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Do you have a coping mechanism to get through an MRI?

Posted by Rubyslippers @triciaot, Dec 20, 2023

Would you share how you cope during an MRI? There are some people who get concerned about the claustrophobia and loud noises. It might be helpful for them to hear your ideas.
While I was waiting for a breast MRI I started talking with another woman who had to come back for an MRI re-do. She had not been able to make it through her first MRI and was really concerned she couldn’t do it the second time. My heart really went out to her. I wish that I could have sat through the MRI with her to help calm her.
I told her for my first MRI I counted backwards from 100. I think I got down to the 30s. I also sang to myself 99 bottles of beer on the wall 🙂

I had a brain MRI this summer. I counted the songs they played through the speaker. I figured most songs are about 2-3 minutes so to get through a 20 min scan, it would take about 7 songs. I knew I could lay there for 7 songs, and I did.
What has worked for you?

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kimogi57 | @kimogi57 | Dec 23, 2023
In reply to @maryanne7 "Maybe your doctor would prescribe one Xanax or one Valium. They will likely advise you that..." + (show)
@maryanne7

Maybe your doctor would prescribe one Xanax or one Valium. They will likely advise you that you need a ride home if you take it. I was told to take the pill one hour before the scan, so I go there early. I did not become loopy or disoriented, I was just relaxed. And, I did have a ride home.

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I have to be medicated. I waited from Aug 2022 until April 2023 to have an MRI because I'm claustrophobic. Something was seen on my right breast during my mamogram but they couldn't find it with an ultrasound. When I finally had the MRI, my right breast was fine but the MRI found ILC in my left breast. It was not seen by the original mamogram. Whatever you do, don't wait like I did. I was lucky they found it by accident. ILC is hard to find by mamogram.

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leolion811 | @leolion811 | Dec 24, 2023

The Breast MRI is the worse- only way to get thru it is Xanax, otherwise I have panic attacks. (Just had another one this week)

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katgob | @katgob | Dec 24, 2023
In reply to @bettycollins "I had a breast MRI. I have found, with every procedure, if it is fully explained,..." + (show)
@bettycollins

I had a breast MRI. I have found, with every procedure, if it is fully explained, there is less to fear. The surgeon fully explained the process of mine before he booked the actual appointment. I have had hip and spinal MRIs in the past so I was familiar with the noises. I am the type who is interested in how this machinary works. So I generally lie there with eyes closed , listening , and wondering, what's it doing now ? . And wondering why MRIs still make this much noise, with all the amazing technology in this world. The sounds have not changed in 20 years ! The breast MRI was only different because of the positioning. But none of it, in my estimation was scary. Waiting for results can be trying but again, Do not give results the energy of fear! No matter what the result you will get through it! Wishing you all the best as you go through this process XO

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Love it Betty. Beautifully said and I felt the same way. Fear is lessened greatly knowing what is to come. Reminds me when I had a vaginally US and a friend told me about the process in its entirety. I did not know.
I was 40 and my period stopped.

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frogjumper | @frogjumper | Dec 24, 2023

When I had my MRI in January I was scared to death not so much of the test but the results. During the MRI though the headphones lasted about 10 seconds on my head before they fell off. Actually would have preferred the silence before the noises. I think if you just try your best to zone out I also do "box breathing" when I get stressed and it helps. Step 1: Breathe in, counting to four slowly. Feel the air enter your lungs.
Step 2: Hold your breath for 4 seconds. Try to avoid inhaling or exhaling for 4 seconds.
Step 3: Slowly exhale through your mouth for 4 seconds.
Step 4: Repeat steps 1 to 3 until you feel re-centered.

Best of luck and good health to all!

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jknows | @jknows | Dec 24, 2023

I memorize scripture then challenge myself to repeat it inside my head during an MRI. If you aren’t interested in Bible memory, pick a poem or passage from a favorite book or song lyric. It keeps my mind occupied during the procedure and helps put some distance between my mind and what is happening.

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msandbreastcancerwarrior | @msandbreastcancerwarrior | Dec 24, 2023
In reply to @katgob "I had a breast MRI. I was told how I would be placed by a friend,..." + (show)
@katgob

I had a breast MRI. I was told how I would be placed by a friend, so as they told me I would be face down, I just went with it. They offered a headset and music, but I said no. I first just got as comfortable as the position let me and their guidelines I was given. Do not move. What i ended up doing was listening. The clinks, the clanks and all the sounds the machine made. I thought of the engineers who created the contraption the doctor wanted that would help them see inside our bodies. I think the music could fade the sound I liked, so of ccourse doing that or what triciaot suggest is good. But most important is staying still.
I also lastly, said in my head many times that is I stay still I will not have to do this again.

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I get yearly MRIs of my brain and spine due to MS and a bout of Transverse Myelitis.

I learned it’s a lot easier to wear a soft eye mask (no metal) to make sure I didn’t open my eyes.

With that measure in place, I nearly fall asleep during MRIs now.

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gemjaynes | @gemjaynes | Dec 24, 2023

I listened to Classic Rock on a headset during an MRI, and had zero issues -- until Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline" came on after tunes by Cream, Led Zeppelin, and Blood, Sweat, and Tears. It was all I could do to NOT push the panic button.

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nora305 | @nora305 | Dec 25, 2023
In reply to @msandbreastcancerwarrior "I get yearly MRIs of my brain and spine due to MS and a bout of..." + (show)
@msandbreastcancerwarrior

I get yearly MRIs of my brain and spine due to MS and a bout of Transverse Myelitis.

I learned it’s a lot easier to wear a soft eye mask (no metal) to make sure I didn’t open my eyes.

With that measure in place, I nearly fall asleep during MRIs now.

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I have done the same. I wear a soft eye mask for an MRI, and it has worked out well for me.

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marykaym63 | @marykaym63 | Dec 26, 2023

I listen to music…for me soft jazz and practice slow, deep breathing. Returning to following my breath when I get distracted. I have a breast MRI once a year.

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