Panic Attack!
 

Well, I always knew that I am claustrophobic but.... this is ridiculous! :mad:
Had an open flair MRI, sitting up, no less, and had a full blown panic attack somewhere around the fourth scan. :eek: Mind you, there are six scans without contrast and two scans without contrast.
I have had MRI's before. I have always been sedated in the traditional "shoot the tube" type. I have had one other upright, open flair MRI. I was not sedated for that one. I did manage to get control and finish the test. However, I felt so stupid.
I guess it was just a rough day.
Had a lot on my mind.
My symptoms have escalated again, after being on a plateau for over a year. My symptoms are never gradual. They always escalate in a formidable fashion.
As a result my neurologist ordered a MRI and a whole panel of blood tests. With me you never know whether my neuropathy or my MS is causing problems.
Well, we shall soon know the answer to all of that.
I guess I just had to vent my frustration with my childish behavior that I have not exhibited in 15 years!:confused:

It is NOT childish and don't beat yourself up for it. It happens to a lot of us with or without be claustrophobic.

I experienced that once. I wanted to be "tough" and decided "heck, since I have MS I am going to be doing these all the time so, suck it up." No, it didn't happen that way. I was in the "tube" for maybe a minute or 2 and they had to get me out. We tried it again, same thing happened. They ended up giving me Xanax under my tongue and within 10 minutes I was relaxed enough to do it.

I now go to MRI's sedated. No more sucking it up.

I have had a BUNCH of MRIs and last year, out of the clear blue (I always have the conventional - shooting the tube kind) - I laid down, the took me back into the tube and I panicked before they even got started. Complete and utter panick !!! :eek:

I was pulled out, calmed down (still no meds) and then asked if I wanted to try it again so I said yes. I was determined to get the thing done. I was pulled back into the tube and immediately started screaming "GET ME OUT, GET ME OUT, GET ME OUT !!!!".

They pulled me out. The tech was so incredibly nice about the entire incident and told me to request meds and they would hang on to my orders !!!
I got the meds, but waited about 6 months and went back and did it again without the meds and had no problems. Go figure !!!

I don't want to take meds because I always have to drive back to work after the test.

So it happens !!!! And.... I do not consider myself to be claustrophobic !!!

Snoodles

My Doc gave me valium to shoot the tube. I'm not clostrophobic, but I have an anxiety disorder and would, at the drop of a hat, have a panic attack..:eek:

One MRI, I decided to listen to music, while in there......LOL, the music was causing me to panic andI asked them to shut it off....I was much calmer then..:D

Don't feel imbarrassed, Rachael. It happens to the best of us. :hug:

Oh, Rachael, take it easy on yourself. My MRI tech told me that more than half of MRI's are interrupted when the patient needs to relax and regroup. Aside from the space issues, it's bloody hard to hold perfectly still for several minutes at a time. We're not designed that way!

Just remember that the radiologists are professionals and do this all day, they'd rather have you ask for a break than see you get upset. Honestly, they do care!

Anxiety attacks are not fun. Dont let it bother you, I'm sure the people doing the MRI are used to people having anxiety.

I hope you are feeling better soon.

I literally ran off of the table and out of the room into the waiting room during my first MRI. I take a Valium about 1/2 hour before I go into the scanner now and they give me another one as they are about to start the scan. I usually am so loopy by then, I can't get off the table. I've never had any problems with the technicians. Inform your Dr. ahead of time, and he or she will let the imaging centre know that you are prone to panic attacks.

It's quite common. People aren't meant to be in those machines with such loud noises sober...:D

Well, Nevada Leftie as you can see, you are not alone. MRI's totally freak me out too. And, I've had so many, I know they aren't going to hurt me but I still get nervous.

I bet you'll be fine next time! And, remember the "better living through modern chemistry" slogan & ask for drugs. :winky:

:ROTFLMAO::ROTFLMAO::ROTFLMAO::Head-Spin::ROTFLMAO::ROTFLMAO::ROTFLMAO:

One of these days, you and I are going to tip some pints, woman!!!! LMAO!!!!

http://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/er...smiley-004.gif

Thanks for all of your encouragement.
I know next time will be better. :)