MRI anxiety?!
Question: I went for the first part of my MRI today which lasted about an hour. I have to go back tomorrow for the second part which will take an hour and a half. Today had to be one of the most unpleasant feelings I have had since I gave natural birth to my daughter. I freaked out. I am not a tiny girl so it was VERY snug in there. I had to push the button to be let out and have them assure me that I wouldn't get stuck in there. I have to say, the staff was obviously just there to do their job and go home. They weren't all that comforting but I eventually closed my eyes and continued with the procedure. I have never had claustrophic problems but I was truly scared that I would get stuck in the machine. The back pain from laying flat on my back was excruciating. I am seriously considering not going back tomorrow because I am so terrified. I really have to go because my doc thinks I have MS. Any words of comfort to help me get through this?
Answers: I went for the first part of my MRI today which lasted about an hour. I have to go back tomorrow for the second part which will take an hour and a half. Today had to be one of the most unpleasant feelings I have had since I gave natural birth to my daughter. I freaked out. I am not a tiny girl so it was VERY snug in there. I had to push the button to be let out and have them assure me that I wouldn't get stuck in there. I have to say, the staff was obviously just there to do their job and go home. They weren't all that comforting but I eventually closed my eyes and continued with the procedure. I have never had claustrophic problems but I was truly scared that I would get stuck in the machine. The back pain from laying flat on my back was excruciating. I am seriously considering not going back tomorrow because I am so terrified. I really have to go because my doc thinks I have MS. Any words of comfort to help me get through this?
maybe there will be different staff working tomorrow who will be more comforting...if you go, just lay there and try to relax...try to think about happy, positive things, and imagine that you are at home, lying comfortably in your nice soft bed. bring along a cd and ask if there is anyway that you could listen to it while the procedure is taking place. if you are clausterphobic, let them know and see if there is anything they can do to ease your fears...if your dr thinks you have ms, it is probably cruicial that you have this done for a proper diagnosis...just try to make the best of it and it will all be over soon...good luck!
Are there any open air MRI machines in your area. You don't have to be so confined in these types of machines.
Try for Open MRI - it's just a (relatively) small machine over you - like an old-fashioned X-Ray. Close your eyes and drift off. (No one gets stuck.) If the pain is really that bad, you should have it done where they can give you something to help you relax.
The fact that the MRI was already painful is indicative you should seek an alternative. I hope you have given up all "diet" pops - people who drink them lots frequently come down with MS symtoms.