[peacheysncream]

I had mine 10 pm last night in a hospital an hour away! Got home at midnight.

The guy who went in after me couldn't hack it so came out saying no one was going to put him in a tube.

I managed it, the whole 20 mins. I was counting and kept my eyes firmly shut. However no one warned me that it burns you. My ears and knees felt burnt and when I came out I couldn't walk. Then came the tears, I cried non stop for 40 minutes!

I feel so rough today, anyone know why? Is it just because I was so tense the whole time or is there another logical reason to do with the magnetic fields or something?

[Mark in Idaho]

In my experience with 5 or 6 MRI's, there is a tension from the whole process. Dealing with the claustrophobic situation takes a lot of mental effort. The noise of the pounding is also a big stressor. To me it is like spending 5 or 6 hours in a crowded airplane. The constant noise, intense fine vibrations and limited movement makes it impossible to relax fully.

So, at least I understand how your body and brain are fatigued from the experience.

[ginnie]

Sorry the MRI caused stress. Did they have music for you.? I brought my own CD, my favorite, and that made the experience much better. If you ever have another, mayb try that. I wish you will. ginnie

[waterwillow]

Noisey and a little bewildering but they played relaxing music and I knew I could press the help button at any time. Staff were great. Try to look at it as a positive action that is only a short investigation. Why not book a lovely meal or massage for after and focus on that.

[andromeda]

I'm so sorry you had a rough time, Peachey. I was terrified of having mine but the staff were very supportive, let me listen to music and talked to me throughout. Did you have anyone to go with you?

I agree with waterwillow - go treat yourself to a nice meal or massage or something. I bought myself a nice breakfast after mine

[peacheysncream]

Originally Posted by andromeda

I'm so sorry you had a rough time, Peachey. I was terrified of having mine but the staff were very supportive, let me listen to music and talked to me throughout. Did you have anyone to go with you?

I agree with waterwillow - go treat yourself to a nice meal or massage or something. I bought myself a nice breakfast after mine

They put on music but I couldn't hear it and when I could it was a singer I don't like so it caused more stress. My husband has been really understanding.

I went alone because I had no idea that I would feel so rough after.

Thank you

[Concussion]

I am not claustrophobic, and have had to have a few "tube" MRI's in the past.

A few years ago, I had the lovely experience of an open air MRI, and I must say, I loved it, and will NOT ever have a "tube" MRI again:

- the open air is quieter
- the atmosphere is more relaxed
- the personnel are more pleasant, since you can see the outside world
- the airflow - which I never before realized being a factor, was such a relief to experience.

If at all possible, find one in your locale, and demand its use. Why Hospitals do not recognize the need to have them in their facility is beyond me - they accomodate those folks who are not able to deal with the closed "tubes", as well as the folks who are suffering with their weight.

[pcslife]

With open MRIs the magnet is not that powerful. Right now many facilities are upgrading to 3T vs 1.5T. With open MRIs they are about 0.6T so obviously pictures are not clear and for brain/neck is not of much value.

But on the other hand open bore MRIs (it is a tube but both sides are open so you don't get that much claustrophobia) and they do have 3Ts.

I have done about 6 or 7 MRIs of brain (with and without contrast), cervical spine, auditory canals, sinuses and even for TMJ Brain MRI with and without contrast took more than a hour. First time towards the end I completely freaked out. Some times I took Xanax (there you go again) to relax. TMJ brain was the toughest one. They give you device which you keep clicking to open your jaw, they take picture, again click to open wide, take picture and goes on and very painful.

Open bore MRIs are very tolerable even though in a tube. With new 7Ts MRIs on research you really have to go into a very long tube and many cannot tolerate. My friend ( a research guy in Philly) mentioned some even in the MRI room got nausea/dizziness before getting inside. But he can lay still there for 3 hours there. All depends on each individual I guess.

Open MRIs will be last option who really cannot tolerate and doctors usually don't recommend it.

I didn't know whether I became claustrophobic because of TBI or I already had it.

Cheers!

[andromeda]

@pcslife

Interesting - I had an 'open bore MRI' then because mine was open at both ends. I have to say that once the initial anxiety wore off and I got into the music I didn't really want to get up I knew about Open MRIs but didn't realise they had different 'standard' MRIs.

[Mark in Idaho]

The open MRI's, with only a 0.6 Tesla will not show any fine injuries. They can image a bit smaller than a BB. The 3 to 6 or higher MRI's can image the fine damage from a concussion if done well. Learning how to tolerate the claustrophobic tunnels can greatly enhance diagnostics.

I have commented before about closing your eyes long before going in the tunnel. Even before the cage is put over your head. Try to think of something besides the MRI. Hold your arms across your chest with each elbow held lightly with the opposite hand. This will prevent your elbows from touching the sides of the tunnel. Get comfortable like this. You may even ask the tech to wrap your arms and body with a soft comfy blanket to create a cuddly feeling.

I am very claustrophobic and have learned these skills to allow me to do may tasks where my claustrophobia would be a problem, I made my living climbing under kitchen and bathroom sinks. I learned how to prevent the anxiety attack when I would get stuck temporarily.

With some practice, the closed in tunnel can be tolerated.