Mri
- Thread starter MissCroft
- Start date
I have an appointment for an MRI tomorrow and I'm nervous.Do they give you some type of sedative beforehand? I've heard conflicting info.... is it really all that bad? I just want to know what to expect and any input would be helpful.
You will likely come on here and laugh about how nervous you were after it is done, but to answer your question about a sedative I guess they would give you one if you really wanted one, I do not see how it would effect the MRI results.
They're going to be looking at my brain. A little nervous about my head being in there and not being able to move.... And I've heard the machine makes really loud banging noises(?)
I go in for brain scans frequently. The machine does make loud clicking noises but I fall asleep every time lol
The MRI is a loud piece of diagnostic machinery. They will give you hearing protection when inside and yes, you must remain still. If you are claustrophobic you will most definitely have issues. Usually your physician would prescribe you a sedative for the procedure, because the physician who set the MRI up doesn't know the meds you are on.
If you don't have a sedative, a piece of advice if you find this difficult. Close your eyes before going into the machine. You lay on a platform that moves into the machine. Don't focus on the noise, it is loud, but use it as white noise. Focus your brain on a task. Count and picture the numbers in your head. Do the times tables, recite the periodic table, count to one thousand, by fives, count to one hundred by twos and simultaneously backwards from 100 by twos...you get the picture. The process takes about 15-20 mins usually and before you know it you're done.
Good luck, I hope this is all for naught.
If you don't have a sedative, a piece of advice if you find this difficult. Close your eyes before going into the machine. You lay on a platform that moves into the machine. Don't focus on the noise, it is loud, but use it as white noise. Focus your brain on a task. Count and picture the numbers in your head. Do the times tables, recite the periodic table, count to one thousand, by fives, count to one hundred by twos and simultaneously backwards from 100 by twos...you get the picture. The process takes about 15-20 mins usually and before you know it you're done.
Good luck, I hope this is all for naught.
I did MRI 3 times and dirkd101 was spot on. They did an mri on my leg and it was quite simple because the machine just focused on my lower half of my body. However it is a different situation when they did an mri on my shoulder as I had to literally go inside the whole way. It is very loud and was taken back by it. I didn't receive any warning nor did I do any research. If you are claustrophobic, please let them know asap. Wish you well and I hope your health is ok.
thumper18474
Well-known member
I actually fell asleep during mine..the sound is similar to tapping a hammer on steel...lightly..not sure of the decibel level..
I have an appointment for an MRI tomorrow and I'm nervous.
The other members didn't tell you you have to be totally naked during the procedure. Just kidding!
I had one done a few years ago for my back. They actually postponed the original appointment because there was a horrible auto accident and those folks took priority.
You exhibit a zest for life and a kind,inquisitive,intelligent nature in your posts.
Use those attributes to create an adventure. I think you will be fine.
If memory serves me correctly, they give you a panic button so you can stop the procedure if it's overwhelming.
Best wishes from us all
Use those attributes to create an adventure. I think you will be fine.
If memory serves me correctly, they give you a panic button so you can stop the procedure if it's overwhelming.
Best wishes from us all
Yes as kirby2006 says there is a panic button. And dirkd101 is spot on here. There is often 'open' MRI which is less claustrophobic - but the downside is it takes twice as long to do it. The noise can be loud, it comes in spurts...jackhammerish at times, but not hearing damaging but it does get your attention, even w the foam earplugs. Make sure to remove all your metal (they'll quiz you tp insure) and you gotta tell them if you got some metal in ya. I closed my eyes and tried to relax, keeping in mind that if you move too much they gotta start again. but the eyes closed helps ya forget yer in the tube. I also counted...to 300 (which is 5 minutes) and did that 6 times. Good luck. I know I could now say when people would say to me: "Dude you oughta get your head examined" I could now proudly say "Thank you I just did!" LOL
As indicated before. You should be okay unless you are claustrophobic.
My friend was put into a rigid mask for her head MRI and felt trapped and scared.
If this sort of thing applies to you. Try to get a valium or atavan.
Here's to hoping for a benign or positive result
My friend was put into a rigid mask for her head MRI and felt trapped and scared.
If this sort of thing applies to you. Try to get a valium or atavan.
Here's to hoping for a benign or positive result
dirk101 is correct Missy, unless you are claustrophobic there's nothing to worry about. I've had several.
The only other problem that could arise is tiny shards of metal in your body, but you've never worked in a metal shop so there's no problem. Just relax, and I hope all remains well with your health.
