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MRI for claustrophobic patient.
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Dec 5, 2024 | Replies (12)Comment receiving replies
I’m a real Dr Jekyl/Mr Hyde character when it comes to MRI's. Claustrophobic doesn’t begin to describe the panic reaction I have. It’s been 20 yrs since I’ve had one so getting one last summer was a shock to see how much worse I’ve gotten with it. The 5 mg Valium tablet didn’t begin to calm me down. I need another in the spring and they’ve said they will either double the dosage or send me to Duke for sedation. I tried to fight the panic, but it didn’t work.
Replies to "I’m a real Dr Jekyl/Mr Hyde character when it comes to MRI's. Claustrophobic doesn’t begin to..."
I'm the same way, I have to be put out before I even get in to the room. Year's ago I met an operator that really knew his stuff and could put me in on my stomach which really helped but now I have to much metal and my back is so bent they can't get me flat enough to do the job. I've heard they have an MRI in Idaho that you stand up in a truly open MRI , I out west Utah so I my look at that.
Best of luck and go for the twilight sleep it dose the trick.
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Absolutely!! I had a pelvic MRI with my upper chest and head out of the machine. But then I had the total body one where you go in head first….Didn’t think I was claustrophobic until they weighed me down with heavy blankets and then screwed that freakin goalie mask over my face to keep my head immobilized - I couldn’t breathe. I had about 5” clearance from my nose to the top of the tube.
It was the worst 45 mins of my life and there is NO coping mechanism short of a .45 automatic pointed at my head that would make me go back in there….no way. Actually had nightmares for weeks after, waking up in a sweat.
You absolutely need to be SEDATED - they do it for my friend’s special needs son who constantly twitches and writhes. He is OUT - not merely ‘relaxed’. Talk to your care team or even an anesthesiologist about this because if you are already a known claustrophobic, the MRI is not something you want to tackle on your own. Be firm and don’t take any BS - if it costs a few bucks, it’s the best $$ you’ll ever spend.
Best of luck!