@azkidney57 Hi, again! Just responded to you in another discussion! I, also hate MRIs, but I try to think of them positively—they can show good outcomes. I have a “meditation” thing I say to myself during the test. Valium also helps. My mother, who had her first MRI at age 95, says the sounds make her think of a teenager in the next car playing his music too loud! One person has suggested asking the technicians to put on loud music. Becky

Good morning @azkidney57, I have had my share of MRIs. Here is what helped me, at least until the first head/ brain one.
1. I schedule them as early as possible to avoid “awfulizing” all day. (I like that word, @gingerw ).
2. I accept my friend’s offer to go with me. She is a nurse and so she is able to sit in the room with me.
3. And this one is very helpful......I ask that the technician NOT touch my head or body with any part of the equipment or accessories. I keep my eyes closed. This enables me to not feel the restraining environment and jump right into claustrophobic panic. Instead I envision a favorite beach or mountain. And I will be super honest and admit that imagining great sex can cut the time and put a damper on a frightening emotional response. Give it a try and then let me know how it works so that others can benefit. May you be safe and protected. Chris

@azkidney57 , I have had several MRI's and every time I go for mine they will have ear phones with music playing loud (not to the point of hurting my ears)
and they would ask what kind of music I wanted to listen to. However, I understand not all machines are equipped with it, so I would recommend what @becsbuddy said. My mother was claustrophobic and they advised her to take a Valium which did help her. Try to think nothing but happy thoughts.

@azkidney My mother had her share of scans, also. She had had mini-strokes. Two things didn't help: she had some mental health issues and in her last 10 yrs developed Alzheimer's with dementia. The only way they could keep her calm enough was for my dad to be in the room, rubbing her feet. I recall as a young child she taught me to rub her feet with a simple lotion and it always really relaxed her. Perhaps if they would allow, you could pipe in an audio book to get lost in?
Ginger

@azkidney57, thanks for starting these discussions about scanxiety. You'll notice that I merged the two separate discussions into one discussion that can be seen in the Kidney group, Cancer group and the Cancer: Managing Symptoms group. This will bring everyone together to discuss this important topic. There's also a related discussion from a little while ago that you may be interested in reading:
- Coping with anxiety while waiting https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/coping-with-anxiety-while-waiting/

I also want to welcome @lieutenantasmith. Can you share why you needed MRIs?