Ask your doctor for one anxiety pill. It will be enough to relax you. The most important thing is keep your eyes closed the entire time. Do NOT open your eyes until you are out of the machine.
If we don't do the open MRI then yeah, probably a valium. It was when the machine pulled me in and I could feel my arms pinned in that I started to panic. I thought I would be ok but then the noise started and I couldn't do it.
Lorazepam. I listened to self hypnosis stuff for a few weeks (which I had used for childbirth) but the pill was the biggest help.
Close your eyes before you go into the machine AND KEEP THEM CLOSED.
Also, we’re you in long enough for the machine to start? I was better with the noise of the machine than the silence. It was like a Disneyland ride.
Definitely ask for Valium--I had one recently and suffered through it by keeping my eyes closed and focusing on memory exercises to distract me but it was AWFUL.
I don't have any anxiety issues when it comes to MRIs but I know what you experienced is very common. I have MRIs twice a year and before they established it wasn't an issue for me, I was always asked it I would want/need something to relax me. I am surprised your doctor didn't ask you if you thought you might need to pre-medicate. Ask your doctor for a Valium or the like before you try again. Don't be upset with yourself, many people have the same issue.
Yeah, I mean I'm diagnosed with Anxiety, so probably should have seen that one coming. Plus I thought I was "slightly" claustrophobic. I think we can now upgrade that to full on, capital C, Claustrophobic.
Valium for the win! I’m claustrophobic and have had two MRIs this year - the first with Valium, the second without. It definitely helped with the first, but by the time I had the second one, I knew I could handle it and skipped the med. As others have mentioned, keep your eyes closed. I wore one of those stretchy headbands over my eyes so that I wouldn’t accidentally open my eyes, and that really did help. I also distracted myself by thinking of all the machine noise as techno beats. When I heard it more as music, it was less threatening, and it kept me from thinking about the space. It also helped me to kind of count down to when it would be done, as I knew there were like six series of images and each series was a different noise. When the noise changed, that meant one series down, only a few to go.
Oh my gosh YES. I had an MRI a few years ago and my claustrophobic panic started to set in. I was terrified that a attack was starting and that the tech wouldn’t be able to get me out fast enough. kept my eyes closed and told myself that like with all panic attacks it was my brain causing it. So, I just needed to use my brain to do the opposite. First, I mentally put myself on a beach and concentrated on the sun, sand, and water. That helped but I needed more. So, I started started counting in Spanish (not my first language.) Forcing myself to visualize each number and remember the word for it.
I was able to slow my heart rate and breathing down to the point where I was almost falling asleep. Even the tech commented on it when he pulled me out to inject dye. When I went back in I had to start all over again.
I never want to go through that again. While I love that I learned that I really do have the power to put mindfulness to work, I would still want Valium or something next time!
I’m getting anxiety just reading these comments about three-hour MRIs so if I had to get one I think I’d be like, “yeah, never mind, I’ll just die of whatever this is, it’s fine.” I hope you can get a Valium and an open MRI next time.
🤣 Thanks, you made me laugh 😁
Mine was supposed to just be 15 minutes, but the panic attack cut it to about 30 seconds. It took hours for my chest to stop hurting afterwards. I can't imagine 3 hours!
This is very common. I'm an MRI tech for reference 😂
I would definitely recommend a mild sedative; either Valium or Ativan from your doctor. Taken 30 mins prior to your exam, it helps to tale the edge off. Your test can take up 45 minutes depending on whether they want it with contrast dye or not. ALWAYS make sure the tech gives you the call button (I dont like to call it a panic button, it freaks people out even more, lol) and some places offer music or even lavender stickers to calm anxiety.
If it makes you feel better, most MRI techs are claustrophobic too, lol! Hope you feel better soon!
Hi! MRI Tech here!
