MRIs
singingflutelady
Posts: 8,736 Member
I have never had one before and I'm scheduled to have one soon to help the surgeon see what surgical options are available for my intestines. The though of lying still in a loud tunnel for an hour terrifies me. Does anyone have experience with them and relieving scanxiety.
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They're loud and boring. Ask if you can have headphones to muffle the noise, or bring ear plugs just in case. If they're just looking at your intestines, they will probably just have the lower part of the body go inside the machine - your head will not be in the enclosed space. I mainly do things to distract myself, like count the time in a rhythm or sing Disney tunes to myself. Meditative breathing techniques help as well.2
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They're loud and boring. Ask if you can have headphones to muffle the noise, or bring ear plugs just in case. If they're just looking at your intestines, they will probably just have the lower part of the body go inside the machine - your head will not be in the enclosed space. I mainly do things to distract myself, like count the time in a rhythm or sing Disney tunes to myself. Meditative breathing techniques help as well.
I'll ask if they could do it feet first. I don't want it but I hate my fistulas even more and I know they can't fix them with the scan.1 -
I'm pretty sure they can give you a Xanax or a Valium if you want. You might ask. Lots of people get a bit freaked.
I have had an MRI. I did not find it difficult at all. You might have the same experience.0 -
I hope so. I really want this surgery so I think I can push myself through the scanxiety0
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They're loud and boring.
This. Although I don't remember mine as being very loud. I had one two years ago (in addition to an ultrasound, colonoscopy, and about 4 other procedures that I'm not sure of the English name for) in order to diagnose unexplained stabbing abdominal pains, so also abdomen/intestine region. The main thing I hated was being light-headed because I wasn't allowed to eat for 3 days due to all the different procedures, so I felt like I was floating. Tell the technician anything if you think they should know (weird reactions, freaked out, too cold, anything) and they'll usually know exactly whether it's normal or how to re-adjust to make you more comfortable.0 -
tbonethemighty wrote: »They're loud and boring.
This. Although I don't remember mine as being very loud. I had one two years ago (in addition to an ultrasound, colonoscopy, and about 4 other procedures that I'm not sure of the English name for) in order to diagnose unexplained stabbing abdominal pains, so also abdomen/intestine region. The main thing I hated was being light-headed because I wasn't allowed to eat for 3 days due to all the different procedures, so I felt like I was floating. Tell the technician anything if you think they should know (weird reactions, freaked out, too cold, anything) and they'll usually know exactly whether it's normal or how to re-adjust to make you more comfortable.
Luckily it's my only test that day (I have had ct scans, colonoscopyies, endoscopies, x-rays, etc since I have crohn's disease) so no fasting0 -
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I had to have a few of my head last year, and I hate small spaces. Add anxiety into that and it wasn't fun. Plus I had to have it redone because I forgot to take a piercing out. But I actually just sat and counted in my head, kind of like counting sheep. It sounds stupid, but it was just enough to distract me without thinking too hard and spiking the anxiety. I also don't remember it being loud, but I had mine due to a concussion, so really not remembering things doesn't come as a surprise.0
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I've had multiple MRIs. Various body parts. The scan is always head first. I've been given ear plugs and headphones. The technicians always ask what kind of music I want to listen to. And they check in and walk you through the steps while you're inside. It's boring. If you suffer from anxiety, they should be able to put a towel over your eyes. I fell asleep during one. Lol.
Best wishes!0 -
I've had many MRIs - - more than I can count or remember.
Bring your own earplugs - - Mack's Pillow Soft Silicone Putty is the BEST! The spongy ear plugs that they usually give you are junk.
Other than that, just close your eyes and let your mind wander. Go to sleep, recall old memories or movies or whatever. The time will fly by.0 -
I've had one -- full body inside since it was of my head. I don't care for enclosed spaces, but I did fine. I got to choose music, and even though it was loud and strange sounds, I actually got to the point where I almost fell asleep, as well! You'll do fine -- like others have said, just let your mind wander and think of relaxing scenes, etc.0
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I agree with the others that suggested to let them know you are anxious. It's very common to be nervous, they should have options to help you. I had one on my brain; luckily I was able to relax and doze while I was in the tube.0
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I've had a few, they always give me headphones and play music I like. I'm not claustrophobic, so they don't really bother me. Really, my biggest issue is trying not to fall asleep, because I twitch when I go to sleep and I need to stay perfectly still during them. I actually find them quite relaxing.0
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Granted she is a child, but my daughter had to have one. It is loud and you have to lay still. She's now got a touch of claustrophobia thanks to the event. She wasn't able to complete the test so we rescheduled with anesthesia. Maybe a Valium would help?
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Loud, strange sounds and it being boring were the worst part for me. I just had one done on my low back about 30 days ago. The ear plugs and the warm blanket the techs gave me helped. Someone should call you beforehand and they will ask if you are claustrophobic. Tell them you are anxious about it, your doctor will prescribe you a sedative (if you want it.) You can also ask them to tell you how much time is left every 5 minutes if you think that would help. (I personally like to know)
Good luck, it sounds like you want it enough that you will get through it.
You have been very supportive and logical to many on here, so we will be thinking of you! It sounds to me like you've been through some stuff before, so this should be relatively easy for a person as strong as yourself!1 -
Thanks! I'm feeling less anxious about it now!1
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In my area we have an open mri place, it offers more open space and air flow. I wonder if you qualify for that and/or if it's available in your area. Good luck!0
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Just remember, that's how an MRI is supposed to feel and sound.
I had a closed MRI and thought: I can't do this.
Then thought: it's like this for everyone, I'll be fine.
...... so will you0 -
How did it go?0
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singingflutelady wrote: »I have never had one before and I'm scheduled to have one soon to help the surgeon see what surgical options are available for my intestines. The though of lying still in a loud tunnel for an hour terrifies me. Does anyone have experience with them and relieving scanxiety.
They are fine . They will put headphones on you and play music . Relax , close your eyes , stay still and go into meditiation mode .0 -
singingflutelady wrote: »I have never had one before and I'm scheduled to have one soon to help the surgeon see what surgical options are available for my intestines. The though of lying still in a loud tunnel for an hour terrifies me. Does anyone have experience with them and relieving scanxiety.
It's not bad at all. Years ago, I had one because I had severe headaches and they wanted to check for a brain tumor (I was okay). You wear earplugs and lie there for a while. The one I was in was not completely closed. Just don't psyche yourself into nervousness and you will be fine.
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My 10 year old has had multiple brain MRIs for a brain tumor. You got this. Just breathe and ask for headphones or sometimes they have actual movie googles. They are loud, but you get used to the noise.
Hopefully you get good news.
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It's not til Tuesday. I'm feeling better about it.0
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Good luck!
It's important to make sure your position is comfortable! The technicians don't like it when you move, as they have to start the cycle all over again if you do. During my first MRI I started with my arms folded over my chest, which turned out to be a bad idea as they ended up going numb which led to me worrying about blood flow and ultimately moving my arms, so we had to start one of the cycles again. Lesson learned, after that I've always kept my arms at my sides.0 -
I had my MRI and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. They let me go feet first but there was no music. I was actually really relaxed after the first 5 or so minutes once I got used to the coffin feel!1
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I'm glad to hear it went well! It would have been weird to go head first if they were just checking your abdomen. But it's not so bad
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I'm glad to hear it went well! It would have been weird to go head first if they were just checking your abdomen. But it's not so bad
Yup! They told me to lie feet first so thankfully I didn't have to ask. My head was still in the machine but I couldn't imagine going head first!1 -
I've had one. They are kind of loud so if you think that will bother you you may want to bring earplugs.0
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