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MRI for claustrophobic patient.

Posted by tking @tking, Dec 2, 2024

I need an MRI but am claustrophobic. I'm told there are no MRI's with big bore for this and not feet first entry with head outside machine. Help!

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rwj613 | @rwj613 | Dec 4, 2024
In reply to @ggimlick "I’m a real Dr Jekyl/Mr Hyde character when it comes to MRI's. Claustrophobic doesn’t begin to..." + (show)
@ggimlick

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.

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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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paul28 | @paul28 | Dec 5, 2024

* bring your own ear plugs to put in and still use headphones also.
*take an anxiety med an hour beforehand; Xanax and/or Zoloft works for me. ( your primary care doc should be willing to hook you up; probably has some free samples right in his office )
*keep your eyes closed or bring a blind fold.
*do a numbers countdown in your head or 100 bottles of beer on the wall, etc. to not focus on sounds.
*remember not to move and concentrate on this also.
* think of the thousands of people who have toughed out this machine and think if they can do it, so can you!
That's all I've got!
PAUL

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