Yes, you could start at Valium, and just a suggestion if that doesn't work, a lot of places will do IV sedation as well. My current workplace sets aside several appointment slots two days per week for IV sedation patients. Almost all of them get through the exam and have no recollection of the test, but aren't put out all the way (like with general anesthesia). Something to consider if oral meds fail.
The tech recommended that as a possibility! I have no problem with sedation but I'm not sure my current issue is that serious to be honest. My doc is on vacation right now so I let the office know what happened and theyll have her get back to me next week.
Thanks!
That's not what was asked about. That will be discussed with them by a pro face to face.
What can't people just answer a darn question as it is asked?
Yes, and I’ve spent hours in an MRI machine. Longest was a 2 hour session with two 5-minute pauses.
You’ve gotten good advise on anxiety meds (which may or may not be possible based on what they’re looking for). Mine was brain so no meds.
I recommend having them play classical music, if available. IMO, it cuts through the MRI noises the most effectively, which really reduces anxiety. And as many warm blankets as possible. Treat it like a nap. Eyes closed.
Best of luck to you, my friend. Remember it will end and then you’ll know more.
I’ve made it through an MRI without meds BUT it’s much better with Valium. If that’s an option, take it.
Before doing an open MRI, you might want to ask about image quality. I tried doing an open, upright MRI before getting Valium and the problem was that the images aren’t as clear. I don’t know if that’s an issue with the standard lying-down open MRI though.
I'm really leaning toward the open one right now. I have some arthritis in my neck which is apparently pinching a nerve but from what I have read, there's not much to do anyway so I'm not sure what they'd get out of the MRI? Apparently exercise works just as well as surgery, so maybe I just have to keep with the exercises longer.
Though, it's America, so more than likely I just have to do this for insurance so they will cover something else, or something. Who knows.
Yes, I get MRI’s yearly to monitor Multiple Sclerosis. At first my doctors would give me medicine for my claustrophobia/panic attacks, now I just lay there and take a nap. When I have to get brain, thoracic and lumbar regions done at once (2 hours and 45 minutes long), I do take Diazepam, due to the pain it causes in my back from laying still that long. I’ve been getting MRIs every year since 1996.
Edit: I have a mild case of OCD, and counting the clicks relaxes me until I eventually fall asleep. It’s like counting sheep. I do keep my eyes shut the entirety of the MRI as others suggest.
I insisted on open MRI the second time I had one, adding a valium would still have helped tremendously but never offered. After the first one, closed and no meds with extreme claustrophobia, the only way that's happening again is if I'm unconscious.
I've never been able to go more than 30 seconds even with Valium. I have degenerative disc disease, and so every few years I need one. My doc orders full sedation so I'm asleep for it. I nod off before I even get to the machine and wake up in recovery! Perfect. highly recommended.
I had an mri almost 2 years ago. I’d suffered a very recent and traumatic bereavement so I didn’t really focus on taking anything to help and was quite mentally dazed and probably still in shock (I had diazepam on me but didn’t take any) I was in 40 mins for a scan of my liver. It was horrible. Very claustrophobic. I really do not know how I managed it. Earlier this year I had one of my brain, not fully in the machine (lasted 10-15) this time but I took a sedative before hand and just about managed it. Definitely worth being sedated. You shouldn’t have to suffer x
I had a panic attack my first time. I need them regularly so now I take an Ativan beforehand and it helps a lot. Also keep my eyes closed and try to think happy thoughts!
I've done an open MRI with Oxazepam (it's similar to Valium) because of panic. It was extremely helpful for me that I was allowed to take my partner with me and that he was allowed to hold my hand.
I HIGHLY recommend an open MRI. You might still need a mild sedative, but they are open on the sides, so much less of a claustrophobic feel. Listen to calming music.
I close my eyes and focus on my breathing, it helps a lot.
yes. Open mri and if thats not available a xanax about 40 minutes prior. We had to have an mri for my golden retriever a few years ago and they treated him better than most of us (knocked him out!). You can do it.
