Still get worked up

Hi Jefferey, I for one know what you're going through having been severely claustrophobic since early childhood
abuse, it's been a life long struggle for me and at times it would get so bad I was completely unable to live my life to it's fullest. Most people don't really think about phobias unless they're confronted with it, the help offered is not very good, usually doctors would offer medication to help me cope but this can lead to possible addiction.
When I had my first cancer diagnosis 3 years ago, I was really put through the test of coping because you have so many scans and MRI's which can be a tremendous struggle to get through. I have done some homework on this subject and was pleased to learn that some hospitals have the newest models for MRI's and the difference is fantastic, they are very roomy and have lights inside as well as a nice air flow going through the middle. I was so
relieved to be able to get my scan done in one of these newer machines. I don't reside in the US but I'm sure you can ask your doctor to find out where they have more updated MRI's, it's well worth the effort even if you have to do the research which is what I did. It's just another suggestion to help you cope if you have no other choices than I would ask the doctor to give you a prescription for the test, most doctors are quite agreeable when you explain to them that you're suffering from claustrophobia.

I'm very sorry to hear about the abuse your suffered as a child. Thank you very much, I'll ask for a newer machine, or the biggest machine they have, because I'm well over 6' tall and around 265 pounds.
I've never tried a sedative, but now that I'm older, I might just asked see if they'd provide one.
Thanks again!
Jeffrey.

@woundedbear64 I’ve been claustrophobic for most of my life. I knew that I would never make it into the MRI without full blown panic so whenever I have one (it’s only been a few times) I asked the order physician about sedation. The last time I had an MRI (two years ago) they had Ativan ready for me. It worked very well and I was able to get onto the platform without hesitation for the MRI. Medical personnel are pretty used to these requests. If a medical provider doesn’t want to prescribe sedation or doesn’t think you need it on this one time basis I’d be talking with a different provider.

@woundedbear64
Ask your doctor about the open MRI depending on what your issue is and also a sedative. You might also ask your doctor if an ultrasound would show what he’s looking for.
Jakeyou might also ask your doctor if an ultrasound would show what he’s looking for.

@woundedbear64 Being comfortable during a scan can be hard to get through. I get claustrophobic, too, and the different sounds make me anxious. The last few times I have assigned designs or colors to those sounds, and "paint" a mental picture to distract my brain from overreacting. Maybe you could try that?
Ginger

@woundedbear64
I see from a previous post in Living with Syringomyelia that this is one of the reasons needing a cervical and thoracic MRI. I have it as well along with Chiari Malformation, so I know about getting MRIs either every year or every other.

I have been a patient of Mayo Clinic since 2015. Have had about 8 full spine MRIs since. I still remember my first one. I came to Mayo looking for answers why I was losing the use of my thumb. I was originally scheduled for a full spine MRI which was broken down to be performed on two different days. I knew of the close quarters when inside, but knew it had to be done. So image my surprise that as they progressed down from the top of my head they found an abnormality so a full spine was performed on that one appt. Talk about trial by fire. They always schedule full spine (top of the head to tailbone) in two separate days due to the length of time spent in the machine. But I made it thru with flying colors.

Since that first time my rule of thumb has been as soon as my head is in the “cup” my eyes are closed until they pull me out when the MRI has been completed. I then remove myself mentally as to where I am. I listen for the tech’s voice telling me any instructions, questions, when the scan is happening and how long it will be. Other than that mentally I have removed myself. I usually try and keep my mind busy counting how many scans are completed. But I get bored doing that. Then I may think about when I was was little I would say all those things we say as children. Replace ‘Mom’ with the tech: Mom I am bored, there is nothing to do. Mom are we done yet? It always makes me smile.

The key is to keep your mind thinking of anything other than where you are and why you are there. As soon as your mind wonders back to where you are, you tell yourself to stop, you are not going there. I am not saying it is easy to talk yourself thru this, it isn’t, but as you do this more and more it becomes easier.

Create pictures in your head. An example would be: seeing the referee at a football game throwing a flag and saying “unnecessary roughness”. Which means….your thought of being in the MRI machine is playing rough with emotions. Or “delay of game” as you thinking of where you are is delaying the time of you laying there. As life has taught us, time slows when we are doing something we don’t want to do and time flies when we are having fun. These may sound crazy, but I have used these anytime I feel I am thinking/worrying about that I know I shouldn’t be. It stops me from doing it and even makes me laugh.

I also make sure that the cushioning under my knees is the perfect height. The warm blanket is a must when they ask! I absolutely LOVE that!! So when they pull me slighting out to put the contrast into my IV I always ask for a new one before being slid in again. Eyes are still closed. No peeking.

While an open MRI maybe an option, consistency in what type of MRI used each time is important in seeing if there are any changes. Discuss your issues with your neurosurgeon Dr Marsh. If you also see a neurologist talk with him or her as well. Communication with your medical team is important. They too can offer suggestions and support. The needs of the patient comes first!

Mayo’s MRI techs and staff are so amazing. Since I have some nerve damage in my hands it is difficult for me to get the ear plugs in and out, they do this for me.

The entire staff at Mayo is the BEST! I actually look forward to my annual trip to Mayo to see my doctors and having any test. Everyone I encounter is so knowledgeable, caring and have a great sense of humor! Their medical care is the BEST and as the saying goes ‘laughter is the best medicine’. So it is a win-win! Love my Mayo medical team!!!!! Can no longer image my life without you!! ❤️❤️❤️

I hope I have been of some help and support to you.

Thank you!

I'll ask about that, I don't know if Mayo in Rochester has an open M.R.I. but I think Duluth might have one. I'm scheduled for Tuesday, so I waiting to long, but I'll definitely look into it for the next one I need. Thank you!

I used to think of Christmas carols while the banging was going on. Or try counting to however much time each scan is. But having that cage over my face, and things tucked around me to help stop moving, really freaks me out after a while. But if I can remember, I'll give your idea a try. Thank you!

Hi @woundedbear64 I’ve had several head to tail MRIs at Rochester over the past few years. The latest machine reduces the time by a half hour so that’s cool. Also, since your appointment is coming up on Tuesday, you still have time to get a prescription for Ativan (Lorazapam). It’s a mild anti anxiety med that works really well for the claustrophobia!
It comes in .5mg tablets. My orders are to take 1 table an hour before the appointment. Then another .5 mg tablet 1/2 hour before the appt.
Then take one last pill while in the reception room!

From my experience, you really will feel so much more at ease and I’d bet it won’t bother you at all! But don’t delay. Either call or get to the portal asap so you can pick up the med at your local pharmacy or at one of the Mayo pharmacies in Rochester at the clinic. ☺️

Go into your patient portal and write a message to your provider! It’s not too late.