MRI for claustrophobic patient.

They do have large MRI machines for big people and people with claustrophobia. Not sure if that will help you, but maybe they can knock you out when you go in for the MRI.

@tking I’m claustrophobic too. I asked the medical provider who ordered the MRI to prescribe for this. My primary care physician would do this too but I didn’t have enough time prior to the MRI to get in touch with her. I was prescribed Ativan that I took about 45 minutes before the MRI. It worked really well for me.

I know lots of people who are claustrophobic and I’m told it’s quite common for patients to ask for medication for an MRI. You do need to have someone as a “driver” when you are finished as the clinic will not release you to drive on your own.

Can you ask for medication for anxiety of your oncologist or whoever it is that ordered your MRI?

I'm not normally claustrophobic but I sure do get it when doing the mri test. they play music but the machine is making so much noise I can hardly hear the music. I try to keep my eyes closed, I'm always off on how much more time it is till being finished. I know the test is important but it sure isn't easy to take. Best to all.

Forgot to mention, I've had two mri's.. The first time, the tech would keep talking to me over the speaker and that was so comforting.

My husband always closes his eyes before he goes into the machine and keeps them closed the whole time. He hears the music but sometimes tries to distract himself by working on a problem he is trying to solve or thinking about a research idea. Please keep in mind that you can request and have sedation for your MRI--you will just need someone to drive you home afterward, but there is no problem making the request. No one will raise their eyebrows.

@tking, you may appreciate the tips in this related discussion:
- Do you have a coping mechanism to get through an MRI?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/do-you-have-a-coping-mechanism-to-get-through-an-mri/

I was prescribed Ativan that I took about 45 minutes before the MRI. It worked really well for me.

I found out I was claustrophobic after my first MRI, which was for a torn rotator cuff. I have had 2 MRIs and a Pet scan since. My wife suggested I put a towel over my eyes. It really helped. I also asked the people to give me headphones with my favorite 60s music. Makes all the difference in the world. Good luck. P.S. I still dislike going into that tube!

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.

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!