Mri fear

I didn't ask for sedation.  But as an active 69 year old who hates four walls last year I was back packing around the Greek Islands and was going to do the same in Italy and Spain this year, I decided I would close my eyes and plan/ recite my routes - every town, every archeological and historical site that I would visit in each town..... I had four MRI scans.... it got me through all of them, it took an awful lot of concentration and research beforehand....... but I was getting a little bored with Italy by the fourth..... I hope you get sedation or that this idea helps you.... focus on what you like and plan it thoroughly

I didn’t have sedation but thought about it as I was dreading it. It was nowhere near as bad as I imagined as it’s open at both ends. It sounded a bit like an alien spaceship but similar to Anji, I kept my thoughts focused elsewhere and it really helped. Lying on my front helped too as I could just close my eyes and pretend. I know it’s easier said than done when you are terrified though, so sending love and best wishes for the best outcome xx

Hi l was very nervous about my first MRI after diagnosis. I went to my GP and they prescribed diazepam although on the day of the appointment they ask if you have taken anything.  The MRI staff are lovely and will put a mirror in front of the scanner so you can see out so it doesn't feel as enclosed. I have a fear of hospitals but they made me feel very comfortable. The best thing to do is tell them when you arrive. Also use the ear plugs and headphones provided as it is quite noisy. I hope this helps you. 

Hello lovely  

It’s really noisy as others have mentioned!

 Could you take a pair of headphones or earplugs and listen to some nice music?

I think this would be allowed xxx

It’s the thought of it that made me panic but wasn’t anywhere near as bad as I thought, I would agree with others and say it’s the noise more than anything and  they did put headphones on me to help mask it. Because you have to stay still you aren’t really aware of anything else as you are concentrating lol hope it goes well 

I didn't have sedation for my MRI, but I thought I needed it. I didn't though. Because you're lying on your front with your head in a circular support as if you are having a massage, it's not as bad as when you're having an MRI on your back. Imagine you are having a life saving massage.

You get on the bed outside the MRI and when they slide you in you can't really feel it, and nothing looks any different, because you can't see anything, so it feels less panicky. It's brightly lit.

You can't hear anything but the machine and every so often the radiographer's voice once you are in and because no metal is allowed inside the tunnel (which is open at both ends) you probably won't be able to have music. I joked that Kraftwerk had made a bit of a rubbish album, based on all the noise you hear. Don't get me wrong, I was scared too.

I hope it goes well. Sending love

Hi, as already mentioned you are on your front so this makes it easier. I was petrified but when I walked into the room I didn’t look at the machine at all. I lay on my front put my arms and boobs in position and then closed my eyes. Didn’t open them until all finished! The machine talks to you and tells you how long each bit will be, I used this to work out how long I would have left. The noise I can only compare as a rave with the worst drum and base music you have ever heard! Which made me smile as that’s what my daughter listens to! I find not seeing something means it’s not there and at the end of the day the machine won’t hurt you, but is helping the professionals make you better x x x 

Hi Marthashouse I feel exactly the same as you and got sedation from my GP. I called them up and said I’m due an MRI and I have severe claustrophobia and they gave me a prescription.

I also found an eye mask helps as stops you accidentally opening your eyes. It is noisy, you might be able to use earplugs as long as you’re not gonna be given instructions. 

good luck! 

I have panic attacks, but I am ok in MRI. In my local hospitals they give you headphones. One plays local radio the other gives you a playlist to choose from. You will have a panic button and if you press it they will take you out right away. 

could ask for lorazepam?