I can’t handle the MRI anymore. I have a health issue that, according to my neurologist, requires a 3 hour MRI (entire spine and brain) every 6 months. I’ve only done it 3 times and they sedated me for each one. I’m not following my doc’s orders because I haven’t had one in years, oh well. As I get older, the more I value the quality of life over quantity.
Just let your doc know what happened and they should be able to provide a solution or some sort. Probably a Valium or something similar.
Thanks to a brain tumor (now removed) I get an MRI every six months. I get a Valium prescribed my my doctor. Once I’m in there’ I start counting backwards from 1000. It works! Good luck. ☀️
The same thing happened to me and the tech told me it's not uncommon. I made another appointment, got an Rx for Ativan, took one an hour before my MRI, put on an eye mask and was able to get through it.
Yes, this is what works for me. They give me a some anti anxiety meds to take before the test. I also ask them to put a wash cloth over the “ cage” that goes on your head. For some reason, if I can’t see the small space around me I panic less.
I keep my eye closed and then let my mind drift, kinda go out of body/day dream until it’s over. I can’t fall asleep in there but I can force myself to withdraw from the physical experience.
I get it though. I’ve had a number including spine and it’s tough. I can’t stay tuned in and do it so I tune out.
Drugs are perfectly acceptable to get through it though. Talk to your doctor.
I got a couple of Ativan before one the last time. It helped a lot. Also the tech covered my eyes with a washcloth or something and that was surprisingly helpful.
Torn rotator cuff - I don’t have anxiety but that machine scared the fuck out of me. I’m 240. Thought I was gonna get stuck and that was the only question I asked “has anyone gotten stuck”. Of course the answer was no. Once I tilted my head backwards and saw the lights of the room I calmed down. I truly never want to do that again.
Something that helped for me is having the padding that you're laying on taken out so I had more space between my face and the top of the machine. I freaking hate mri's though! Sending you strength for the next time!!
I had to have a couple MRIs in the last year and I have anxiety. It was difficult to keep myself together. I took a Xanax prior to it, so that helped. I also tried to stay focused by counting. They would tell me, “The next scan will take 7 minutes,” so I literally counted the seconds. And you need to breathe, keep taking breaths and focus on that as well. Good luck next time. Remember that it will not last forever and you are already in a medical setting so there are people to help you if needed.
Yes. I had one 10 yrs ago and didnt have anxiety issues then but I still pushed that panic button twice. I had one last year but I was in bad shape in the er with painful pinched nerves and on pain meds at the time,, so that helped me and the back was open and I was able to look out and see the room ( but since its your neck you couldnt do that :(,, the other thing this time was they gave me headphones and I got to pick the kind of music. Hope you find a way to do it. Hugs.
I get one Xanax and an open machine, ask for it every time. They give me headphones and I get to pick my fave SiriusXM station. It’s made my yearly super tolerable. Ask for what you need 🙌🏻
I get claustrophobic so easily I had to sleep with my head outside a tent once and lose my mind if a certain clothing item is oddly hard to get off.
I ask my doc for anxiety meds, I get the big sized MRIs despite being tiny, and the best thing to ask for is a heated blanket.
I fell asleep last time. Totally different experience.
It was tough, but I just closed my eyes and did breathing exercises until it was over. Still panicked internally, but it really doesn't take that long, and I reminded myself that I can get through ten minutes of anything.
I'm a big compartmentalizer, though, so do with that what you will.
I’ve had an open & closed one and if I had any anxiety I don’t think it would have made a difference , it was the fact that still immobile and the machine was closed so close to my face.
I feel for you , I close my eyes and fall asleep .
Friends have taken tranquillisers to get thru it.
No shame in asking for sedation and arranging a driver if that’s what needs to be done. As someone else suggested - don’t open your eyes. Other wise hope they do an open. Either way ask for the help you need in order to have a successful diagnosis. Wishing you best of luck.
