test, remove the mask before going into the machine; If you are at all anxious about the being in the machine, having something over your nose will add to that; (I moved mine to cover only my mouth and should have removed it fully;) 8) Schedule your exam FIRST THING in the morning and try to come in a bit sleep deprived; 9)Breath slowly and steadily throughout the exam; After about the first two batteries, I knew I could finish the test easily: 10) During the exam, go between sleeping and looking up at the ceiling or behind you at whatever your field of vision can capture. When reopening your eyes, do it slowly to ease back into looking around you. Do this every time you make this transition; 11) Ask your tech to inform you about which battery test you are on and how many minutes it will last. (As I wrote previously, there are about 7 tests in total, each lasting from 2 to 4.5 minutes. You've got this!!!

[@catkin3]

I did this because I had to come out fast - could not cope at all with my face covered. I was told that there aren't any wide bore MRI scanners? If you know of a place that has one please could you let us know as it is much need. Thanks.

[@allisonsmith8889]

Nope... can't do one anymore. I had one that was 4 hours long non-stop. It was years ago. Had a few other also that w were shorter that I barely made through but the PTSD from the 4hour one, I just can't do it. I have tried. They just put me in the tube and I freak out. It's just with MRI's. You could put me in something small, anything else and I'm fine but put me in an MRI and it's over

[@cktkb]

Damn, that's horrible. 4 hours? Yikes. That sounds like torture. So sorry you went through that. I would have snapped and asked to get out after 45 min. I have to schedule one and I'm reading all these horror stories. You did amazing to continue being in there for that amount of time. Bless you.

[@watermelonineasterhay]

Why so long? That is horrible

[@pamelalockhart2148]

I had an MRI done today the first few minutes I was anxious I took two Xanax thirty minutes before the procedure and I was still nervous anyhow I made it because I am suffering from a stiff shoulder for two months now

[@debstraw7061]

I had a cardiac MRI the other day, where they fitted a plastic grid over my chest and tied it to the bed. I wasn’t thrilled. However, I’m not claustrophobic and the technician was extremely calm and soothing so I thought it would be fine, and it was. There were lots of instructions about breathing to concentrate on and I could also focus on feeling the bed warm up nicely under my back, while keeping my eyes shut so I didn’t have to look at the tube a few inches above my face. It took just over an hour and naturally I survived, but it was later that day that my imagination kicked in. What if they had never come to get me out of the machine? What if they all mysteriously vanished and I was just left there, then how would I get out with that grid strapped over my chest? What if zombies??? Now to me, that was the scary part!!!

[@TheNoepje]

I just had to react.. Those are my thoughts exactely and I have a mri in hospital tomorrow. I called radiology and they just told me to take an oxazepam. Which I cannot take because of sleep apnea. If there is a way to get out of the machine by myself I would feel more calm. But I get the exact same thoughts as you do.. What If the hospital burns down and I'm still in that machine and they leave me hanging.. What then?! I think it's the sense of control I like to keep. I'm going to see if I can get out myself. If I can't we'll have to reschedule an open mri somewhere.

[@devanturmel4012]

3-4 in 180? In my experience it's closer to 1 in 4. Its very common! Make sure to let your doctor know before hand if you feel like you might be claustrophobic, they may prescribe something to help.

[@jacquelinerogers4595]

If you let your doctor know that you are claustrophobic, he may send you to have an open MRI. There are some facilities that offer this, but you have ask to be scheduled for the open MRI. Some do not volunteer this information. I have my scan done in both the regular MRI and the open MRI; prefer the open one much better.

[@klikkerTV]

Open mri is not that detailed.

[@Murhamdilah]

Does not work for me. Keeping eyes or ears covered even heigten the anxiety. Why not design the tunnel bigger?

[@noeljohnson3918]

Modern ones are bigger since they have better technology. But bigger is much more expensive. And the closer the equipment, the better the image.

[@indaydaku2281]

I pray the rosary in my head until the MRI is done. It calms me. Very powerful.

