My first MRI

[tavalon]

and I'm going straight to the top. My brain, I mean. Anybody here willing to share their stories of what it's like to be in the machine? And yeah, I'm claustrophobic. But I'm more afraid of not finding out why I keep falling.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. I've had several MRI's, and there are things you can do to help the claustrophobia.

The first thing is find out if they have a larger machine than normal. Some places do, and it does help, esp when your head will be inside.

They should have earphones so you can listen to the music of your choice. They should also have a call button if you should panic.

I found all those measures helped a lot. But mainly I told myself that I needed to do this so the doctor could figure out what was going on. The info gathered is really important.

Some folks need a bit of sedation, but then someone else has to drive you to and from the MRI.

Take care, and good luck to you...

[tavalon]

4. Luckily my primary gave me some lorazepam to take and I'm in the larger machine

Unfortunately, my ride may have flaked and I may have to do it stone cold sober. But yeah, we need the information. And if nothing shows up on this one, I'll know what to expect when they do my spine. And if something does show up, I've got much bigger problems than a fear of the MRI machine.

Thanks to both of you. I posted this quite late as I need to leave in, oh, 10 minutes or so.

[Warpy]

2. If you're claustrophobic, ask for some Valium before you get into that thing

because the space is very confined. Also be forewarned that they're loud, like there are gremlins with crescent wrenches banging on the outside. Let them know if there is any metal in your head like aneurysm clips. No, they won't be pulled out, they just cast big shadows.

However, the longer you can tolerate it, the better because the MRI gives the clearest picture of what's going on with soft tissue like muscles, tendons, and brains.

A low field MRI is less confined but doesn't give nearly as much good information.

Everything you've heard about tats catching fire and piercings being pulled out of tongues is wrong. The magnetic field is strong enough to screw up your watch, so be prepared to surrender it, but it's not strong enough to pull fillings out of your teeth or otherwise aggress upon you.

[MuseRider]

3. This is exactly the right thing to do.

I had one and am claustrophobic. Not terribly claustrophobic but enough to know I would not be still in there for long. A little Vallium and I slept right through it, even through the god awful country music they were pumping in my earphones. I did not get a choice of music BLECHHH! Valium is the best and easiest way to get it done right for them and comfortably for you.

[NightWatcher]

5. Another vote for sedative. Tell them you're claustro and scared

They'll give you a little something to take the edge off.

[Nay]

6. I've had several MRIs and I always have my doc prescribe one Valium beforehand. I pick up

the Valium, take it to the MRI, and take it about half an hour before the procedure. Believe me, you won't feel a bit anxious; you'll sail through the procedure.

I'm surprised the MRI folks haven't called you and asked you if you are claustrophobic; mine always do, and I always get the Valium.

Inside the machine you'll be wearing headphones or earplugs because it makes a lot of banging noises. There is air blowing through the machine so you stay cool and there is less of a feeling of "closeness." But, as I said, the Valium will totally relax you completely and you will have no problem. I fell asleep in my last MRI.