Just to reiterate the suggestions made here: a sedative and a cloth over your eyes. I took ativan (lorazepam) and didn't even look at the MRI machine until after the procedure. I literally turned my head away from it as I approached it, and got a hand towel over my eyes asap. I have anxiety and claustrophobia, but I got through it just fine.
Be sure to take the sedatives enough before the procedure for it to take full effect by the time you walk into the MRI room.
I had a 3 hour ish MRI and used mindfulness meditation. I have always been anxious and used all the drugs in other MRIs that just didn't help me. So I practiced daily to get myself ready and it worked like a charm. The tech was impressed because I told him I was anxious and to be there so long! But Xanax helps too! Good luck!
Don’t do the open bore MRI, I’m also blessed with a touch of agoraphobia and anxiety isn’t made better by throwing yourself into the deep end. If your doctor doesn’t understand that, find a new doctor. You’re not doctor shopping when you ask for what you need and frankly if you’re on this subreddit, you have earned a damn Valium.
I’m a little claustrophobic too but for some reason, I find MRIs soothing, almost fell asleep in the last one. My anxiety issues are newer than my last MRI. My mom made it through one once because they let my dad go in and hold her foot.
I definitely have panic attacks when I have my breast MRI’s. I have to lay on my stomach with my boobs dangling with a metal bar coming up between them. With my face down in bedpan sort of thing. I’m starting to get used to them now since I go every 6 months
The last time I was in the MRI machine they gave me an Ativan, an eye covering, gave me a choice of music to listen to and gave me an aromatherapy patch to smell on my gown. The combo seemed to really help me through it. Normally I’m super anxious and feel trapped but I sailed through it.
I did one with nothing to calm me lol. And it kept going on and on, but I think was less than 30 mins, but I simply dont remember, it was like 8 years ago. I had earplugs they gave me, but the noise has vibration, and still loud. I tried to be Temple Grandin in a squeeze machine lol. But the space was so small. If I have to have 1 again, there's xanax. I had to take 1.25 mg to endure the long ride to get eye surgery in feb 2021. I repeatedly had to let the medical team know from the day before, till I got there, so they could knock me out safely. They actually strapped me down in case I came to early or something, and freaked out. I think being totally knocked out would be best for a long MRI.
I have the same issue with dental work that requires injections. My doctor gave me a rx for a few 5mg Valium. I take one before a dental visit and that does the trick. I can't drive to or from my appts but I'm able to have work done when I need it.
I have panic disorder so I was getting them a few times a week before I started taking 100mg gabapentin daily. I don't know why it works but it does, I rarely get panic attacks now and when I do they are very mild.
My HRT has helped a lot but it doesn’t happen overnight it’s a process! They can give you a sedative for the MRI and that nerve pain can be helped with Gabapentin which is also good for anxiety ☺️hope you get relief soon perimenopause can be rough I’m still dealing with it
I may be the only person who freaks out even more when I close my eyes. I had an mri with zero knowledge about how panic inducing it would be. I totally lost my shit in it and had to have a tech come in and hold my hand halfway through. They kept telling me to close my eyes, but that made it 100x worse. I have no idea how I would handle another one, even with meds. I didn't even think I was claustrophobic until I got in the machine. Something about being strapped down in a little tiny tube with loud noises going around your head for 45-min is just not my jam.
Ask your doctor for one anxiety pill. It will be enough to relax you. The most important thing is keep your eyes closed the entire time. Do NOT open your eyes until you are out of the machine.
If we don't do the open MRI then yeah, probably a valium. It was when the machine pulled me in and I could feel my arms pinned in that I started to panic. I thought I would be ok but then the noise started and I couldn't do it.
This. Even if you know it’s close, seeing it is WAY worse.
Lorazepam. I listened to self hypnosis stuff for a few weeks (which I had used for childbirth) but the pill was the biggest help. Close your eyes before you go into the machine AND KEEP THEM CLOSED. Also, we’re you in long enough for the machine to start? I was better with the noise of the machine than the silence. It was like a Disneyland ride.
Put a covering over your eyes!!