The only other problem that could arise is tiny shards of metal in your body, but you've never worked in a metal shop so there's no problem. Just relax, and I hope all remains well with your health.
Hello Miss Croft!
If you are claustrophobic then you will probably feel anxiety. If possible, go to your Doctor (preferably) or a Walk In Clinic and tell them you have anxiety and claustrophobia and feel a lot of anxiety in light of your upcoming MRI. Bring your requisition as proof.
Ask to be prescribed a SINGLE 0.5 mg tablet of Clonazepam. It is an effective anti-anxiety medication that will not make you drowsy. Or a SINGLE 0.5mg tablet of Xanax. This is more likely to make you drowsy.
Normally walk-in clinics won't prescribe benzodiazepines to walk in patients due to abuse and trafficking potential. But a single low dose tablet for your stated purpose should eb regarded as reasonable and with zero potential for abuse or resale.
I could tell you that there is no rational reason to feel anxiety but claustrophobia and anxiety don't care much about being rational!
Here is a video that might help you prepare and lessen your anxiety
If you are claustrophobic then you will probably feel anxiety. If possible, go to your Doctor (preferably) or a Walk In Clinic and tell them you have anxiety and claustrophobia and feel a lot of anxiety in light of your upcoming MRI. Bring your requisition as proof.
Ask to be prescribed a SINGLE 0.5 mg tablet of Clonazepam. It is an effective anti-anxiety medication that will not make you drowsy. Or a SINGLE 0.5mg tablet of Xanax. This is more likely to make you drowsy.
Normally walk-in clinics won't prescribe benzodiazepines to walk in patients due to abuse and trafficking potential. But a single low dose tablet for your stated purpose should eb regarded as reasonable and with zero potential for abuse or resale.
I could tell you that there is no rational reason to feel anxiety but claustrophobia and anxiety don't care much about being rational!
Here is a video that might help you prepare and lessen your anxiety
Few years ago I had one done for knee surgery. I was a bit on edge not knowing what to expect. I was put in fully and freaked out. I didn't know until then I was claustrophobic!
I had to go back the next week. My wife being a nurse told me tell the staff to get me half an adivan which I take when I fly long distances which worked. But this time they only put me in just past my knee. When I asked the tech why I was put in fully she said there was no reason for that as it was my knee they were concerned. Human error I guess.
Yes it is painless but VERY noisy. They give you a buzzer to push if you feel claustrophobic which stops the procedure.
Good luck
I had to go back the next week. My wife being a nurse told me tell the staff to get me half an adivan which I take when I fly long distances which worked. But this time they only put me in just past my knee. When I asked the tech why I was put in fully she said there was no reason for that as it was my knee they were concerned. Human error I guess.
Yes it is painless but VERY noisy. They give you a buzzer to push if you feel claustrophobic which stops the procedure.
Good luck
S
**Sophie**
I'm taking my youngest brother next week for his 3rd mri, I'm just trying to keep him company, they can be long waits. I hope everything goes well for you tomorrow, and i'm sure you will be absolutely fine :thumb:
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I had one done for my sinuses, so head first.
I'm claustrophobic. One of my favorite movies is the Great Escape and I have issues watching the tunneling sequences.
No problem. It went so quick I was surprised.
No big noises, lights.
Just lye there, stay still and in 45-60 minutes it's over.
Kidding.
I don't think it was even 4-5 minutes.
Not even enough time to get comfortable.
Nothing serious I hope.:thumb:
I'm claustrophobic. One of my favorite movies is the Great Escape and I have issues watching the tunneling sequences.
No problem. It went so quick I was surprised.
No big noises, lights.
Just lye there, stay still and in 45-60 minutes it's over.
Kidding.
I don't think it was even 4-5 minutes.
Not even enough time to get comfortable.
Nothing serious I hope.:thumb:
I've had 3 MRI's, the head is the worst. I am borderline claustrophobic but the technician was really good. Gave me headphones and put on a Sade cd which really helped calm me down. I was in the machine for 45 minutes. Not the most pleasant thing but better than a root canal or an endoscope. Good luck Chloe I hope everything works out ok.
In all likelihood the procedure will take 45 minutes. can be noisy . you are generally offered ear plugs. A hand held panic device is offered. I usually count the number of images being taken. As long as i can see my feet out the end of the tube I am comfortable . I am big 250 lbs the fit in the machine is tight , If you are average not bad fit. Stay still get the procedure over.
You will be fine.
Hopefully the results are great . God bless
You will be fine.
Hopefully the results are great . God bless
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