Stress Center Peer Support

Hey everybody!

I have to have an MRI of my brain and unfortunately it will be a closed MRI. I am SEVERELY claustrophobic therefore I am TERRIFIED of this. My dr. gave me a mega dose prescription for xanax and told me I might sleep.

I was just wondering if any of you had any tips for me on how to stay calm in the tube.

Hi I just went thru this yesterday. What helped me is I kept my eyes closed the whole time. As soon as they started moving me in I closed my eyes. I also had headphones on so I tried to concentrate on the music. My mom did fall asleep when she had hers. Good luck to you.

Thank you for telling me that. Were you nervous before you went in there?

Oh yes,I was sooo nervous before I went in. In the waiting room I had to fill out paperwork,my hands were shaking. I honestly didn't think I was going to be able to go thru with it. I have to go for another one this Mon. I'm going to just close my eyes and focus on the music. Once again good luck to you.

I agree with Mikki - close your eyes immediately BEFORE you go in. And don't open them again until you are out and finished. Don't sneak a peek or anything.

I didn't have headsets, but I tried to make melodies out of the noises of the machine, and I fell asleep for a few minutes.

You'll do great.

I had an MRI of my neck in December but my doctor told me about a Vertical MRI where you not closed in. You actually are able to sit up - i was able to get thru that one. Maybe that's an option? Or, he also told me that you can be put under mild anesthesia. Good luck!

Hi there,

Just wanted to tell you I am sure that the script the doctor gave you will help you tremendously. Try not to worry to much, you know this is something you have to do for your health-surrender to that fact. Good luck!


Penu

Thank you so much everyone. Everything went unusually well. Before I left I called my church secretary and asked her to pray for me. She said she would pray constantly.

When I got there I felt so calm - I can't tell you how abnormal that was for me. I almost didn't take the xanax.

As it turned out, the MRI machine was one of the newer "short bore" machines. Not an "open" MRI but just as good. The room was full of windows and the machine was open on both ends. I only had to put my head inside.

The noise made me a little anxious but I made it through. Thanks again everyone.

Glad it all went well, Susie. Good for you!