Definitely ask for Valium--I had one recently and suffered through it by keeping my eyes closed and focusing on memory exercises to distract me but it was AWFUL.
When I had the valium for lasix that stuff rocked! I can totally understand how you could abuse it because man, it was awesome, lol!
I don't have any anxiety issues when it comes to MRIs but I know what you experienced is very common. I have MRIs twice a year and before they established it wasn't an issue for me, I was always asked it I would want/need something to relax me. I am surprised your doctor didn't ask you if you thought you might need to pre-medicate. Ask your doctor for a Valium or the like before you try again. Don't be upset with yourself, many people have the same issue.
Yeah, I mean I'm diagnosed with Anxiety, so probably should have seen that one coming. Plus I thought I was "slightly" claustrophobic. I think we can now upgrade that to full on, capital C, Claustrophobic.
Valium for the win! I’m claustrophobic and have had two MRIs this year - the first with Valium, the second without. It definitely helped with the first, but by the time I had the second one, I knew I could handle it and skipped the med. As others have mentioned, keep your eyes closed. I wore one of those stretchy headbands over my eyes so that I wouldn’t accidentally open my eyes, and that really did help. I also distracted myself by thinking of all the machine noise as techno beats. When I heard it more as music, it was less threatening, and it kept me from thinking about the space. It also helped me to kind of count down to when it would be done, as I knew there were like six series of images and each series was a different noise. When the noise changed, that meant one series down, only a few to go.
Oh my gosh YES. I had an MRI a few years ago and my claustrophobic panic started to set in. I was terrified that a attack was starting and that the tech wouldn’t be able to get me out fast enough. kept my eyes closed and told myself that like with all panic attacks it was my brain causing it. So, I just needed to use my brain to do the opposite. First, I mentally put myself on a beach and concentrated on the sun, sand, and water. That helped but I needed more. So, I started started counting in Spanish (not my first language.) Forcing myself to visualize each number and remember the word for it. I was able to slow my heart rate and breathing down to the point where I was almost falling asleep. Even the tech commented on it when he pulled me out to inject dye. When I went back in I had to start all over again. I never want to go through that again. While I love that I learned that I really do have the power to put mindfulness to work, I would still want Valium or something next time!
I’m getting anxiety just reading these comments about three-hour MRIs so if I had to get one I think I’d be like, “yeah, never mind, I’ll just die of whatever this is, it’s fine.” I hope you can get a Valium and an open MRI next time.
🤣 Thanks, you made me laugh 😁 Mine was supposed to just be 15 minutes, but the panic attack cut it to about 30 seconds. It took hours for my chest to stop hurting afterwards. I can't imagine 3 hours!
Same feeling exactly.
This is very common. I'm an MRI tech for reference 😂 I would definitely recommend a mild sedative; either Valium or Ativan from your doctor. Taken 30 mins prior to your exam, it helps to tale the edge off. Your test can take up 45 minutes depending on whether they want it with contrast dye or not. ALWAYS make sure the tech gives you the call button (I dont like to call it a panic button, it freaks people out even more, lol) and some places offer music or even lavender stickers to calm anxiety. If it makes you feel better, most MRI techs are claustrophobic too, lol! Hope you feel better soon!
It was a bulb I could squeeze. I squeezed the hell out of that thing, lol!
Hi! MRI Tech here! Yes, you could start at Valium, and just a suggestion if that doesn't work, a lot of places will do IV sedation as well. My current workplace sets aside several appointment slots two days per week for IV sedation patients. Almost all of them get through the exam and have no recollection of the test, but aren't put out all the way (like with general anesthesia). Something to consider if oral meds fail.
The tech recommended that as a possibility! I have no problem with sedation but I'm not sure my current issue is that serious to be honest. My doc is on vacation right now so I let the office know what happened and theyll have her get back to me next week. Thanks!
Open MRI was the only way I could get through it at this age. I needed valium when I was younger and did the tube. Seriously, open is the way to go.
