MRI's frighten me!!
By collieluv28
@collieluv28 (388)
United States
March 11, 2009 2:58pm CST
Okay, so today I had an MRI scheduled. I've been having problems with my right arm, with pain from my shoulder to my fingers. My doc thinks I might have a pinched nerve hence the MRI. I thought I could handle it, they rolled me into the machine & as soon as I saw how closed in it was, I freaked out. The tech asked me if everything was okay & I said, "No!". She pulled me out right away & I told her I just couldn't handle it. So now I have an open MRI scheduled for tomorrow. I've had that before & know I can put my big girl panties on & take it. Anyone else out there who cannot handle the claustrophobic MRI machine? Please tell me I'm not the only wimp out there!
3 responses
@sysdexlicwriter (1619)
• United States
11 Mar 09
My sister-in-law always has problems with the MRI. I think that it scares her so much that the test is worse than what they are looking for.
One time a tech suggested some things to think on that might relax her through the process. That poor tech sure took a tongue lashing. My sister-in-law is a very strong woman and has weathered many tough storms in her life but the MRI is her undoing! She is so tough that most of the family avoids conflict with her like the plague.
I am glad that there is an alternative for you for this test.
One time a tech suggested some things to think on that might relax her through the process. That poor tech sure took a tongue lashing. My sister-in-law is a very strong woman and has weathered many tough storms in her life but the MRI is her undoing! She is so tough that most of the family avoids conflict with her like the plague.
I am glad that there is an alternative for you for this test.1 person likes this
@collieluv28 (388)
• United States
12 Mar 09
It's something how someone so tough can be brought down by a machine! I keep telling myself how silly it is but that's the way it goes. Your sister-in-law sounds like a hoot! I went through the open MRI today & tolerated it quite well. It was much better than the closed MRI but still a bit claustrophobic. I'm just glad it's over!
@sysdexlicwriter (1619)
• United States
12 Mar 09
I am sending you a cyber gold star for your accomplishment. 
Everyone is afraid of my sister-in-law. I think she's fun!
Everyone is afraid of my sister-in-law. I think she's fun!
@Wizzywig (7847)
•
11 Mar 09
You're not alone! I had to have one for a whiplash injury insurance claim about 5 years ago & it was horrendous. To make it worse, they guy kept shouting at me and telling me not to move. I thought I was still... I even held my breath. It felt like I was in there for hours & he said he couldn't waste anymore time on me!! So, when I had to have another for something more serious last October I asked for sedation. They gave me a couple of tablets which didnt seem to have any effect but it must've helped because I just shut my eyes and thought of England & got through it. I didnt know there was such a thing as an open MRI!!
Hope all goes wellfor you tomorrow. 
To make it worse, they guy kept shouting at me and telling me not to move. I thought I was still... I even held my breath. It felt like I was in there for hours & he said he couldn't waste anymore time on me!! So, when I had to have another for something more serious last October I asked for sedation. They gave me a couple of tablets which didnt seem to have any effect but it must've helped because I just shut my eyes and thought of England & got through it. I didnt know there was such a thing as an open MRI!!
Hope all goes wellfor you tomorrow. 1 person likes this
@collieluv28 (388)
• United States
12 Mar 09
How awful! The guy who took care of you 5 years ago has no business being in healthcare. People get nervous & you have to calm them down & reassure them. I know that sedation works well for most people but I don't like to take any kind of medicine unless absolutely necessary so I opted for the open MRI. I had it today & all went well. I had a very understanding & calming tech take care of me. The open MRI still has the machine on top really close to your face, but the sides are open so it doesn't feel quite so restricting. I was very, very nervous going into it but handled it just fine. Why does healthcare have to be so intimidating?
@bmorehouse1 (1028)
• United States
11 Mar 09
You are definitely NOT the only wimp out there! I cannot do an MRI because I am so claustrophobic. Even for an open MRI they have to give me a pill to calm the anxiety, but sometimes that doesn't even work. If the machine is right above my head the claustrophobia still kicks in. I try really hard to lie still so they can get it done, but its very nerve wracking! Good luck to you!
1 person likes this
@collieluv28 (388)
• United States
12 Mar 09
I made it through the open MRI this morning without much of a problem! Yeah! I was extremely nervous at first but realized that it was going to be okay & I would only have to lay there for 30 minutes - not too big a deal. Yes, it is still claustrophobic having a machine hanging above your head & so close to your face. The saving grace is having the open space on the sides. That really makes the difference for me. I really can't tolerate many medicines so I forgo the sedatives. Maybe having a few sips of brandy might help!
