Posted on 03/14/2018 9:28:41 PM PDT by Kevin in California
So I've been having very bad sinus issues for the longest time and finally got my Dr to schedule me for a cat scan which resulted in mild mucosal thickening within the floor of the maxillary sinuses. Also, it found I had a non specific boney loss/defect at the right skull base as well as TMJ degenerative changes. This scan ultimately led to my Dr ordering an MRI. Well, this past Monday I went in to do the MRI. I was all prepped up and asked the tech how long it was gonna take...45 mins he said. I go, YIKES! Well, I then get this contraption attached to my head, a pair of ear plugs, and the squeeze ball to alert the tech in the event I want out. Into the tube/machine I go and I hear the tech leave the room. It was then, I start to sweat and feel I cannot breath. This, before the MRI has even begun. I'm in panic/anxiety mode now so I squeeze the hell out of the ball. It seemed like an eternity before the tech comes back in the room and gets me the hell out of that thing. I felt like I was about to be buried alive. Long story short, I went home and was a wreck. Now, my Dr wants to give me a sedative and do the MRI in a bigger and open MRI machine and now I'm terrified to get into one.
Ever have an MRI? If so, your thoughts?
Piece of cake.
Relax, get in the tube and think about fun stuff, or if mechanically inclined, imagine what the hell is going on to make that noise(s).
Either way, wont do a damn thing to you. It is the claustrophobism that affects you, if you are sensitive to same.
Actually pretty cool imaging. Three D scan of your stuff, pretty cool, ask your Dr to show you and point out stuff.
That said, I hear the open MRIs have a lot of space and I hope you have no problems. Just search on the Internet for "Open MRI" and click on Images. You will see how wide open they really are. I think I had desk space that was smaller than an Open MRI in the Pentagon. :-)
I wish you all the best.
Many times. From back problems, shoulders, stomach and head. Holy smoke I just realized I have had at least 8. I might glow soon.
I had one for my ear. I know I am claustrophobic so I told my doctor and she prescribed a pill for anxiety. I also had that thing holding my head still. I got ear plugs and kept my eyes closed and just concentrated on all the strange noises the machine makes. I tried to imagine it was playing an instrument. If it is just for your head your whole body isn’t going into the machine.
"The" Doctor said: "Do not blink! Do not look away!"
Yeah, I liked the tuna noodles best.
Therein lies the problem. Panic/anxiety/claustrophobia are completely irrational and defy all logical advice. I know, I was there. Open MRI’s still don’t offer the same quality images. Neuro resident ordered oral Ativan, staff neuro said nope, IV the best way to go, especially when time is important. Given time and good counseling, I think many of us phobics can learn to deal with our irrational fears, but that’s not always possible or practical. Bottom line, you can do it.
Ok, not an MRE, an MRI.. Just kidding, but seriously, remember that noting bad, painful, or annoying is going to happen. Focus on breathing deeply and just relax.
If you see any Weeping Angels back away as fast as you can.
Several. Piece of cake. Noise gets on your nerves after a while.
I have had a couple. The machine they used was the open one. I brought a CD and listened to it, keeping my eyes closed. I get claustrophobic, but was fine. One was for my sinuses and the other to see what was causing some issues. If you take a sedative or anti-anxiety med, you will probably be fine. Just make sure not to drink anything. That was my biggest concern. lol
I MRI for my elbow 10+ years ago. It was pretty tight in the tube. I hated every minute of what seemed like an hour in there. Result, I never played softball again. Arthritus, burrcitus, bone spurs and floaters in the joint. No pain today, but I can’t straighten the arm. They had to stuff pillows under my hand for my heart cath 4+ years ago. That result was 4 bypasses.
I’ve had several MRIs. I usually doze off. ;-)
Maybe you also suffer from claustrophobia.
My mom suffers from MS, so her MRI scans take a very long time. She needs to be medicated to lay still that long too. It’s a stressful test, take the meds and relax.
;)
Wait! You're saying that the cat scan caused your mucosa to thicken?
Regards,
Same with me. Never had my shoulder fixed. Rather live with the pain.
Open MRI is available.
You may hear a series of “bump bump” noises with variations of “bang” or “clunk” depending on model of machine.
It’s really nothing serious, just make certain you aren’t wearing any jewelry, and mention any dental work you may have had that contains metal as they’ll need to look at it to make sure it won’t be an issue.
The earplugs may or may not be necessary.
Again, depends on the machine and what model it is.
Just relax some and try not to shiver as the fan blows air through the opening towards you.
Found that to be the single most annoying thing I experienced with it.
The noises didn’t bother me much.
Three of them. Three different conditions. Nothing to it except the cost 20% after insurance was still over $1000 each. Nothing to be afraid of. Not even any radiation like a CT scan
Several times now, no big deal any time.
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