[@kevinburpee3164]

Yeah - I freak out. I've bailed on at least 6 MRIs - and made it through one... which took all that I could do to get through it - only to have them do the wrong spot so now I have to go back in a month.. and have been having extreme anxiety - can't sleep thinking about it. Then you get mad at yourself for being such as douche... which doesn't help at all. I tried pills to relax but they didn't work. A mask only makes it worse and headphones make it worse. Anything that makes you feel trapped in makes it worse so I just basically sucked it up for 45 minutes with no mask, no headphones, no blanket - and now have to go again because of their mistake. If they will put me under with anesthesia I'm 100% going to do it. Didn't know that was an option.

[@Dana-ml7sy]

To be fair an MRI is a fantastic diagnostic tool & we should be grateful but if you are claustrophobic you don’t look at it like that. I need to practise breathing & calming techniques as I’m claustrophobic & over the past year had to have several MRI’s. They were done in different hospitals & in wide bore MRI’s. I had a visceral reaction trying the smaller bore machines. Spontaneous tears & feeling sick to my stomach & then feeling so stupid as I know it won’t harm me but I just couldn’t do it. The staff were very pleasant & said I wasn’t alone in my reaction, they were used to it. They got done, eventually & tomorrow I’m due for another. I have a self soothing technique of stroking softly where my hand is, barely moving it & breathing steadily & thinking of palm trees & the softly lapping blue sea meeting golden soft sand. I’ve told them I need to use the wide bore & hope they have booked that one or it will be rescheduled. Contrast that with my daughter who had a MRI & she had no problems & even enjoyed it! Update. My MRI in a wide bore took place yesterday. The staff was aware I was claustrophobic. I was not offered music nor a blanket. My legs were given a cushion but it was very flat & another was requested by me to raise them up a little more. Apparently the knees can’t be raised too high or they can’t fit in the mri, but this wasn’t an issue at another hospital. The earplugs & head phones, designed to cut out the mri loud noises also prevented me from hearing the staff speaking to me. I had to have 2 areas scanned & I asked if I could come out after the first, which involved a head cage. I was informed I could but would have to remain on the bed & ready to go back in. I think that the staff was annoyed that I asked to be brought out half way through but complied with my request. The head cage was removed & I went back in. My arms were bent as if in a coffin & were held rigid & they began to shake & at 1 point my back went into spasm but calmed down & I completed the scan. I wish the staff would inform you prior to moving the bed to position you for the scan or take you out. It’s disconcerting not to know why you are moving in advance. Initially my heart rate was pounding so fast I thought I would have a heart attack but concentrating on trying to breath evenly finally worked. If information or words of encouragement were made they would have helped. When I came out my arms were stiff & painful. The staff lowered the bed barrier but didn’t help me out. I was like a beetle on my back so rolled over. Having issues on my back & shoulders I would have thought they could have helped. They were very matter of fact & I got the impression I was just another on the conveyor belt of patients. No allowances were made for claustrophobic, aged & in pain me. I felt proud of myself that I managed to get in the mri without bursting into tears & got through it. It was still an unpleasant experience (for me) but could have been made better by more understanding & helpful staff. My advice to anyone going for an mri is to try to relax, breath evenly & focus on one thing inside or close your eyes, pretend you are in a spa (the area they scan warms slightly but cool air run across you) & remember the scan is for your benefit & the time inside is brief & you could squeeze the get me out of here squeezer that is in your hand all the time. You can speak & they will hear you. Wear long sleeves so your arms don’t directly touch the inside of the tunnel. Bringing a friend or family member in may help to reassure you too. I did that on my first MRI but not on subsequent ones but will do that in future.

[@CC-vl8fe]

Thank you for the encouragement words❤

[@mayisouer1972]

Worst advice from someone who's watching you from afar while you're trying not to have a heart attack or a stroke, fighting with your mind inside that machine.

[@MsSavagechef]

Just seeing the machine gives me a feeling of panic. MRI, CT, being in that tube is frightening to me. I have had so many. The ones where there was a loud banging noise were the worst. Not once have I been the option of listening to music. I have to do one next week. Not looking forward to it.