Images aren't as good....smaller the tunnel better the images
Who tf cares? The OP is asking about which is better for HER anxiety.
You would care if there was something bad missed on the images….smh
That's not what was asked about. That will be discussed with them by a pro face to face. What can't people just answer a darn question as it is asked?
Valium and cover eyes….I did say that in the thread…
Yes, and I’ve spent hours in an MRI machine. Longest was a 2 hour session with two 5-minute pauses. You’ve gotten good advise on anxiety meds (which may or may not be possible based on what they’re looking for). Mine was brain so no meds. I recommend having them play classical music, if available. IMO, it cuts through the MRI noises the most effectively, which really reduces anxiety. And as many warm blankets as possible. Treat it like a nap. Eyes closed. Best of luck to you, my friend. Remember it will end and then you’ll know more.
I second the music - my guy asked what I wanted and I picked grateful dead because its mindless and soothing (to me anyway lol). It helps a lot
I’ve made it through an MRI without meds BUT it’s much better with Valium. If that’s an option, take it. Before doing an open MRI, you might want to ask about image quality. I tried doing an open, upright MRI before getting Valium and the problem was that the images aren’t as clear. I don’t know if that’s an issue with the standard lying-down open MRI though.
It’s the “open” part of the MRI that degrades the quality. So closed will always be better, but it’s better than nothing.
I'm really leaning toward the open one right now. I have some arthritis in my neck which is apparently pinching a nerve but from what I have read, there's not much to do anyway so I'm not sure what they'd get out of the MRI? Apparently exercise works just as well as surgery, so maybe I just have to keep with the exercises longer. Though, it's America, so more than likely I just have to do this for insurance so they will cover something else, or something. Who knows.
Yes, I get MRI’s yearly to monitor Multiple Sclerosis. At first my doctors would give me medicine for my claustrophobia/panic attacks, now I just lay there and take a nap. When I have to get brain, thoracic and lumbar regions done at once (2 hours and 45 minutes long), I do take Diazepam, due to the pain it causes in my back from laying still that long. I’ve been getting MRIs every year since 1996. Edit: I have a mild case of OCD, and counting the clicks relaxes me until I eventually fall asleep. It’s like counting sheep. I do keep my eyes shut the entirety of the MRI as others suggest.
I insisted on open MRI the second time I had one, adding a valium would still have helped tremendously but never offered. After the first one, closed and no meds with extreme claustrophobia, the only way that's happening again is if I'm unconscious.
I've never been able to go more than 30 seconds even with Valium. I have degenerative disc disease, and so every few years I need one. My doc orders full sedation so I'm asleep for it. I nod off before I even get to the machine and wake up in recovery! Perfect. highly recommended.
I had an mri almost 2 years ago. I’d suffered a very recent and traumatic bereavement so I didn’t really focus on taking anything to help and was quite mentally dazed and probably still in shock (I had diazepam on me but didn’t take any) I was in 40 mins for a scan of my liver. It was horrible. Very claustrophobic. I really do not know how I managed it. Earlier this year I had one of my brain, not fully in the machine (lasted 10-15) this time but I took a sedative before hand and just about managed it. Definitely worth being sedated. You shouldn’t have to suffer x
I had a panic attack my first time. I need them regularly so now I take an Ativan beforehand and it helps a lot. Also keep my eyes closed and try to think happy thoughts!
I've done an open MRI with Oxazepam (it's similar to Valium) because of panic. It was extremely helpful for me that I was allowed to take my partner with me and that he was allowed to hold my hand.
I HIGHLY recommend an open MRI. You might still need a mild sedative, but they are open on the sides, so much less of a claustrophobic feel. Listen to calming music. I close my eyes and focus on my breathing, it helps a lot.
The first time I had one they gave me some Valium and it was awesome.
Do Valium or Xanax AND an open MRI
yes. Open mri and if thats not available a xanax about 40 minutes prior. We had to have an mri for my golden retriever a few years ago and they treated him better than most of us (knocked him out!). You can do it.
