Colonoscopy yesterday - no other lesions. YAY!! Unfortunately, mri on pelvis and abdomen also showed strange shadow on pancreas, so have to return next week for some more pics to be taken. When I had the earlier scans done, I didn't freak out too much because once inside the cylinder I could see some daylight behind me; but I know the scan for the pancreas will place me in the middle of the cylinder and I can already feel that horrible clammy panic of claustrophobia!
Anybody have any similar feelings or am I being a complete and utter WUSS!!!
FormerMember
Hi Lauren - so glad to hear no other lesions were found, or as you say YAY! Great news for you sweetheart. I know what you mean about the MRI Scan. I'm fine with all the others because you can see through them, but MRI! They did try once to put me in, but my panic attack soon disabused them of the idea of trying to pop me in there like a cork in bottle, LOL I just wasn't having it! So they decided they would give me an injection which totally spaced me out - I was somewhere over Mars lol. It's not in their interests sweetheart to have us as panicky, scared witless patients, so if you speak to someone about your claustrophobic tendencies, then I'm sure they will help you through it, ok? Don't work yourself up and make yourself sick, just get someone on the phone who is part of your medical team, or one of the cancer care nurses and explain your fears to them, ok. They WILL help you sweetheart, because suffering from Claustrophobia is not something to try and deal with yourself. Let us all know how you get on Lauren, hold on tight with love kate xxxxxxxxxxxx
I've never had an MRI scan but I don't like the sound of it much, even tho it doesn't hurt. (I'm not really into pain!) I think you should tell them and see if they'll give you some valium or something. Don't be trying to tough it out, that's crazy. Would it help if you closed your eyes?
No, you are definitely not a wuss. Tell them you're afraid and likely to go into panic mode. I'm sure they'll give you something to help.
Thanks so much for your comments, Kate - made me feel that perhaps im not such a big wuss after all! Have managed to get a script for LORAZEPAM which is a little tab that you stick under your tongue before you go 'in' which is supposed to make life easier. So will give it a go and let you know how I get on - mri next week for the little shadow on my pancreas, and a meeting to 'plan' my bowel cancer on Monday. All these strangers telling me what to do with my life; for someone who's always been so independent and continues to be so - IT'S HARD!!! But im really grateful and should stop moaning! A month ago I was on a walking holiday in the Black Mountains in Wales and knew nothing of all this - blissful ignorance?
Last time I had a mri I found the staff abrupt and insensitive - this time, I'm taking no prisoners. If I get the same - I shall tell them how it is!
Thanks for those kind words, and I've asked my colorectal nurse to suggest a tablet to calm me down pre-mri; have got a script dispensed and will see if it works. Better to get used to these machine, I guess - they're going to play a big part in my life from now on!
Hope the MRI goes OK- just keep your eyes firmly closed and choose some nice relaxing music to have played through the headphones! I can't say it's a pleasant experience but think of it as part and parcel of saving your life. I have more problems with the CT scan as I've developed an allergy to the contrast agent.
I'm recovering from rectal cancer so I'll keep a look out for your blogs.
