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?
Even when they are using an open machine do not open your eyes. In fact an eye mask is recommended.
Yeah big round one like two pancakes. Closed my eyes and just relaxed. Piece of cake. It was maybe 20 minutes or so. Been many, many, many years ago.
The best thing to do is close your eyes. Also remember that the tech is right there so nothing will go wrong.
Usually CT’s are done for sinus, not sure why you are having MRI done. Not too common. Crainial MRI can run that long, lot of slices it has to record. They put your head in a Halo so you won’t move around. Usually give you earplugs with music feed so you don’t freak out with the noise the machine makes and the confining space. You’ll be fine
Open MRI is much better. As recommended, get a night mask to cover your eyes.
I was in the hospital last year and they had to knock me out. No way am I ever getting into one of those things.
They will give you a “panic button” to hold while in the machine. Noisy - but no big deal.
had one, almost went to sleep, tech had to keep talking to make me stay awake, guess I’m just weird.
I don’t know what to suggest for managing such anxiety, but as a cancer survivor I have been tested through more MRI, CTscan, x-ray, and ultrasound proceedings than I can ever list... not to mention being stuck with more needles and surgical scalpels than I thought possible.
Yeah, not my idea of a good time, but you just do it. Then it’s over. It won’t hurt unless you forget to take your piercings out.
about ten percent of people get claustrophobia, so often they give you a tranquillizer before you go into the tube.
More modern MRI machines are “open” machines, “U”shaped, so are easier on the patient.
Except for the panic attacks, and the high price tags, MRIs don't have side effects.
OH yes: no metal allowed.
And DO wear the headphones with the piped in music, which yes, you CAN hear, even with the ear plugs in.
Kevin, just relax, it's no big deal, if you follow these instructions.
Is it "comfortable"? NO!
But I've had MRIs and lived to tell the tale.
Just breathe and relax. Nothing can go wrong, there is no radiation. I get two a year at 2+ hours each and they are really boring.
Probably had a score over the years. Biggest impression is that they’re boring as hell, even with the music.
No big deal, relax, lay still, take a nap. Okay, I was berthed under a carrier catapult and learned to sleep anywhere. I had similar. The worst is yet to come with the doc wants to scrape out and reshape your sinuses—while you are awake.
Yeah, I’ve had a metric crapload of MRIs.
If it’s real claustrophobia, you won’t get what you need here.
If it’s controllable, take the sedative, gird up your loins, and pray your way through it.
You can’t be more claustrophobic than I am. I have performed dozens of anesthetics for those unable to tolerate the procedure. Finally, this week I had to have one to rule out a stroke. I knew it wasn’t a stroke but had to go through with it. My blood pressure went through the roof when told I’d have to go in quickly. It was in the medical center where I practice. I was really embarrassed but still freaking out. I’ve performed over 20,000 anesthetics and have administered Ativan hundreds of times and didn’t really believe 2mg IV would get me through the procedure. IT WAS FANTASTIC. Never felt over sedated or the least bit anxious. I could’ve stayed in that little tube for another hour, reasonably awake and alert and with no real hangover or amnesia. Obviously it is different for every person, but I can tell you I may be able to do an MRI with no sedation now that I’ve had such an awesome experience. Don’t pass up an important procedure for fear of the claustrophobia. Try it with sedation, but if needed request a general anesthetic. Good luck and God Bless
The open MRI is especially for people who may feel claustrophobic in a regular MRI machine. But even regular MRI machines shouldn’t bother most people. These days they are more comfortable than they were years ago, when your nose almost did hit the top of cavity where you were.
The open MRI machine is a lot less constrictive.
Just try to relax. It’s really no big deal, just a bit loud some of the time.
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