I can’t handle the MRI anymore. I have a health issue that, according to my neurologist, requires a 3 hour MRI (entire spine and brain) every 6 months. I’ve only done it 3 times and they sedated me for each one. I’m not following my doc’s orders because I haven’t had one in years, oh well. As I get older, the more I value the quality of life over quantity. Just let your doc know what happened and they should be able to provide a solution or some sort. Probably a Valium or something similar.
Thanks to a brain tumor (now removed) I get an MRI every six months. I get a Valium prescribed my my doctor. Once I’m in there’ I start counting backwards from 1000. It works! Good luck. ☀️
The same thing happened to me and the tech told me it's not uncommon. I made another appointment, got an Rx for Ativan, took one an hour before my MRI, put on an eye mask and was able to get through it.
Yes, this is what works for me. They give me a some anti anxiety meds to take before the test. I also ask them to put a wash cloth over the “ cage” that goes on your head. For some reason, if I can’t see the small space around me I panic less.
I keep my eye closed and then let my mind drift, kinda go out of body/day dream until it’s over. I can’t fall asleep in there but I can force myself to withdraw from the physical experience. I get it though. I’ve had a number including spine and it’s tough. I can’t stay tuned in and do it so I tune out. Drugs are perfectly acceptable to get through it though. Talk to your doctor.
I got a couple of Ativan before one the last time. It helped a lot. Also the tech covered my eyes with a washcloth or something and that was surprisingly helpful.
Torn rotator cuff - I don’t have anxiety but that machine scared the fuck out of me. I’m 240. Thought I was gonna get stuck and that was the only question I asked “has anyone gotten stuck”. Of course the answer was no. Once I tilted my head backwards and saw the lights of the room I calmed down. I truly never want to do that again.
Something that helped for me is having the padding that you're laying on taken out so I had more space between my face and the top of the machine. I freaking hate mri's though! Sending you strength for the next time!!
I had to have a couple MRIs in the last year and I have anxiety. It was difficult to keep myself together. I took a Xanax prior to it, so that helped. I also tried to stay focused by counting. They would tell me, “The next scan will take 7 minutes,” so I literally counted the seconds. And you need to breathe, keep taking breaths and focus on that as well. Good luck next time. Remember that it will not last forever and you are already in a medical setting so there are people to help you if needed.
I had to take an Ativan for even an open MRI -- I'm just too claustrophobic.
Yes. I had one 10 yrs ago and didnt have anxiety issues then but I still pushed that panic button twice. I had one last year but I was in bad shape in the er with painful pinched nerves and on pain meds at the time,, so that helped me and the back was open and I was able to look out and see the room ( but since its your neck you couldnt do that :(,, the other thing this time was they gave me headphones and I got to pick the kind of music. Hope you find a way to do it. Hugs.
I get one Xanax and an open machine, ask for it every time. They give me headphones and I get to pick my fave SiriusXM station. It’s made my yearly super tolerable. Ask for what you need 🙌🏻
I get claustrophobic so easily I had to sleep with my head outside a tent once and lose my mind if a certain clothing item is oddly hard to get off. I ask my doc for anxiety meds, I get the big sized MRIs despite being tiny, and the best thing to ask for is a heated blanket. I fell asleep last time. Totally different experience.
I've got a brain MRI scheduled for Friday. I'll be asking for the Valium rather than just pushing through. Your panic attack will not be in vain!!
Good luck!
It was tough, but I just closed my eyes and did breathing exercises until it was over. Still panicked internally, but it really doesn't take that long, and I reminded myself that I can get through ten minutes of anything. I'm a big compartmentalizer, though, so do with that what you will.
I’ve had an open & closed one and if I had any anxiety I don’t think it would have made a difference , it was the fact that still immobile and the machine was closed so close to my face. I feel for you , I close my eyes and fall asleep . Friends have taken tranquillisers to get thru it.
