[Dejibo]

I am due for my MRI on Thursday. I am kind of freaking out. I HATE being caged, and I hate being trapped in that machine. What happens if there is a fire? I know they wont leave me, but somehow I just freak out to think I cannot take care of myself should I need to. Being trapped is awful for me.

so, I have some xanax. The MS center WILL give me IV sedation if I need it. I want to be awake for my MD visit afterwards. My last MRI with sedation left me so zonked I couldnt stay for my follow up appointment. it was awful!

so, what do YOU do? sing a song? pray? meditate? pretend you are holding a child that needs it done, and you have to stay to help the child? zonk on drugs, or do you just freak out the whole time?

IM FREAKING OUT!

[PJAMES]

I think you need to do whats right for you......

In tough situations I try to shut my brain down...I try not to think just do......So the MRI is a necessary evil....So I just get mind mind focused and do it...

The machine is not bad....Its the thinking that its bad...Thats counter productive.....

Good luck I pray you can find a way to accomplish your MRI and you appointment....

[Pacifica]

I understand your feelings exactly. I had no idea that I was claustrophobic until I had my first brain MRI. I wanted to sit up so badly and the more that I knew I couldn't, the more I wanted to. My heart rate was over 150. Total panic attack.

My neuro gave me ativan to have at home. I can take the whole dose or just half before any scheduled MRI. I takes away my anxiety but I don't feel drowsy from it, especially if I take the half dose.

I have had so many MRI's that I find I no longer need to take the ativan as long as I never open my eyes. One tech told me that trick and it works great. The second I lie down on the table, I keep my eyes closed. I even keep them closed when they pull me out to give me contrast. Just never, ever open them even if you really feel the urge to peek.

The same tech told me to position my arms on top of my body chest so that I can't feel the sides of the tunnel. This is another great suggestion. I then start to think of a nice trip I have been on and then I am just fine. I always bring a friend with me in the MRI room and she sits and keeps her hand on my ankle. It is very comforting.

I don't know if any of these tips will help but I am sure others will have some good ideas too. Wishing you an easy MRI.

[FinLady]

My MRI center will let me bring my own music CD to listen to while "shooting the tube". Helps to have music I know rather than a radio station.

I request a cloth to cover my eyes. As long as they are closed, I don't freak as much. The times that they've had to stop the scans because of panic was the times my eyes accidentally opened while I was in there.

I breathe deep and pray. I know that everything's going to be ok from the number of times I've been in there. Still, an irrational fear is just that - Irrational. I just do what I can.

[barb02]

I cannot stand the thought of having a cloth over my eyes. I think it would make me more claustrophobic. I close and open my eyes and never have had a problem. During my last MRI they had a mirror positioned so I could see them in the control booth and that helped me. They do not provide music as an option

After my first one, I have taken a low dose of clonozepam and have been okay. I actually go through a standard lecture that I give in my American Government classes, "How a Biil Becomes a Law?" I know that takes about 40 minutes without questions and I have given it so many times that I have it memorized. I am such a geek!!! Then if I need to do so, I start saying the rosary in my head.

[AfterMyNap]

I go to the movies. I make a CD of the audio from my favorite scenes. Or, just a collection of music that reminds me of certain times in life. My mind just goes for a stroll to another place and before I know it, they're telling me it's time to go home. I always make a night appointment and go in my jammies, it's easier for me to relax that way.

[PolarExpress]

It's the one time I'm actually grateful for MS fatigue..I close my eyes, go to my "Happy Place", and take a nap..

[Shashi]

It's funny, I was never claustrophobic until after my first MRI. Now, I have to dope myself up on Xanax before I can even get in one.

(The last MRI I had, I took two Xanax and was babbling something in the waiting room about bunnies smoking cigarettes and putting kittens into larger skins to get them to grow. How embarrassing!)

Good luck with your MRI.

Hugs,

Lisa

[Kitty]

I just close my eyes and actually could almost go to sleep if it were not for the tech constantly asking me "you OK in there?".

I was in the waiting room with a lady who said that she looks forward to her MRI because it's the only place she can be totally alone with no chance of anyone interrupting her nap! She just tells the tech not to talk to her - she'll ring the panic button if she needs help! I think I'll do that next time.

I don't know why the banging and rapping don't bother me. I guess after a few minutes I just get used to it.

Plus, I love the wedge pillow they put under my knees. I've got to get one of those things for here at home.

[wkikta]

My only risk is falling asleep from the rhythm of the machine. If I fall asleep I would probably move.