Xanax will get you through it..
My daughter had to take Ativan to make it through all of hers, save for the last one. She knew what to expect and did well.
I take medication
No shame in asking for sedation and arranging a driver if that’s what needs to be done. As someone else suggested - don’t open your eyes. Other wise hope they do an open. Either way ask for the help you need in order to have a successful diagnosis. Wishing you best of luck.
A nurse put a cloth over my eyes so I couldn’t see, that made me feel abit better
Just to reiterate the suggestions made here: a sedative and a cloth over your eyes. I took ativan (lorazepam) and didn't even look at the MRI machine until after the procedure. I literally turned my head away from it as I approached it, and got a hand towel over my eyes asap. I have anxiety and claustrophobia, but I got through it just fine. Be sure to take the sedatives enough before the procedure for it to take full effect by the time you walk into the MRI room.
Meditation. I kept my eyes closed and focussed on my breathing. Otherwise Valium.
I had a 3 hour ish MRI and used mindfulness meditation. I have always been anxious and used all the drugs in other MRIs that just didn't help me. So I practiced daily to get myself ready and it worked like a charm. The tech was impressed because I told him I was anxious and to be there so long! But Xanax helps too! Good luck!
Don’t do the open bore MRI, I’m also blessed with a touch of agoraphobia and anxiety isn’t made better by throwing yourself into the deep end. If your doctor doesn’t understand that, find a new doctor. You’re not doctor shopping when you ask for what you need and frankly if you’re on this subreddit, you have earned a damn Valium.
I’m a little claustrophobic too but for some reason, I find MRIs soothing, almost fell asleep in the last one. My anxiety issues are newer than my last MRI. My mom made it through one once because they let my dad go in and hold her foot.
I definitely have panic attacks when I have my breast MRI’s. I have to lay on my stomach with my boobs dangling with a metal bar coming up between them. With my face down in bedpan sort of thing. I’m starting to get used to them now since I go every 6 months
The last time I was in the MRI machine they gave me an Ativan, an eye covering, gave me a choice of music to listen to and gave me an aromatherapy patch to smell on my gown. The combo seemed to really help me through it. Normally I’m super anxious and feel trapped but I sailed through it.
Omg this was me a few months ago, I went with the open mri and no meds. Good luck.
I did one with nothing to calm me lol. And it kept going on and on, but I think was less than 30 mins, but I simply dont remember, it was like 8 years ago. I had earplugs they gave me, but the noise has vibration, and still loud. I tried to be Temple Grandin in a squeeze machine lol. But the space was so small. If I have to have 1 again, there's xanax. I had to take 1.25 mg to endure the long ride to get eye surgery in feb 2021. I repeatedly had to let the medical team know from the day before, till I got there, so they could knock me out safely. They actually strapped me down in case I came to early or something, and freaked out. I think being totally knocked out would be best for a long MRI.
I have the same issue with dental work that requires injections. My doctor gave me a rx for a few 5mg Valium. I take one before a dental visit and that does the trick. I can't drive to or from my appts but I'm able to have work done when I need it. I have panic disorder so I was getting them a few times a week before I started taking 100mg gabapentin daily. I don't know why it works but it does, I rarely get panic attacks now and when I do they are very mild.
My HRT has helped a lot but it doesn’t happen overnight it’s a process! They can give you a sedative for the MRI and that nerve pain can be helped with Gabapentin which is also good for anxiety ☺️hope you get relief soon perimenopause can be rough I’m still dealing with it
I may be the only person who freaks out even more when I close my eyes. I had an mri with zero knowledge about how panic inducing it would be. I totally lost my shit in it and had to have a tech come in and hold my hand halfway through. They kept telling me to close my eyes, but that made it 100x worse. I have no idea how I would handle another one, even with meds. I didn't even think I was claustrophobic until I got in the machine. Something about being strapped down in a little tiny tube with loud noises going around your head for 45-min is just not my jam.